Show us your best shots
Whether you are a professional or a keen amateur, use a DSLR or a smartphone, we want to see your photographs exploring Kirkstall.
This year there will be three categories, each of which asks you to take a different look at Kirkstall.
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Categories
We want to see images of Kirkstall that are unexpected. Think of the hidden corners, fascinating architecture and landmarks, and the places that reveal more about the area.
We want to see portraits of the people of Kirkstall. Whether they work, volunteer, or live in Kirkstall, tell us their story.
We want to see the landscapes of Kirkstall. Explore the Kirkstall Valley, following the River Aire from the nature reserve up to the Forge. Or follow the Leeds Liverpool Canal as it passes through Kirkstall. Or take a walk in the woods of Hawksworth, Morris, and Batcliffe.
How to enter
Only one entry per person per category. You can enter more than one category.
Images must have a maximum file size of 10 MB and be at least 3000 pixels on the shortest edge. Please ensure that your image resolution is high (preferably 300 dpi but no less than 150 dpi). We are unable to print low-quality images; therefore, they will not be eligible for the exhibition.
Images should be submitted as either JPEG or TIFF files with no watermarks, signatures or borders included.
There is an explanation of how to find the size of your image if you are unsure where to find this information.
For each image we require a description.
- Title of photograph. This is optional but does help to give your image some context.
- Location of photograph. This lets us know where you took the photo in Kirkstall.
- Short description. Tell us about the subject matter and why you took the photo. If it is a portrait tell us about the person and their connection to Kirkstall.
All entries must be received by 30 June 2026.
Whilst entry into this photography competition is free, we encourage entrants to make a donation to Kirkstall Art Trail – £5 per photo is recommended. Your donations will support Kirkstall Art Trail to thrive.
- You must submit your photo before the deadline on 30 June 2026. Submissions will not be accepted after the closing date.
- The photo must be taken within or bordering Kirkstall, Leeds.
- The ‘Capture Kirkstall’ Photographic Competition is free to enter.
- Photos can be taken on any photographic device. Entries should be no larger than 10 MB, preferably be 300 dpi (but no less than 150 dpi), and at least 3000 pixels on the shortest edge. Images should be submitted as either JPEG or TIFF files with no watermarks, signatures or borders included.
- The ‘Capture Kirkstall’ Photographic Competition is open to all ages. Entrants under the age of 18 must receive permission from a parent or legal guardian, and by submitting an entry, they are confirming that they have understood these terms and conditions.
- By submitting your photo, you enter into an agreement that:
- it can be used for the purpose of the ‘Capture Kirkstall’ Photographic Competition.
- we can use it for relevant promotional purposes.
- without payment to you.
- without seeking your further approval.
- The promotions may include the use of your photo on the internet. We may store the photo in a digital format for this purpose.
- By agreeing, you are granting us a non-exclusive copyright licence.
- By submitting your photo, you consent to Kirkstall Art Trail processing your personal data for the purpose of the ‘Capture Kirkstall’ Photographic Competition and as described in the Privacy Policy.
- The image must be an original photograph taken by you.
- You must make sure that your work does not and will not infringe on any other copyright.
- You must make sure that no information contained in your work is untruthful or harmful.
- Photos entered in the ‘People of Kirkstall’ category must have permission from the subject. Ensure that they are happy for you to submit the photo to the ‘Capture Kirkstall’ competition. We cannot accept photos of children under the age of 16 without written permission from their parent or legal guardian.
- You can only upload one image per application. You can enter all categories. Any photographs submitted past this number will not be judged.
- Selection is made at the organisers’ discretion.
Enter our photography competition by uploading your photos using the application form below. Please make sure you have read the full Terms and Conditions before submitting your entry.
Winners
There will be a winner from each category. The winners will be announced in the week commencing 13 July 2026.
The winning photographs will be selected by a panel of photography experts. Each submission is reviewed anonymously.
As a winner, your photograph will be:
- Professionally printed and framed.
- Exhibited in a busy public space.
- Published on our website and social media platforms.
You will also receive your framed photograph to keep.
The exhibition will open during the Kirkstall Art Trail on 18 July 2026 and will be on display until August.
Online Gallery
For 2026, we are introducing an online gallery for the photography competition. We will choose a selection from the submitted photos. So even if your photo wasn’t printed and framed, you may still get to see it on show.
The judging panel
All images submitted to Capture Kirkstall 2026 will be reviewed by our panel of photography experts. Find out more about them.
Hannah Platt
Hannah Platt is a visual artist and photographer whose work centres on place, play, and the everyday. She explores colourful narrative through self-publishing and print, with several sold-out titles. This culminated in her photobook ‘Nosey Parker’, published by RRB Photobooks. She is based in Leeds, West Yorkshire.
Jonathan Turner
Jonathan Turner is a social documentary photographer. His work focuses on identity and community, comprising of commissioned and funded projects. He uses a variety of technologies spanning photographic history, from digital to large-format collodion wet plates. He is based in Leeds, West Yorkshire.
Rosie Dutton
Rosie Dutton is an award-winning wildlife photographer and conservation videographer. Her work looks at a diversity of ecosystems and showcases the intricate beauty of the British landscape and its wildlife. She is based in Farsley, Leeds, West Yorkshire.
Stephen Cole
Stephen Cole has been a photographer for over 40 years. His work encompasses urban landscapes, architectural forms, and portraiture. He has a background working in fashion, music, and advertising, and worked as a forensic photographer for over two decades. He is based in Leeds, West Yorkshire.
