Each September, the city accepts submissions to the Show Off Shakopee photo contest, celebrating everything that makes Shakopee special.
The annual Show Off Shakopee photo contest is a chance for residents to share their best photographs that capture the uniqueness of our community. The contest is held annually in the fall, though amateur and professional photographers are encouraged to take photos throughout the year.
The Grand Prize Winner will earn a $100 cash prize, and Category Winners earn a cash prize of $50 each. All winners will have the honor of their photo being displayed in the City Hall lobby and across city publications throughout the coming year.
2025 Contest Categories:
- Uniquely Shakopee—What do you think sets Shakopee apart from other cities?
- Golden Hour—Show us your best photos taken during dawn or dusk.
- Fun in the Sun—Who doesn’t love to have fun outside when it’s warm and sunny out? Send us your best shots from your outdoor adventures!
- Architecture—Got a favorite landmark or historical building in town? Let’s see it!
- Budding Photographer—New as of last year, this category is for youth photographers ages 17 or younger, and the subject of the photos can be anything in Shakopee.
Congratulations to our 2025 winners!
Thank you to everyone who submitted their beautiful photos. We appreciate the opportunity to see so many amazing takes on the categories each year. We hope you'll participate again in 2026!Grand Prize
By Jane Velde
Architecture
By Keoponha Ny
Budding Photographer
By Lucyana Gillson
Fun in the Sun
By Bill Schleper
Golden Hour
By Kathleen Borka
Uniquely Shakopee
By Christopher Straub
- Submissions are limited to three photos per photographer
- Photos must taken and sent as high resolution files; final photos cannot be pixelated or blurred when printed at a size of 8x10 inches
- Photos must be taken in the city of Shakopee
- Photos should not be more than two years old
- Photographers must live, work, or attend school in Shakopee
- Photos submitted must be representative of the original work. Light editing and adjustments are allowed, but photos that are overly processed, filtered, include added text, or are collages will not be considered.
February 2025: Contest categories announced.
September 2025: Submission period is open from Sept. 1 through Sept. 30.
October 2025: Judges will review submissions and announce winners on the city website and social media channels.
November 2025: Winners will be presented their prize money and recognized at a Shakopee City Council meeting.
Grand Prize: "Powdered Madness - Fans in the Moment" by Jon Goltz
Uniquely Shakopee: "A Tunnel of Life" by Debanjana Chatterjee
Community Connections: "The Toss Up" by Billy Daniels
Wildlife & Nature: "Sunset over Ridge Creek Park" by Christopher Loiselle
Budding Photographer: "Fields of Home" by Judah Berry