The City of Grand Junction is calling on shutterbugs, scenery lovers, and proud residents to help shape the visual identity of the city’s 2026 community calendar.
Announced Wednesday, the annual photo submission process is now open, offering locals the opportunity to showcase their favorite scenes, places, and moments from around the city. From sunset views over the Colorado National Monument to bustling events downtown or peaceful mornings at Lincoln Park, residents are encouraged to submit snapshots that celebrate the essence of Grand Junction.
Open Call: From Locals, For Locals
The calendar—now a city tradition—will feature 12 months’ worth of photographs that depict the people, nature, and events that define life in Grand Junction.
City officials say they’re especially looking for images with strong local character, whether it’s a familiar trail, a hidden gem in a neighborhood park, or a scene from a local celebration.
“Residents know their city best,” said a City spokesperson. “This project is about seeing Grand Junction through the eyes of the community—and letting those voices lead our storytelling for 2026.”
Submission Rules & Deadline
The submission window closes Friday, July 11 at 5:00 p.m. Photographs must be submitted exclusively online via the official City of Grand Junction website. Email submissions will not be accepted.
Key requirements for photo submissions:
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Minimum resolution: 300 dpi
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Accepted formats: JPG, PNG, TIF
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Orientation: Horizontal images preferred
Participants will retain credit for any selected photo. If a submission is chosen for publication, the photographer will be contacted to provide a title, and their name and website URL (if available) will be printed in the calendar as recognition.
More Than Just a Calendar
The Grand Junction calendar has become more than just a tool to track appointments—it’s a keepsake and a public storytelling platform.
Produced annually, the calendar is distributed throughout the community and includes key city dates, information about city services, and highlights of community achievements. Many residents consider it a collector’s item, with some keeping older editions that document the changing face of Grand Junction through the years.
“People love seeing their own neighborhoods, seasons, and events reflected in the calendar,” said a local civic volunteer. “It brings a real sense of belonging and shows how much pride there is in this town.”
A Platform for Aspiring Photographers
For amateur and professional photographers alike, being selected is not only an honor—it’s also an opportunity for exposure.
“I’ve submitted a few photos over the years, and one made it into the calendar in 2023,” said Rachel King, a local nature photographer. “The feedback was amazing. I had people reach out to me online just to say how much they loved that one shot. It’s a great platform, especially if you’re trying to grow your name locally.”
Photographers don’t have to be professionals to enter. In fact, many past entries have come from everyday residents using smartphones—though officials encourage attention to technical quality and resolution to meet the 300 dpi print standard.
What Makes a Winning Photo?
According to previous reviewers, standout images usually capture:
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Natural beauty in seasonal light
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Civic pride or recognizable local landmarks
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People enjoying life outdoors in Grand Junction
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Moments of community, such as festivals, sports, or street scenes
The city encourages diversity in subject matter, so submissions are not limited to scenic shots. The only hard rule: it must reflect Grand Junction in some authentic way.
How to Submit
To participate, photographers must upload their entries via the official City of Grand Junction photo submission portal (exact link may vary by year). The portal includes a form for uploading image files, entering contact details, and agreeing to terms of use and publication rights.
Each photographer may submit multiple entries, though only a select number will be chosen for the final 2026 calendar print.
