What do photography and art exhibits include?
Most fairs have a section for photographs, drawings, paintings, sculpture, crafts and sometimes digital art. Entries may be separated by age group or experience level, and by subject such as landscapes, animals, people or farm life.
Because every fair has its own structure, check the premium book or exhibit guide to see what categories exist.
Digital art and photo manipulation may have their own class, with its own rules. Read the definitions in the premium book so your entry lands in the proper place. Looking at the class list before you visit also helps you find the sections that interest you most.
How should I look at the work?
Take your time. Notice composition, light, color and subject. Read titles and cards, which may include the artist's name and the judge's placing. Compare entries within a class to see what the judge saw.
Do not touch the work or lean on tables. If an item is protected under glass or in a frame, keep a small distance.
Stand back first for the whole impression, then move closer for detail. Many judges describe the same method when comparing pieces side by side. Titles and artist statements, when included, give extra context. A short line about why the artist chose the subject can change how you see the piece.
- Read cards and titles
- Notice composition and light
- Keep hands off the work
How are entries judged?
Judges look at technical quality, creativity and how well an entry fits its class. In photography, that may include focus, exposure and framing. In painting or drawing, it may include use of materials and visual impact.
Judges may leave comments, and many fairs offer feedback sessions or let you pick up written notes.
Judges are generally comparing entries against each other and against the class description, so a strong piece can still lose to a stronger one on a given day. Treat results as feedback, not as a verdict on your talent.
How do I enter?
Get the exhibit book from the organizer and note rules on size, mounting, framing, labeling and drop-off. Some fairs require that photographs be printed and mounted, while others accept digital submissions. Rules differ widely, so follow the book exactly.
Complete any entry forms and be mindful of deadlines. Ask the superintendent if you are unsure of something.
Photographs are sometimes limited to a specific size, such as a standard print dimension, and may require a firm backing. Check the book before you print.
What kind of preparation helps?
Choose your strongest piece and view it with fresh eyes. For photographs, crop thoughtfully and print cleanly. For art, make sure the work is finished, signed in the way the rules require and ready to hang.
Check that your entry matches the class. A good piece in the wrong class can lose points.
Ask a friend to look at your work and tell you what they notice first. Their answer can reveal what a judge will see in a few seconds.
- Choose the strongest piece
- Match the class description
- Mount or frame as required
What about rights and privacy?
If your photograph includes people, especially children, consider whether you have permission. Fairs may have rules about identifiable images and about copyrighted content. Original work is typically required, so avoid copying from published sources.
If you are photographing at the fair itself, ask first and respect people who decline.
Check whether the fair keeps the work during the entire event, and how entries are protected. Ask about insurance and what happens if work is damaged.
Why do these exhibits matter?
Art and photo halls give everyone a chance to share what they see. A child's first drawing and a veteran photographer's best landscape can hang side by side. Many entrants find the encouragement valuable.
Visitors can learn about their community by seeing what people choose to capture. Enjoy it, and thank the people who put the work out for others to see.
Seeing local scenes through the eyes of neighbors reminds you that a fair is also an archive of how a place looked and felt in a given year. Plan a return visit near the end of the fair if you want to see which entries earned awards, since ribbons are sometimes added after judging closes.
Key takeaways
- Photo and art classes vary by fair and age group.
- Judges consider technique, creativity and class fit.
- Follow the exhibit book's size, mounting and label rules.
- Respect people's privacy when entering photographs.
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the County Fair & Rodeo Guide Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.