The Photo Of The Year Contest
The Photo Of The Year Contest
2026
The Laurel Canyon Dog Park Photo Contest is SO BACK!
🐾
Many of us would agree that last year’s first-ever Dog Park Photo Contest was a huge success! Not only did we have a blast narrowing down 48 incredible submissions to one winner, but we also ended up with an iconic photo album that still slaps.
As the LCDP community continues to grow, the dogs (and humans) are still delivering endless legacy-making moments worth documenting. So let’s go bigger this year, shall we?
And no, I’m not talking about the prize. The canine finance committee has spoken, and despite rising costs everywhere else, the prize pot stands at $100 cash. 💸
While other elements are expanding, the goal remains the same: celebrate the pups, the humans, and dog park lore that make the LCDP so special. Now, read on for the 2026 contest rules and keep your cameras close while there’s still time to snap a winner.
Good luck, fam! 🏆📸
Contest Rules & Info
A few things are changing for the 2026 contest — bigger submission limits, one more finalist, and a brand-new AI category!
📸 Main Contest Rules
Photos must be taken at Laurel Canyon Dog Park between November 26, 2025 and November 25, 2026 (the entire property counts!)
Each person may submit up to ~10 photos
Once submitted, a photo cannot be swapped or replaced
You must submit at least one photo for the main contest to participate in voting
NEW AI Contest Rules
A lot can change in a year, huh? While AI hasn't taken over the world (yet), it has absolutely infiltrated LCDP. Many of you have become surprisingly talented AI image wizards, turning our dogs (and humans) into exquisitely dressed, wildly creative characters in the most hilarious scenarios. Naturally, we had to give AI its own category.
AI-generated photos are welcome only in the AI Photo of the Year category.
Each person may submit up to ~2 AI photos.
You are not required to submit an AI photo, but honestly, why wouldn’t you?!
You must submit at least ~1 photo to the main contest to participate in the bonus AI category.
AI photos must connect to Laurel Canyon Dog Park in some (reasonably obvious) way.
Voting for the AI category will be completely separate from the main contest.
A mystery prize will be awarded for AI Photo of the Year! Is it worth winning? Absolutely. Should you be concerned? Maybe.
🗳 Voting Process
In the first round, participants will cast their votes for both contests. For the main contest, you may vote up to 4 times (on 4 different photos) and each vote will be weighted:
1st choice = 5 points
2nd choice = 3 points
3rd choice = 2 points
4th choice = 1 point
The top ~5 scoring photos will advance to the finals, where one final vote will determine the Laurel Canyon Dog Park Photo of the Year!
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For the Bonus AI Category, each participant will receive ~2 votes, with each vote carrying equal weight. The top ~3 scoring AI photos will advance to the finals.
⏰ Deadlines
Photo Submission Deadline: November 25, 2026
Applies to both main and AI!
Additional voting deadlines: To be announced
🎉 The Prize
$100 cash prize for the main contest
plus bragging rights as the new LCDP champion and for dethroning Randy.
~
~ a mystery prize for AI photo of the year ~
❓ FAQs
Q: What is the criteria for Photo of the Year?
A: Everyone should vote for the photo they like the best. Photo captions should also be taken into consideration. Think: epic moment, great photography, creative writing.
Q: Can I submit a photo series?
A: Nope — each submission must be a single photo.
Q: Can I submit a video or moving image?
A: Also no — still photography only.
Q: Does a dog need to be in the photo?
A: Nope! Dogs are the stars of the show, but a great Laurel Canyon Dog Park moment can come from anywhere. 👽
Q: Can I edit photos?
A: Basic editing (adjusting brightness, contrast, cropping) is allowed. No photoshop-type editing.
Q: Can I use AI?
A: AI-generated images are not allowed in the main photo contest. However, you are encouraged to submit for the new AI bonus category!
Q: Will voters know which photo I submitted?
A: No. Photographer names will not be listed during voting phases and will only be revealed after the contest ends. There’s no rule against telling others which photo is yours, but votes should be based on the photo and caption — no other influence!
Q: Can I submit a photo someone else took?
A: Yes. But for the love of dogs, be a good human about it. Whether that means asking the photographer's permission, sharing the credit & glory.
Please note: you will need to sign into a Google account in order to access the submission form.
💫 Good Luck & Woof! 🐾