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‘Where We Are’: A Photo Essay Contest for Exploring Community

For the second year in a row, we invite students to document the local, offline communities that interest them. Contest dates: Dec. 4, 2024, to Jan. 15, 2025.

By The Learning Network

What interesting communities of people gather where you live?

Maybe you’re intrigued by a group of dog owners in your neighborhood park, or by the fans of your school’s football team. Maybe you know of an underground music scene, a bustling artisan market, or a specialized club or program that brings passionate people together.

If so, you might like to scroll through the photo essays of last year’s teen winners , since these are some of the many vibrant local communities they showed us.

Using both the work of these teenagers and an immersive Times visual project called “ Where We Are ” as inspirations, we challenge you to choose your own offline group to investigate and document. What can you show and tell us about who they are, why they gather, and what they get from spending time together?

Take a look at the full guidelines and related resources below to see if this is right for you. We have also posted a step-by-step lesson plan . Please ask any questions you have in the comments and we’ll answer you there, or write to us at [email protected]. And, consider hanging this PDF one-page announcement on your class bulletin board.

Here’s what you need to know:

The challenge, a few rules, resources for teachers and students, frequently asked questions, submission form.

Using The Times’s Where We Are series and the work of last year’s teen winners as a guide, create a photo essay that documents an interesting local, offline community.

Whether your grandmother’s Mah Jong club, the preteens who hang out at a nearby basketball court, or the intergenerational volunteers who walk the dogs for your neighborhood animal shelter, this community can feature people of any age, as long as it gathers in person and offers meaningful social connection of some kind.

We encourage you to choose a community you are not a part of for reasons we explain below, in the F.A.Q.

Whichever community you choose, however, it’ll be your job to interview and photograph them. Then, you’ll pull everything together in a visual essay, which will tell the group’s story via a short introduction and a series of captioned photographs.

Your photo essay MUST include:

Between six and eight images, uploaded in the order in which you’d like us to view them.

Short captions, or descriptions, of no more than 75 words for each image that help explain what the image illustrates and why that is important to the story. (This is an update from last year when we allowed only 50 words.)

A short introduction of up to 300 words that offers important background or context that complements and adds to the information in the photos and captions.

You might consider the introduction the beginning of your essay, which the photos and descriptions will then continue. Together they will answer questions like who this community is, how it came to be, and why it matters. (Our How-To guide offers more detail about this.)

At least one quote — embedded in either the introduction or one of the captions — from a member of the community about what makes it meaningful.

In addition to the guidelines above, here are a few more details:

You must be a student ages 13 to 19 in middle school or high school to participate , and all students must have parent or guardian permission to enter. Please see the F.A.Q. section for additional eligibility details.

The photographs and writing you submit should be fundamentally your own — they should not be plagiarized, created by someone else or generated by artificial intelligence.

Please keep digital manipulation and postprocessing to a minimum in general. (That is, you may use editing software for minor corrections such as one might make in a darkroom — cropping, adjusting brightness, balancing colors, etc. — but please do not alter the reality of the photo in any way.)

Your photo essay should be original for this contest. That means it should not already have been published at the time of submission, whether in a school newspaper, for another contest or anywhere else.

Keep in mind that the work you send in should be appropriate for a Times audience — that is, something that could be published in a family newspaper (so, please, no curse words).

You may work alone, in pairs, or in groups of up to four other students for this challenge , but students should submit only one entry each.

Remember to get permission from those you photograph, and to collect their contact information. Learn more about this in the F.A.Q. below.

You must also submit a short, informal “artist’s statement” as part of your submission, that describes your process. These statements, which will not be used to choose finalists, help us to design and refine our contests. See the F.A.Q. to learn more.

All entries must be submitted by Jan. 15, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific time using the submission form that we will add to the bottom of this post when the contest opens.

Use these resources to help you create your photo essay:

A related Student Opinion question to help you brainstorm ideas before you begin taking photos.

A step-by-step guide that uses examples from the Where We Are series to walk students through creating their own.

The winning photo essay from last year’s contest as well as excerpts from the work of nine runners-up .

Free links to the “Where We Are” Collection :

1. The Magic of Your First Car 2. At This Mexican Restaurant, Everyone is Family 3. Where the Band Kids Are 4. In This Nigerian Market, Young Women Find a Place of Their Own 5. At Camp Naru, Nobody Is ‘an Outlier’ 6. For Black Debutantes in Detroit, Cotillion Is More Than a Ball 7. At This Wrestling Academy, Indian Girls Are ‘Set Free’ 8. In Seville, Spain, These Young Rappers Come Together to Turn ‘Tears Into Rhymes’ 9. For a Queer Community in Los Angeles, This Public Park Is a Lifeline 10. In Guatemala, A Collective of Young Artists Finds Family Through Film 11. On a Caribbean Island, Young People Find Freedom in ‘Bike Life’ 12. At This Texas Campus Ministry, ‘Inclusive Love’ Is the Mission 13. For Young Arab Americans in Michigan, the Hookah Lounge Feels like Home

An activity sheet for understanding and analyzing the Where We Are series.

Lessons on interviewing and taking photographs . While these two resources were originally created for our 2022 Profile Contest , each contains scores of tips from educators and Times journalists that can help students learn to interview, and to take and select compelling photographs that tell a story.

Our contest rubric . These are the criteria we will use to judge this contest. Keep them handy to make sure your photo essay meets all of the qualifications before entering.

Below are answers to your questions about writing, judging, the rules and teaching with this contest. Please read these thoroughly and, if you still can’t find what you’re looking for, post your query in the comments or write to us at [email protected].

QUESTIONS ABOUT CREATING YOUR PHOTO ESSAY

What is a photo essay? How does it differ from just a collection of photos?

A photo essay tells a story through a series of images. These images work together and build on each other to explore a theme of some kind. The photo essays in the Where We Are series, for instance, focus on the themes of community and coming-of-age, but each through a different lens. Together they are beautiful examples of how visual collections can investigate ideas by illuminating both the “big picture” and the tiny, telling details. The winning images from our 2023-24 contest do the same. Scroll through the full winning essay , as well as these excerpts from our runners-up , to see how it’s done.

What, exactly, is a “community”?

Oxford Languages defines community as “a group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common.” But for the purposes of this contest we suggest you narrow your lens a bit, and think of community as a group of people who meaningfully interact offline in some way.

For instance, the visitors to a local park certainly constitute a community, but there may be hundreds, thousands or even millions who gather there. Given that you have only eight images through which to tell your story, it would be much easier to focus on, say, the birding group that meets every Sunday at 10 a.m., or the after-school step team that practices on the hill by the big oak tree. Remember that your goal is to introduce us to a group, its members, what they have in common, and what they get from spending time together.

How do I choose a good subject for this?

Our Student Opinion forum can help via its many questions that encourage you to brainstorm local, offline communities of all kinds.

Can I be a member of the community I photograph?

You can, but we encourage you not to. Part of the point of this contest is to help you investigate the interesting subcultures in your area, and expand your understanding of “community” by finding out about groups you otherwise may never have known existed.

But we also think it will be easier to do the assignment as an outsider. You will be coming to the community with “fresh eyes” and relative objectivity, and will be able to notice things that insiders may be too close to see.

If you do choose to depict a community you are a part of, we ask that you do not include yourself in the photos.

I’d like to work with others to create this. How do I do that?

You can work alone, with a partner, or with up to three other students. So, for example, in a group of four, two people might act as photographers, while the other two interview community members. When you are ready to edit your material and write up what you have discovered, the interviewers could use their notes to handle the short introduction, while the photographers could edit their shots into a meaningful visual sequence, and help collaborate on the captions.

Please remember, however, that you can only have your name on one submission.

Do I need permission to photograph the people in this community?

You do. It is good journalistic practice to explain to the people you are photographing why you are taking pictures of them, and to verbally ask their permission. They should also know that, if you are a winner, their image and name may appear online.

Though you do not have to have a signed permission sheet from every participant, if you are a winner and we publish your work, we will need to be able to reach those depicted, so please get their contact information before you take their pictures. (If you are photographing young children, this is especially important. Secure a parent or guardian’s permission first.)

An important exception to this: If you are taking photos of crowds in public places, such as at a sporting event or a local fair, you don’t need to worry about permissions, as it would be impossible to get them from all attendees.

What if there are people I want to photograph who don’t want to be photographed, or who are part of a vulnerable community of some kind?

You must, of course, honor their wishes since you must have the permission of everyone you photograph. We encourage you to be sensitive and thoughtful about your choice of community, and explain the project fully to those you’ll depict before you begin taking pictures. In some cases, you may be able to take photos that obscure a subject’s identity, yet are still evocative and help tell a story. (Note, for example, the top image in this recent piece on domestic violence victims.)

For more details, these guidelines from the International Journalists’ Network might be helpful. (For instance, “Making an effort to understand how the people you are photographing would like to be represented is important.”)

I don’t know where to begin! What advice do you have?

Once you’ve chosen a community to photograph, begin by introducing yourself to ensure the participants are open to your project. Then, devote a bit of time to just observing, noticing how and where the members of this group spend time, what they do together, and how they relate to each other.

When you’re ready to start documenting what you find, our step-by-step guide will help you take it from there.

QUESTIONS ABOUT JUDGING

How will my photo essay be judged?

Your work will be read by New York Times journalists as well as by Learning Network staff members and educators from around the United States. We will use this rubric to judge entries.

What’s the prize?

Having your work published on The Learning Network and being eligible to be chosen to have your work published in the print editions of The New York Times.

When will the winners be announced?

About two months after the contest has closed.

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE RULES

Who is eligible to participate in this contest?

This contest is open to students ages 13 to 19 who are in middle school or high school around the world. College students cannot submit an entry. However, high school students (including high school postgraduate students) who are taking one or more college classes can participate. Students attending their first year of a two-year CEGEP in Quebec Province can also participate. In addition, students age 19 or under who have completed high school but are taking a gap year or are otherwise not enrolled in college can participate.

The children and stepchildren of New York Times employees are not eligible to enter this contest. Nor are students who live in the same household as those employees.

Why are you asking for an Artist’s Statement about our process? What will you do with it?

All of us who work on The Learning Network are former teachers. One of the many things we miss, now that we work in a newsroom rather than a classroom, is being able to see how students are reacting to our “assignments” in real time — and to offer help, or tweaks, to make those assignments better. We’re asking you to reflect on what you did and why, and what was hard or easy about it, in large part so that we can improve our contests and the curriculum we create to support them.

Another reason? We have heard from many teachers that writing these statements is immensely helpful to students. Stepping back from a piece and trying to put into words what you wanted to express, and why and how you made artistic choices to do that, can help you see your piece anew and figure out how to make it stronger. For our staff, they offer important context that help us understand individual students and submissions, and learn more about the conditions under which students around the world create.

Whom can I contact if I have questions about this contest or am having issues submitting my entry?

Leave a comment on this post or write to us at [email protected].

QUESTIONS ABOUT TEACHING WITH THIS CONTEST

Do my students need a New York Times subscription to access these resources?

No. Students can get free access to the entire Where We Are series through The Learning Network . (All 13 photo essays are listed above, in our Resources section.) In addition, our related student forum , activity sheet and “how to” guide are also free, as are everything they link to.

However, if you are interested in learning more about school subscriptions, visit this page .

I’m not an art teacher. Can this work for my students too?

Yes! The theme of “community” is an important one in subjects across the curriculum, and we hope it might inspire teachers in different curriculum areas to collaborate.

For example, students in social studies could investigate the role of community locally, learning about the history of different influential groups. An English teacher might support students as they interview and craft their introductions and photo captions, while an art teacher could offer tips for photo composition. And, of course, a journalism teacher could guide the full project, or work with other teachers to publish the most successful results in the school paper.

How do my students prove to me that they entered this contest?

After they press “Submit” on the form below, they will see a “Thank you for your submission.” line appear. They can take a screenshot of this message. Please note: Our system does not currently send confirmation emails.

We will post the submission form here on the day the contest opens.

The Winter Cohort II application deadline is December 29, 2024! Click here to apply.

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10 New York Times Writing Contests for High School Students

Entering writing contests is a fantastic way for high school students to hone their craft, gain recognition, and even win some cool prizes. T he New York Times, known for its high journalistic standards and influence, offers several opportunities for budding writers to showcase their talents.  Participating in these contests can help students build their portfolios, boost their confidence, and potentially open doors to future academic and career opportunities. Let's dive into ten exciting writing contests hosted by The New York Times that you won't want to miss.

What are New York Times Writing Contests?

New York Times Writing Contests are annual competitions organized by one of the most prestigious newspapers in the world , aimed at encouraging young writers to express their ideas and creativity. These contests cover a wide range of genres and formats, from personal narratives and essays to reviews and editorials. Open to high school students, these contests provide a unique platform for young voices to be heard on significant topics and current events. By participating, students can develop their writing skills, receive feedback from professionals, and gain national recognition for their work. Whether you're passionate about storytelling, journalism, or persuasive writing, the New York Times has a contest that can help you take your writing to the next level.

Is the New York Times Writing Contests prestigious?

Yes – the New York Times Writing Contests are considered some of the most prestigious competitions for high school students.  Winning or even being recognized as a finalist in these contests is a significant achievement, given the rigorous standards and wide readership of the Times. The contests attract talented young writers from across the country, making the competition fierce and the recognition highly esteemed. 

Participating in these contests can not only enhance a student's writing portfolio but also add a notable accolade to their college applications. Being associated with the New York Times, a globally respected institution, lends a mark of distinction that can open doors to further academic and professional opportunities.

10 New York Times Writing Contests

While there are many contests available, here is our selection for the top 10 picks for high school students:

1. Personal Narrative Writing Contest

Deadline:  November 2024 (Estimated)

The Personal Narrative Writing Contest invites high school students to share true stories from their own lives . This contest focuses on authenticity and personal experience, encouraging students to reflect on meaningful moments and articulate them in a compelling way. Winners get their narratives published in The New York Times, providing a platform for their voices to be heard by a wide audience.

2. Open Letters

Deadline:  May 2025 (Estimated)

In the Editorial Contest, students are asked to write opinion pieces  on topics they feel passionately about. This contest challenges young writers to build persuasive arguments, backed by evidence, to sway public opinion. It's an excellent opportunity for those interested in journalism or advocacy to develop their voice and analytical skills.

3. Review Contest

Deadline:  December 2024 (Estimated)

In the Review Contest, students critique a book, movie, album, theater performance, or any other form of art or media . The goal is to analyze and evaluate the subject critically, providing an insightful and well-supported opinion. This contest helps students hone their critical thinking and writing skills while engaging with culture and media. However, the media that you are critiquing in your submission must have been released in the current year (ie. not in 2023!).

4. Summer Reading Contest

Deadline:  August 16, 2024 

The Summer Reading Contest invites students to  submit responses to articles published in The New York Times over the summer. Each week, participants choose an article that interests them, write a short commentary on why they found it compelling, and submit their response. The contest encourages consistent engagement with current events and diverse topics, while also fostering critical thinking and writing skills. Winners are selected weekly, providing multiple opportunities for recognition throughout the summer.

5. Podcast Contest

The Podcast Contest asks students to create and submit original podcasts  on topics of their choice. These podcasts should be short, and not exceed five minutes in length . This contest allows participants to explore storytelling through audio, requiring skills in writing, interviewing, and sound editing. It's a great opportunity for those interested in multimedia journalism and podcast production.

6. How to … : An Informational Writing Contest

Deadline : February 2025 (Estimated)

The Informational Writing Contest is a chance for teenagers to write clear, concise, and engaging step-by-step guides  on any topic they are passionate about. This contest encourages participants to think like educators , breaking down complex processes into easy-to-follow instructions. It challenges students to blend creativity with practicality, ensuring their guides are both informative and interesting to readers. Winning entries are featured on The New York Times website , offering a platform for young writers to share their expertise with a wide audience.

7. Vocabulary Video Contest

Deadline : March 2025 (Estimated)

The Vocabulary Video Challenge tasks students with creating 15-second videos  that creatively and accurately define a word from The New York Times Learning Network’s Word of the Day feature . This contest encourages participants to think outside the box, using visual storytelling to bring vocabulary to life. It's an engaging way for students to expand their language skills while also honing their ability to communicate effectively through multimedia. Winning videos are showcased on The New York Times website, providing recognition for students' creativity and linguistic prowess – very useful for college applications!

8. Photo Essay Contest

In the Photo Esay Contest, students can capture and explore their communities through a series of photographs accompanied by written reflections . This contest encourages participants to observe their surroundings closely, telling a story about their environment, people, and daily life. It's a unique opportunity to blend visual and written storytelling , showcasing both photographic skills and narrative abilities. 

9. One-Pager Challenge

Deadline : January 2025 (Estimated)

The One-Pager Challenge asks students to respond creatively to any article in The New York Times by summarizing their thoughts and insights on a single page . This contest encourages concise and impactful writing, allowing participants to express their understanding and opinions succinctly. It’s a  great exercise in critical thinking and brevity , helping students to synthesize information and articulate their views effectively. Most of all, the contest should be fun, since students are welcome to comment on an article on any topic they find interesting.

10. Conversation Challenge – Writing Prompts

Deadline : Open all year round

If you’re looking for more frequent writing opportunities rather than participating in contests that take place annually, then the Conversation Challenge may be a better fit for you. You can react to the news  via the New York Times daily writing prompts, and each week, they will publish a selection of their comments  in a roundup  for the world to read. Not only will you have consistent writing exercises throughout the year, but also you’ll be deeply informed on current events. 

Our Thoughts

Participating in The New York Times writing contests provides high school students with invaluable opportunities to develop their writing skills, engage with current events, and express their creativity. These contests cater to a wide range of interests, from narrative storytelling and opinion writing to multimedia projects and photo essays. Each contest encourages critical thinking, creativity, and clear communication, offering students a chance to gain recognition and showcase their talents. Engaging in these contests can be a transformative experience, helping young writers find their voice and connect with a broader audience.

One other option – Lumiere Research Scholar Program

If you are interested in doing university-level research in literature, journalism, or other subjects,  which can become a topic to talk about in your college application, then you could also consider applying to the   Lumiere Research Scholar Program , a selective online high school program for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the   application form  here.

Lydia is currently a junior at Harvard University, studying Molecular and Cellular Biology and Economics. In high school, she was the captain of her high school’s Academic Decathlon team and attended the Governor's School of Engineering and Technology. She aims to become a life sciences consultant after graduation. 

Image Source: New York Times

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