SD Fair Photo Show Coordinators

05/23/2026

We're excited to announce our fantastic line up of speakers and events for the SDCF 2026 Exhibition of Photography!

The final design of our schedule is in production, but by popular demand, here's a simple schedule you can use to start planning your time in our Gallery and Veranda Classroom this summer!

05/15/2026

$5 tickets are now available for the Fair's Opening Day June 10! All you have to do is buy your tickets in advance and enter the Fairgrounds before 5pm.

Come early to.play at the Fair. And then come to International Exhibition of Photography's Artist Reception at 6:30pm! We look forward to seeing you there!

04/16/2026

The results of Tier 1 judging have been posted! Check here to verify what judges have selected for delivery and Tier 2 judging, and that you have received all of your digital entry tags. Good luck and we look forward to seeing you at the Fair!

Discover how to participate in the San Diego County Fair's prestigious International Exhibition of Photography. Learn about competition classes, awards, entry deadlines, rules, workshops, and tips for submitting your best work. Open to all ages and skill levels, including youth and smartphone photog...

04/15/2026

The results of Tier 1 judging are coming out today! Be sure to check your emails! If you don't see it, check your spam & junk folders.

This year, the Photo Show received a record-breaking 4690 entries! This is more than before the pandemic. It's going to be a very strong exhibition!

So, now is the time to prepare your images for delivery & Tier 2 judging. More details available in the entry materials at: https://www.sdfair.com/p/participate/entry/photography

Congratulations to all, and good luck! We look forward to seeing you at the Fair! 📷😊

Discover how to participate in the San Diego County Fair's prestigious International Exhibition of Photography. Learn about competition classes, awards, entry deadlines, rules, workshops, and tips for submitting your best work. Open to all ages and skill levels, including youth and smartphone photog...

04/09/2026

Who's excited for this year's International Exhibition of Photography at the San Diego County Fair ? We're already moved into the gallery & will be getting ready to start building it soon!

Are you looking for a fun Fair job? We're looking for a few new team members. Might it be you? Apply now at: www.sdfair.bamboohr.com/careers/346

Let us know that you're interested in "Photo". Must be available to work starting May 4, 2026. A few weekends & evenings during setup, and flexible with shifts during the Fair. Applicants may not have entered this year's Photo Competition.

04/06/2026

The entry deadline is almost here! Enter before Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at 8pm to be eligible for over $34,000 in cash and prizes!

We can’t wait to see all the submissions for the 2026 International Exhibition of Photography at the San Diego County Fair.

https://www.sdfair.com/p/participate/entry/photography

Discover how to participate in the San Diego County Fair's prestigious International Exhibition of Photography. Learn about competition classes, awards, entry deadlines, rules, workshops, and tips for submitting your best work. Open to all ages and skill levels, including youth and smartphone photog...

04/03/2026

If you're entering the Birds category at the SDCF Exhibition of Photography, check out this informative post by nature photographer Alex Kunz, one of our judges. He talks about the judging process and offers insights and tips that relate to bird entries as well as all classes.

Our entry deadline is Tuesday, April 7!

Notes and insights from judging the “Birds” category for the International Exhibition of Photography at the San Diego County Fair.

03/25/2026

Hello, Photographers!

You are invited to a Q & A session with the Coordinators of the San Diego County Fair’s Exhibition of Photography

March 25, 2026 07:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

This special Zoom session offers something a little different from our usual camera club presentations — a focused, interactive Q & A with Photo Show Coordinators Lois Fong-Sakai and Amethel Parel-Sewell.

Have questions about the entry process or rules? Not sure which category best fits your image? Want thoughtful feedback on your photos before you submit?

This is your chance to connect directly with the coordinators, get clarity, and gain confidence in your entries before the April 7, 2026 at 8:00 PM deadline. Bring your questions, your curiosity, and maybe even a favorite image or two.

Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/LHSKAbiKQ6i1JjT-JswcLw

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

03/16/2026

We can’t wait to see all the submissions for the 2026 International Exhibition of Photography at the San Diego County Fair.

Win ribbons and over $34,000 in cash and prizes! Entries are due April 7, 2026 by 8pm.

02/05/2026

Hello Photographers! Join us for one of our upcoming talks to learn about the San Diego County Fair's International Exhibition of Photography! It's the oldest and largest printed & juried photo competition in North America. Learn about our categories, how to enter, and what's new for this year's photo competition! All presentations are free, free, free!

Thurs, Feb 5 @ 7pm - Sierra Club Photo Group (zoom) - open to members and prospective members - Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89950050649?pwd=XvNDaozIBNv5R9JMvbT71dR6Uvajqb.1

Sat, Feb 7 @ 10am - 1pm - Eventbrite link to RSVP to the Photo Talk & submit to their Judges' Roundtable discussion Photoshop Users Group: "Judges Roundtable Discussion" Tickets, Sat, Feb 7, 2026 at 10:00 AM
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/photoshop-users-group-judges-roundtable-discussion-tickets-1981990954298?aff=oddtdtcreator

Sat, Feb 7 @ 3pm - George's Camera (in person) How To Enter The San Diego County Fair Photo Exhibition Tickets, Sat, Feb 7, 2026 at 3:00 PM | RSVPs are not necessary | https://www.eventbrite.com/e/how-to-enter-the-san-diego-county-fair-photo-exhibition-tickets-1980025407294?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

Wed, Feb 18 - UCSD Photography Interest Group (members only)

Sat, Feb 28 - George's Camera (in person) How To Enter The San Diego County Fair Photo Exhibition Tickets, Sat, Feb 28, 2026 at 1:00 PM | https://www.eventbrite.com/e/how-to-enter-the-san-diego-county-fair-photo-exhibition-tickets-1980025584825?aff=ebdsoporgprofile | RSVPs are not necessary

Wed, March 4 - Darkroomers Photo Club (in person) - At Photographic Arts Building in Balboa Park. 1780 Village Place, San Diego, CA 92101 RSVPs are not necessary. https://www.darkroomers.com/event/all-about-entering-the-photography-exhibition-at-the-san-diego-county-fair-3/?instance_id=3367

Sat, March 14 - Light Chasers (in person at George's Camera) How To Enter The San Diego County Fair Photo Exhibition By: Light Chasers Tickets, Sat, Mar 14, 2026 at 1:00 PM | RSVPs are not necessary. Judges' Roundtable after the presentation | https://www.eventbrite.com/e/how-to-enter-the-san-diego-county-fair-photo-exhibition-by-light-chasers-tickets-1980023475516?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

Wed, March 25 - 9pm - Q&A with Photo Show Coordinators Lois Fong-Sakai & Amethel Parel-Sewell. Zoom link TBD.

Thurs, March 26. @6:30pm - Poly Photo (zoom) - Zoom link TBD,