There’s something magical about looking up at a truly dark sky—the kind that lets the Milky Way shine in its full brilliance, where shooting stars streak overhead and constellations feel close enough to touch. Here in Lincoln County, Nevada, we’re fortunate to have some of the most pristine night skies in the country. And this summer, there’s an exciting new way to celebrate them.

Starting Memorial Day, May 26, the Lincoln County Authority of Tourism and Nevada State Parks are launching the Dark Skies Photo Contest. Open to photographers of all skill levels, this contest invites locals and visitors alike to capture the wonder of our nighttime skies and share their best shots. With the contest running through Labor Day, September 1st, participants will have plenty of time—and plenty of starry nights—to get involved.

Five Unique Categories to Inspire Creativity

To ensure there’s a little something for everyone, the contest includes five themed categories. Each one is designed to showcase a different aspect of Nevada Dark Skies and life under them:

1. Starry Landscapes – This category encourages wide shots of Lincoln County’s signature landmarks set against the backdrop of the night sky. Think Cathedral Gorge, Echo Canyon, or towering rock formations lit by moonlight and stars.

2. Astrophotography – For those who love close-up celestial detail, this category focuses on artistic or scientific images of star trails, planets, or even deep-sky objects like nebulae and the Milky Way.

3. Nighttime Experiences – Perfect for lifestyle and candid photographers, this category highlights people interacting with the night: stargazing, hiking by headlamp, camping under the stars, or just enjoying a quiet night in nature.

4. Youth – Open to photographers 18 and under, this category aims to inspire the next generation of dark skies advocates. Parental permission is required for minors to participate.

5. Festival Exclusive – This unique category is only open to attendees of the upcoming Lincoln County Photo Festival, held September 19–21. Entries must be taken during the festival, with more details provided to registered participants.

Guidelines for Submission

All photos must be taken in Lincoln County—whether it’s last week or last year. Submissions should be lightly edited only (cropping, exposure, and contrast adjustments are allowed), and AI-generated images will not be accepted. The organizers emphasize authenticity and originality, aiming to showcase the true beauty of Nevada’s dark skies.

Photographers may submit one image per category. To enter, email your high-resolution photo to krsp@parks.nv.gov with the subject line “LC Dark Skies 25.” Be sure to include your name, photo title, location where it was taken, category, year, and a brief description.

By submitting, participants grant non-exclusive rights for the image to be used in promotional materials—with credit, of course. This helps further the shared mission of promoting night sky conservation and tourism in Lincoln County.

Capture Summer’s Celestial Highlights

This summer is packed with opportunities to experience and photograph Nevada Dark Skies. One highlight is the Perseid meteor shower in mid-August, known for producing dozens of bright meteors per hour at its peak. It’s a perfect chance to capture dramatic, otherworldly images—or just enjoy a family night beneath the stars.

Whether you’re photographing intricate celestial details or chronicling a peaceful moment with loved ones under a starlit sky, this contest is an invitation to slow down, look up, and appreciate the unique beauty of rural Nevada.

A Contest with a Greater Purpose

Beyond stunning visuals, the Dark Skies Photo Contest serves a deeper mission. Organizers hope to grow a local community of dark sky enthusiasts who will support future conservation efforts. By encouraging people to explore and photograph the night, the contest promotes awareness about the importance of protecting our skies from light pollution.

Moreover, these efforts align with global movements like International Dark Sky Week, which was celebrated last month from April 21–28. Originally launched in 2003, this annual event highlights the value of natural nightscapes and the need to preserve them for future generations.

Save the Date for the Fall Dark Skies Event

As the summer winds down, winners of the photo contest will be announced during a special Dark Skies event at Kershaw-Ryan State Park this fall. It’s an opportunity not only to recognize the talent of local photographers but also to gather as a community and celebrate the skies that make Lincoln County so special.

Explore the rules, prizes, and deadlines for the Summer Dark Skies Photo Contest!