Shutter Showdown: The Otsego County Winter Photo Contest
Capture the magic (and the madness) of the holiday season in Otsego County!
Join in on celebrating the most wonderful time of the year in our beautiful backyard. From the snowy shores of Glimmerglass Lake to the festive lights on Main Street, Otsego County transforms into a winter wonderland—and we want to see it through your lens.
But we aren't just looking for perfect postcards. We want the full spectrum of the season. We are inviting participants to upload their best, favorite, and funniest photos of the season.
Maybe you’ve photographed a stunning sunrise over a frozen field, a heartwarming family moment by the fire, or a "Pinterest fail" snowman that looks more like a monster. Whether it is the serene silence of a snow day or the chaotic joy of a holiday party, the season is rich with stories waiting to be told.
We want to see Otsego County through your eyes—its beauty, its humor, and the moments that make winter here special. Share your photos and help us celebrate the spirit of our community.
Entries must be submitted on or before Wednesday, December 18, 2025.
Prizes You Could Win
Here is what you could win for our Shutter Showdown!
FIRST PLACE PHOTO:
- $100 in local gift cards (to use for last minute shopping or to become a regift-hero)
- An official Otsego County Swag Bag
- Inclusion in the Cooperstown & Otsego County 2027 Inspiration Guide
- Visibility on the homepages of thisiscooperstown.com and WeGoOtesgo.com for the duration of the season
- Galleries across the ThisisCooperstown.com website
- Inclusion in seasonal E-newsletters
- Featured and credited on our social media platforms and website.
SECOND PLACE PHOTO:
- $50 in local gift cards
- Featured and credited on our social media platforms.
THIRD PLACE PHOTO:
- $25 in local gift cards
- Featured and credited on our social media platforms.
Think you have the perfect capture? Submit your photo using the collector below for your chance to win!
(psst... voting info and rules are all below the collector)
How It Works: From Submission to Showdown
We want the Otsego County community to have the final say! Here is how the Shutter Showdown works:
- Submission Phase: Upload your photos by Midnight on Thursday, December 18, 2025.
- The Top 10: Once submissions close, our official Photo Committee will review all entries and select the Top 10 finalists based on creativity, composition, and how well they capture the spirit of the season.
- Community Voting: The Top 10 photos will be posted online for a public vote! We want you to help us pick the best of the best.
- Voting Opens: Friday morning, December 19
- Voting Closes: Sunday night, December 21
- The Big Reveal: Votes will be tallied, and the Grand Prize winners will be announced on our social media channels and website on Monday, December 22!
Terms and Conditions
By entering the contest, entrants agree that photos submitted can be used by Destination Marketing Corporation aka This is Cooperstown or We Go Otsego, with credit given to the photographer.
- All photos must be original work, taken by the entrant.
- Photos must be taken within Otsego County, NY.
- Entries must be submitted on or before Wednesday, December 18.
- Photo entries will be judged internally by our team.
- Finalists will be announced on Thursday, December 19 on our social media channels and public voting takes place through Dec 21. We will announce the winners and contact them directly on Monday, December 22!