Keep It Dark Photo Contest

Photo: Jeremy Jensen

Person on pier gazing at starry sky with Milky Way over calm lake.
Curving road at night with car light trails under a starry sky.

Capture the Night. Protect the Dark.

Nevada County's dark skies are among our region's most treasured natural resources. From the Milky Way stretching across the Sierra Nevada to thousands of visible stars on clear nights, these experiences are becoming increasingly rare.

The Keep It Dark Photo Contest celebrates the beauty of Nevada County after dark while raising awareness about the importance of protecting our night skies for future generations.

Thank You for Showing Us the Night Sky

Submissions for the 2026 Keep It Dark Photo Contest are now closed. Thank you to everyone who shared their view of Nevada County's night skies with us!

Community voting has begun. Click a category below to explore this year's entries in the Youth, Amateur, and Professional divisions, then cast your vote for your favorites. Voting is open through August 28.

Following the community vote, professional judging will take place to determine this year's winners.

Important Dates

Jun 22 Aug 12 Aug 13-28 Aug 29 - Sep 4 Oct 2
Contest Opens Submission Deadline Community Voting Professional Judging Awards Reception & Exhibition
Starry night sky over a mountain landscape with city lights below.
Allison Kalt
Bridge against a starry night sky with visible Milky Way.
Allison Kalt
Curving road at night with car light trails under a starry sky.
Allison Kalt
Tent under starry sky with "Love" written in light against a forest background.
Milky Way galaxy over silhouetted trees in a dark night sky.
Rainbow Bridge Dark skies Truckee Tahoe
Allison Kalt
1 /
Night sky photos with stars, trees, and a bridge. Contest winners listed.

Northern lights, starry night sky, and twilight lake scenes labeled with contest places.

Starry sky timelapse over cabin.

1 /

EXPLORE THE KEEP IT DARK INITIATIVE

The photo contest is part of the broader Keep It Dark initiative, a local effort to protect Nevada County's dark skies through education, stewardship, and responsible lighting practices.

Learn how residents, businesses, and visitors can help preserve one of our region's most valuable natural resources.

Learn More About Keep It Dark

Keep It Dark Partners

The Keep It Dark initiative is made possible through the collaboration of local organizations committed to protecting our region's dark skies, supporting community education, and inspiring stewardship of the night sky.

Town of Truckee logo in black text on white background.
Nevada County Arts & Culture logo in bold black text.
Nevada City, California logo with a seal featuring a tower.
Truckee Cultural District Logo