Photo Contest

The 2026 National Specialty Photo Contest will once again be using an online submission and voting platform. Berner lovers from around the world will be able to view contest entries and cast votes for their favorite photos. Votes will be limited to one vote per person per category.

Entry Fees: $12 for the first photo submission, $8 for each additional entry. There is no entry limit. Entries MUST be taken by the individual submitting the photo(s).

Entry Period: Payment for entries accepted between January 15th - March 15th. 

Photo Uploads: Each paid entrant will be emailed a link to upload entries. Upload deadline March 17 - NO EXCEPTIONS OR REFUNDS

Panel Judging (Juried Show) — March 18 – 31, 2026

People’s Choice (Online Voting) — April 1 - April 15, 2026

Placements: Best Photo in Show, Reserve Best Photo In Show and category placements (1-4) will be determined anonymously (without the photographer's name identified) by a panel of two judges identified below. Winners of each of the six categories will be considered by the judges for Best Photo in Show and Reserve Best Photo in Show. The People’s Choice 1st Place award in each category will be decided online by popular vote prior to the Specialty.

Prizes:  Rosettes will be awarded as follows: 

Click here for complete Contest Rules

Kathy France, longtime Berner partner and BMDCA & INWBMDC member, has photographed her own dogs while living and traveling throughout the western states. She is currently owned and operated by Bolt (10 in October, 2025) and Jim (9 in October, 2025.) Her photographs are shared on social media and she always enjoys seeing other peoples' photos of their BMDs.

John McCune is a hobby enthusiast photographer who enjoys shooting dog performance events and wildlife.  He has been photographing the action in draft tests since 2011.  He is a BMDCA, BRBMDC, CVBMDC, and PBMDC member and has had Bernese Mountain Dogs since 2010.  Currently, his five BMDs ranging in age from 10 months to 7 years old allow him and his wife, Dorene, to share their home.  Group shots of all the “kids” for all conceivable holidays are a family tradition shared on social media.

For additional information or questions, contact Photo Contest Co-Chairs: Peggy Rickenbach - [email protected] or Deb Bammel - [email protected].

Tips for Taking Photos Like a Pro - Eileen Blass, BMDCA member and professional photo journalist: