Every year, up2us is proud to sponsor the Photography section (Section R) at the Mansfield Agricultural and Pastoral Show. It's one of our favourite parts of the Show, a chance to see things at a macro scale.
The 2026 Mansfield Show is on Saturday 21 November at the Mansfield Showgrounds, and photography entries close at 6pm on Thursday 19 November, so there's still a week and a bit to get out there with your camera or phone.
Part of loving the region we live in is through noticing and observing the small things. Photography is a perfect way to slow down and see, particularly in Spring.
That's why we're especially keen to see entries in classes like Landscape (local), Flowers/Plants, Birds, Animals and our favourite, Mansfield Mini Beasts, which celebrates the small creatures that keep our ecosystems ticking. Think beetles, spiders, butterflies, bees and anything else that crawls, buzzes or flutters.
You don't need to be a professional, and you don't need fancy gear. There are dedicated classes for primary school and secondary school students, plus novice classes for anyone who hasn't won a first prize at the Mansfield Show before.
Entry costs just $2 for non-members, $1 for members, and is free for children. First place takes home $5 and second place $2, though we suspect the ribbon and the bragging rights are what most people are really after.
Getting your entry right
The stewards have asked everyone to read the rules carefully, so here are the key ones:
Photos must be no larger than 20cm x 30cm and mounted on thick card (not under glass). For the VAS classes, prints must be unframed and the mount can be no larger than 3cm.
Securely attach your entry ticket to the back of each photo, with your name and phone number.
The photo must be your own work, and you may be asked to prove it. It's fine to have someone else develop or print it for you.
No enhancements apart from cropping. Any shot that looks enhanced may be disqualified at the judge's discretion.
Professionals aren't eligible for the VAS classes.
Entries are due by 6pm Thursday 19 November, and judging kicks off at 3pm Friday 20 November. You can enter online through ShowDay Online (https://showday.online/show/mansfield-agricultural-pastoral-society-inc), and the full schedule is on the Show website (https://mansfieldshow.com.au/show-schedule-information/).
A big thank you to Steward Marg McCormack and Judge Emily Taylor for giving their time to the section again this year.
So grab your camera, head outside and see what you can find. We can't wait to see Mansfield through your lens, and we'll see you at the Show!
