The Crowder Quill contest is an annual publication opportunity hosted by Crowder College, seeking film or digital photographs that demonstrate a mastery of vibrant color. The contest is open to all photographers, with no entry fee, and permits up to four entries per category. Winning entries will be published in the magazine and may be used for promotional and educational purposes. The competition emphasizes technical proficiency in contrast, composition, and creativity, while maintaining a clear distinction between color photography and digital art: only minor corrections and adjustments are allowed in this category. The curatorial vision prioritizes photographs where color is a central expressive element, not merely a byproduct of the scene. The jury looks for images that exhibit strong compositional integrity and creative vision, with adjustments kept to a minimum to preserve the authenticity of the photographic act. This is a platform for photographers who work within the traditions of color photography—whether analog or digital—and who understand that restraint in post-processing can be as powerful as any manipulation. While the contest does not specify a cash prize, the publication of winning entries in Crowder Quill offers significant exposure and a permanent record of achievement. The contest is administered with clear guidelines: each entry must be submitted separately, and failure to adhere to all rules may result in disqualification. Entrants grant permission for winning works to be reproduced in the magazine and for educational and promotional uses, a common practice for institutional publications. The deadline is exact: February 2, 2027.