An exciting photography challenge has just been launched by The JCSP Libraries this February! This inclusive challenge can be enjoyed by students in all year groups. The aim is to support young people to develop their artistic practice, creativity, originality and self-expression through the medium of photography.
The main idea behind this challenge is to provide a creative outlet for students to express their ideas and perspectives visually. Engaging in photography encourages teenagers to focus on the present moment by connecting with the world around them.
To take part, students are encouraged to take up to ten photos inspired by prompt words during the month of February. The prompt list is designed to spark students’ imaginations by asking them to document snapshots from their worlds. Students are invited to explore visual features including texture, pattern, colour and shape.
Extra resources on jcsplibraries.com will also allow students to make connections between photography and numeracy, learn new tips and tricks, and to develop their literacy with photography keywords. The challenge is very flexible: individual students, clubs or classes can participate. Fun updates and inspiration from our Photographer in Residence during February @jcsplibraries on Instagram, @jcsplibraries on X and @jcsplibraries.bsky.social on BlueSky. Post and share your photos throughout the challenge using #JCSPsnap2026
Photographer in Residence
CJ Nash (Irish Farmers Journal and Irish Country Life Photographer) will be joining us for the challenge this month! Watch this space for some serious inspiration!
WANT TO JOIN IN?
- First, introduce your students to the challenge by sharing links to the poster and prompt list.
- With your class, enjoy the visual prompts, photography tips, photography keywords, student workbook, numeracy and literacy tools which will be posted on the JCSP Library website and social media accounts throughout February 2026. · Follow our Instagram accounts @jcsplibraries, @jcsplibraries on X and @jcsplibraries.bsky.social on BlueSky for regular updates and inspirational photos
- Encourage your students to respond to as many of the prompts as possible.
- We would encourage schools to share and celebrate their photographs throughout the challenge via their school website and social media channels using the hashtags #JCSPsnap2026 #jcsplibraries
- Host an in-school competition to select the 5 winners in each category – for submission to the national competition.
- The closing date for entries is 13th of March 2026 – so lots of time for students to get involved!
HOW TO ENTER:
- This exciting new photography competition is open to students in 2nd Level JCSP and DEIS schools across Ireland.
- There will be three prizes categories: Junior Cycle, Senior Cycle, Special Needs.
- Schools can submit a maximum of 5 entries in each category
- All entries must be the original work of the students.
- All entries must be submitted via the school and using the official entry form. Students should not submit entries directly.
- Send a digital file or make a scan of your student entries and send them to info@jcsplibraries.ie along with a copy of the entry form detailing your school and participating students’ details.
The closing date for entries is 13th of March 2026
Download the ENTRY FORM here
Student Workbook
Photography Tips
Numeracy Links
Visual Literacy Links
Teaching and Learning Links
SNAP Photography Exhibition
This year a SNAP Photography Challenge travelling exhibition will make its debut! Initially showcasing a selection of last year’s winning images together with an engaging selection of other standout entries from young photographers across Ireland. From striking landscapes to magical, unexpected moments, the exhibition celebrates the incredible range of stories captured through SNAP lenses. Compact and mobile, it’s designed to pop up in different spaces — inviting new audiences to pause and be inspired by our fabulous young photographers’ works. If you are interested in booking this exhibition, or to find out more, please get in touch with the SNAP team at: info@jcsplibraries.ie
