2026 Snapshot Iowa Contest Winner

Snapshot Iowa Photography Contest Winner Announced

The Iowa Architectural Foundation is proud to announce the winner of the 2026 Snapshot Iowa Photography Contest, celebrating Iowa's built environment through the lens of talented photographers.

Congratulations to Larry Mendenhall, whose photograph "Hancher Curve" was selected as this year's winning entry. Jurors praised the image for its thoughtful composition and its ability to capture the sweeping curves, textures, reflections, and scale of Hancher Auditorium.

Congratulations also to this year's Honorable Mention recipients:

• Jared Oosterhuis for "Angled Airspace" (Principle–750 Park St.)

• Larry Mendenhall for "Art Center Abstract" (Des Moines Art Center)

Thank you to all of the photographers who shared their unique perspectives on Iowa's architecture and communities. We are especially grateful to Prairie Meadows and Chris Boeke Studio, whose generous sponsorship made the contest possible.

Larry Mendenhall, “Hancher Curve”

Jared Oosterhuis, “Angled Airspace”

Larry Mendenhall, “Art Center Abstract”