#UVAPhotoContest Captures The Spirit of Fall on Grounds

The UVA Photo Contest annually challenges University of Virginia community members to capture the beauty of Grounds in photos and share them on social media with the hashtag “#UVAPhotoContest.”

From UVA football games to cute costumes at Trick-or-Treating on the Lawn, students and alumni shared their photos on Instagram for a chance to be named the winner –­ and earn a $100 gift card from the UVA Bookstore.

University Communications staffers chose four finalists and posted those photos to UVA’s Facebook page and Instagram profile for an online vote. Over two days of voting, the finalists collectively received over 17,000 “likes” on the social media sites.

Congratulations to winner Caroline Coleburn, who captured a great moment showing off the Rotunda in its peak fall form.

“I was walking home from discussion and could see that the sun was setting right behind the Rotunda, and there was an awesome glow on the Rotunda itself,” said Coleburn, a third-year student double-majoring in media studies and government.

Photo by Abhiraj H. Despande

Graduate systems engineering student Abhiraj H. Deshpande took second place with his photo of one of UVA’s most iconic celebrations.

Photo by Nino Elizabarashvili

“Trick-or-Treating on The Lawn is the cutest day of the year and at the best place at UVA,” he said. “I was just at the right place at the right moment to capture the cuteness at its peak!”

Taking third place, Nini Elizabarashvili, a Charlottesville resident and wife of a first-year Darden School of Business student, posted this photo of the vibrant fall leaves around Darden.

“I love Charlottesville. Everything is so beautiful here,” Elizabarashvili said.

Take a look at a few more of the hundreds of entries submitted the contest period.

Thanks to all who participated in the UVA Photo Contest this year! For a look at entries from past contests, take a look at older entries on the hashtag.