Each fall, the #UVAPhotoContest captures the most picturesque locations on the University of Virginia’s Grounds through photos posted on Instagram. This year, contestants were asked to showcase life on Grounds through images that included at least one person or animal.

Students, faculty and community members submitted more than 250 photos to the contest over the last two weeks. The Office of University Communications chose 15 finalists to be featured on UVA’s Facebook page. The three photos with the most “likes” were chosen as the winners and are featured below.

Congratulations to Zachary Sloman, who won first place in this year’s contest with his photo of his co-worker’s dog, Rooney. Sloman, a booking and sales coordinator for John Paul Jones Arena, said he chose this photo for a few reasons. “You can see the excitement on Rooney’s face and the combination of the falling leaves and columns in the background are a UVA staple,” he said.

Alexandra Wait, a fourth-year student, took second-place with this photo.

“Fall in Cville”

Cheng Xu, a first-year graduate student in the Frank Batten School of Leadership & Public Policy, posted this photo, which took third place in the contest. 

“Fall-idays”

"UVA, and the Lawn in particular, has always been a great source of inspiration for me,” Xu said. “I wanted to use a Polaroid to show the timelessness of the Lawn.”

Thanks to all who entered this year’s contest. Here's a look at more of the entries: