Each year, the City of Bellingham and the Whatcom Museum sponsor the “Essence of Bellingham” photography competition in the spring. Digital or scanned entries gathered over the previous year that capture the “essence” of Bellingham are showcased and added to a collection documenting Bellingham and the diverse nature of life in our city and county.  Entries may appear in Whatcom Museum and City of Bellingham publications and in various places such as print, TV, and the Internet. All residents of Whatcom County are eligible to participate with the exception of those called upon to jury the competition.​ Entries for 2017 are closed. Check back next spring to participate in the 2018 competition.