My Mint Star Mobile Photo Contest

#MyMintStar Top 10

Click an entry to learn more about the subject.

    Show us your best shot and win amazing prizes!

    In celebration of  ANNIE LEIBOVITZ / WORK, The Mint Museum, Biggs Camera, and The Photo Classroom invite you to participate in a photography contest celebrating the stars in your life.

    Whether it’s your mother, best friend, mentor, coach, or coworker, we want you to capture the people who inspire, support, and uplift you—the way Annie Leibovitz captured icons and everyday heroes alike.

    Enter for a chance to win a Nikon ZF + 40mm f2 lens, classes from The Photo Classroom to learn your new rig, Mint memberships, and be spotlighted on our platforms.

    Whether you’re a longtime hobby photographer or just starting out, this is your chance to showcase your talent and win incredible prizes.

    SUBMISSIONS CLOSED.

    person holding phone up to take photos in Annie Leibovitz exhibition

    Jurors for My Mint Star

    A heartfelt thank you to our jurors for their time and participation.

    • Makayla Binter

      Makayla Binter is a creator, organizer, and catalyst based out of Charlotte, NC. Originally from Upstate New York, she moved to NC to get her degree in Biology and Studio Art at Davidson College in 2020. In August of 2022, she graduated with her Master’s Degree in Urban Design from UNC Charlotte and has collaborated with organizations like Converse, The Carolina Panthers, The Charlotte Hornets, Sierra Nevada, Adobe, Urban Outfitters, TD Bank, Ally and the ACC, Champion, and Nike.
      She currently works as the Creative Catalyst for a local 501c3 non-profit organization, Charlotte Is Creative.

    • Meshaal Malik

      Meshaal Malik is a portrait photographer based Charlotte, NC and Long Island, NY. She draws inspiration from her roots in Pakistan. Specializing in fashion and beauty, she loves collaborating with small businesses. She has been featured in exhibitions and magazines over the past decade. Meshaal keeps it simple, capturing diverse stories through her lens. She is dedicated to showcasing diversity and supporting small businesses through her photography. She is reshaping fashion and beauty photography, making a lasting impact on the industry.

    • Kevin “Surf” Mitchell

      Kevin “Surf” Mitchell is a nationally renowned creative professional specializing in videography, photography, and installation art. He is best known for his acclaimed photography series Couch Surfing, which documents and explores the lives of traveling artists across the country.

      Mitchell’s work has been featured by major national and local media outlets and organizations, including Apple Inc., Apple Music Live (Shot on iPhone campaign), Queen City Nerve (formerly Creative Loafing), BET, Dreamville, Universal Music Group, and other prominent record labels and brands.

      A proud Charlotte native, Mitchell continues to push the boundaries of visual storytelling through innovative and culturally resonant creative work.

    • Troy Tomlinson

      Representing one of our generous sponsors, Biggs Camera, Tomlinson is a Charlotte-based photographer and owner of Flaming Chicken Studio.

    • Corine Olarte VanderVoort

      Corine Olarte VanderVoort (she/they) is a queer Filipina immigrant photographer. She promotes radical self-acceptance by providing transformative photoshoot experiences where people feel empowered to embrace their full, multi-dimensional selves—acknowledging their professional side, creative spirit, and moments of vulnerability.

      Their commitment to holistic empowerment extends through the Eat Like an Artist™ Community Initiative, which actively challenges the “starving artist” myth through both its podcast and its in-person community club for women and non-binary creatives in photo + video production in Charlotte, NC.