Photographers from around the country submitted their best work into the Photography Salon competition judged prior to the start of the 2015 Iowa State Fair.

Jerry Ranch of West Des Moines won Best of Show in the Adult competition, and Grace Long of Sheldahl won Best of Show in the Youth category.

The theme for this year’s contest, “Silhouettes,” asked entrants to create and capture dramatic and emotional silhouettes that would excite and inspire other photographers and visitors to the Iowa State Fair. Over 3000 entries were judged. The Photography entries will be on display on the third floor of the Patty and Jim Cownie Cultural Center each Fair day from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Additional results below:

SPECIAL DIVISION: COLOR OR BLACK & WHITE

Planes, Trains & Automobiles

1) Liza Shoning, Des Moines

2) Harlen Persinger, Grundy Center

3) Allen Kurth, Bellevue, Neb.

Family Farm

1) Julie Steinkamp, Wall Lake

2) Harlen Persinger, Grundy Center

3) Brian Abeling, West Des Moines

The Iowa State Fair is home to the state’s largest art show, largely due to the success of the Fine Arts competition that takes places each year.