| Copyright | Not specified |
|---|---|
| Finish | 26 April 2008 |
| Entry fee | $25 (US) |
Finished
The editors of NATURE’S BEST PHOTOGRAPHY magazine invite all photographers to enter the 2008 NATURE’S BEST PHOTOGRAPHY WINDLAND SMITH RICE INTERNATIONAL AWARDS competition.More than $10,000 in cash will be awarded, including $2,500 to the Grand Prize winner.
The winning photographs will be published in the Fall 2008 NATURE’S BEST PHOTOGRAPHY and may be selected for our annual exhibit at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, DC, and in other locations. Entries will be judged on technical quality, originality, and artistic merit.
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Categories:
- ANIMAL ANTICS: Wildlife in humorous or surprising situations.
- ART IN NATURE: Naturally occurring artistic compositions in nature (colors, forms, textures, etc.)
- BIRDS: Wild birds in native habitats displaying plumage, mating rituals, nesting, feeding, or other behaviors.
- CAMERA CLUB: Up to 20 photographs may be submitted as a group entry by a camera club. Note: each individual member can contribute no more than three (3) images to the group submission. Each individual image in a camera club submission must fit within one of the contest categories, without exception. The entry will be judged as a portfolio and selected on the overall excellence of the entire group of images. Participating club members are also permitted to submit their own entry (up to 20 images) separate from the Camera Club entry, and may include the same images in both submissions.
- CREATIVE DIGITAL: Any nature-related image or combination of images that is created and/or manipulated using digital/electronic technology (such as Adobe® Photoshop®). Let your imagination go wild! Exception: panoramic images created by digitally stitching two or more images together may be entered into other categories as appropriate. Please provide the details on all techniques used.
- ENDANGERED SPECIES: Plants or animals that are listed as endangered species by the IUCN. Please visit www.redlist.org to confirm the endangered status of a species before submitting to this category.
- ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES: Images that document current environmental issues, such as pollution, global warming, loss of habitat, etc.
- NEW CATEGORY! INDIGENOUS CULTURES: People living within their ancient historic communities, practicing their traditional culture: dress, arts/crafts, dance, rituals, hunting/gathering, food preparation, examples of sustainable living, etc.
- LANDSCAPE:Dramatic scenes and unusual perspectives of land providing expansive views.
- OCEANS: The fascinating world of the sea: tide pools, coral reefs, marine life, etc. Photos taken above an ocean’s surface are welcome.
- PEOPLE IN NATURE: People enjoying the outdoors: backpackers, kayakers, divers, hikers, etc., in natural settings.
- PLANT LIFE: Flowers, trees, and other flora in natural habitat. May include wide vistas.
- NEW CATEGORY for macro shooters! SMALL WORLD SPECTACULARS: Shots of plants, animals, and miniature landscapes taken with macro lenses.
- NEW CATEGORY! WEATHER:From dramatic storms to tranquil skys, weather in all its furry and forms. (Tornados, hurricanes, floods, rain, wind, cloud formations, etc.)
- WILDLIFE: Wild animals (mammals, reptiles, amphibians, etc.—birds are a separate category, see above) photographed in their natural habitat (no captive animals).
- YOUTH PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR: An entry of up to 20 photographs may be submitted by photographers 18 years old or younger. Each individual image in a youth submission must fit within the contest categories, without exception. *Please be sure to include your age on your entry form.
- ZOOS & AQUARIUMS: Images may include animal portraits, behavior, zookeepers working with animals, visitors (may require model release), special events, etc. All photographs must have been taken at American Zoo & Aquarium Association (AZA) member zoos and aquariums.
Entries must be postmarked no later than April 26, 2008.
Each submission is limited to a total of no more than 20 images (35mm color slides, larger format color transparencies, or digitally captured images. Prints will NOT be accepted). Each submission MUST follow the guidelines below and be sent in one package along with the entry fee and the completed entry form with ALL information filled out in clear, legible print or type.
Official web site: www.naturesbestphotography.com/pages/guidelines.html
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Frequently asked questions — Amateur photography contests
Who can enter amateur photography contests?
Most amateur contests welcome non-professional photographers worldwide—hobbyists, students, and emerging creators. Many explicitly exclude those who earn primary income from photography to ensure a level playing field. Always verify age requirements and amateur-status definitions on the official contest page.
Are amateur photography contests free to enter?
Many are free or low-cost: entry fees typically range from $0–$25 per submission, with student discounts or early-bird rates often available. Fee status and discount tiers are confirmed in the Quick Facts section at the top of each contest page on PhotoCompete.
What prizes do amateur photography contests offer?
Prizes emphasize growth and exposure: cash awards range $100–$2,500, while non-monetary rewards include mentorship feedback, online feature spots, workshop scholarships, or entry credits to advanced contests. Even without large cash prizes, these contests offer valuable confidence-building opportunities.
How do I choose which amateur contest to enter?
Prioritize contests that match your current skill level and genre interests. Look for opportunities offering constructive feedback or educational components, confirm that professional photographers are excluded (if that matters to you), and review rights clauses—even amateur contests may request usage rights for promotional purposes.
Frequently asked questions — Animal photography contests
Who can enter animal photography contests?
Most animal contests welcome photographers worldwide, from hobbyists to professionals. Many prioritize ethical shooting practices and authentic animal behavior—review guidelines to confirm if your work aligns with wildlife conservation, pet photography, or artistic animal portrait focuses.
Are animal photography contests free to enter?
Some are free; many charge $10–$45 per image, with early-bird discounts or multi-entry bundles often available. Entry fees and deadline tiers are listed in the Quick Facts section at the top of each contest page on PhotoCompete.
What prizes do animal photography contests offer?
Prizes range from cash awards ($200–$20,000) to publication in nature magazines, exhibition features, professional gear, or donations to animal conservation projects. Recognition from respected wildlife organizations can amplify your impact and credibility in the animal photography community.
How do I choose which animal contest to enter?
Match your strongest animal images to the contest's focus—wildlife behavior, domestic pets, macro details, or conservation storytelling. Review past winners for style cues, verify ethical guidelines (no baiting or staging), and confirm technical specs like resolution and metadata requirements.
Frequently asked questions — Nature photography contests
Who can enter nature photography contests?
Most nature contests welcome photographers worldwide, from hobbyists to professionals. Many prioritize ethical shooting practices and environmental storytelling—review guidelines to confirm if your work aligns with conservation-focused or artistic missions.
Are nature photography contests free to enter?
Some are free; many charge $10–$40 per image, with early-bird discounts or bundle rates often available. Entry fees and deadline tiers are listed in the Quick Facts section at the top of each contest page on PhotoCompete.
What prizes do nature photography contests offer?
Prizes range from cash awards ($500–$15,000) to publication in nature magazines, exhibition features, professional gear, or donations to conservation projects. Recognition from respected environmental organizations can amplify your impact and visibility.
How do I choose which nature contest to enter?
Align your work with the contest's environmental mission or aesthetic focus. Review past winners for style cues, verify technical specs (resolution, metadata), and confirm ethical guidelines—many nature contests prohibit baiting, staging, or disruptive wildlife practices.
Frequently asked questions — International photography contests
Who can enter international photography contests?
Most international contests welcome photographers worldwide, regardless of nationality or experience level. Always verify eligibility on the official contest page—some restrict by age (18+), amateur/professional status, or thematic focus.
Are international photography contests free to enter?
Some are free; many charge $10–$50 per image, with early-bird discounts often available. Entry fees and deadline tiers are listed in the Quick Facts section at the top of each contest page on PhotoCompete.
What prizes do international photography contests offer?
Prizes range from cash awards ($500–$25,000) to gallery exhibitions, publication features, professional gear, and artist residencies. Prestigious awards like the Sony World Photography Awards or IPA carry significant industry recognition.
How do I choose which international contest to enter?
Align your strongest work with the contest theme and review past winners to gauge aesthetic preferences. Confirm technical specs (resolution, file format), check rights clauses carefully, and prioritize contests whose mission matches your artistic goals.