| Copyright | Contestants retain the copyright to their photographs, and all rights thereto, except as follows. By virtue of a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free, perpetual license for the photographs granted by the Contestants to the Sponsors and Federal Agencies, Sponsors and Federal Agencies shall have the right to edit, adapt and publish any or all of the descriptions and/or photographs submitted (collectively, the "Entries"), and may use them in any media in association with the Contest without compensation to the Contestant, his or her successors or assigns, or any other entity. By entering the Contest, Contestants agree to have their submitted photograph used and displayed, either singly or in combination with others and in any size, on the National Park Foundation Gallery Contest website without any fee or other form of compensation due at any time for so long as desired by the National Park Foundation. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open only to legal residents of the fifty United States and DC, 18 years of age or older as of August 18, 2008. Photographers who derive 5% or more of their income from taking photographs are also ineligible. |
| Finish | 31 December 2008 |
| Entry fee | Free |
Finished
Whether you’re an amateur shutter bug, a history buff, a wildlife lover or an outdoor enthusiast, share up to three photos from your experience capturing the scenic, natural, and historical wonders in America’s Federal Recreation Lands!
Prizes:
ONE GRAND PRIZE: The winning photo will become the featured image on the 2010 Federal Recreational Lands Pass. The winner will also receive the durable Olympus E-3 DSLR camera kit.* Olympus powerful, flagship camera is built for pro photographers and people who are passionate about photography. This powerful digital SLR camera is built for people who are passionate about photography. Additional prizes include: a five-day, four-night trip for four to a federal recreation land of the winner’s choice (excluding American Samoa and Guam) managed by one of the five following agencies: National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Bureau of Reclamation and U.S. Forest Service; and an annual Federal Recreational Lands pass.
*Kit includes camera and lenses.
ONE SECOND PRIZE: A 3-day, 2-night trip for two to a federal recreation land of the winner’s choice (excluding American Samoa and Guam) managed by one of the five following agencies: National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Bureau of Reclamation and U.S. Forest Service; an Olympus portable performer, the E-520 DSLR Camera Kit.; and an annual Federal Recreational Lands Pass.
ONE THIRD PRIZE: The versatile Olympus SP-570 UZ Digital Camera; a handheld GPS unit; and an annual Federal Recreational Lands pass.
ONE FOURTH PRIZE: The "whateverproof" Olympus Stylus 1030 SW; a $250 gift card to REI or Patagonia; and an annual Federal Recreational Lands Pass.
TEN HONORABLE MENTIONS: The Shockproof, Waterproof Olympus Stylus 850 SW; a Federal Recreational Lands Pass; and a $150 gift card.
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All photographs must be taken on lands managed by one (1) of the five (5) Federal Recreation Agencies between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2008. The participating Federal Recreation Agency Lands are: National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the New Melones Reservoir site of the Bureau of Reclamation, and U.S. Forest Service. Photos taken in State Parks do not qualify.
To enter online: During the Contest Period, visit www.sharetheexperience.org, and follow the links and instructions to register for the Contest and submit up to three (3) total photo Entries (as defined in Section 4 below). The photographs must be taken in one of the Federal Recreation Agency Lands between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2008. You must indicate to which Federal Recreation Agency Lands (as defined below in Section 4) the photograph corresponds and the date on which the photograph was taken.
Official web site: nationalparks.eprize.net/experiencecontest2008/index.tbapp
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 — 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 — Free photography contests
Who can enter free photography contests?
Most free contests welcome photographers worldwide, regardless of experience level or equipment. Many explicitly encourage students, hobbyists, and emerging creators—always verify age requirements or thematic restrictions on the official contest page.
Are free photography contests really free?
Yes—entry is $0 across the board. Some contests offer optional paid perks like expedited feedback or printed certificates, but submission, judging, and basic participation remain completely free. Fee status is confirmed in the Quick Facts section on each PhotoCompete listing.
What prizes do free photography contests offer?
Prizes vary widely: cash awards range $100–$5,000, while non-monetary rewards include online features, publication credits, mentorship sessions, exhibition inclusion, or gear donations. Even without cash, free contests offer valuable exposure and portfolio-building opportunities.
How do I choose which free contest to enter?
Prioritize contests whose theme or mission aligns with your work. Review past winners to gauge style preferences, confirm technical specs (resolution, file format), and read rights clauses carefully—even free contests may request usage rights for promotional purposes.