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2012 Nature’s Best Backyards Photo Contest

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Enter images made close to home in your own backyard, in a public or private garden, or a nearby park or preserve.

Award:

  • The winning images will be published in an upcoming edition of NATURE’S BEST PHOTOGRAPHY magazine

Categories:

  • PLANT LIFE
  • PRIVATE GARDENS
  • PUBLIC GARDENS
  • SMALL WORLD
  • WATER LIFE
  • WILDLIFE
  • YOUTH

Judging criteria: technical quality, composition, originality, and artistic merit.

.Online submission of digital images via the website. You may enter a total of up to 20 images for one entry fee. Minor adjustments to color and contrast are acceptable, as is minimal cropping. HDR and focus stacking are permitted as long as all manipulation is disclosed upon entry. No captive animals. No watermarks or text on photos. Photographers with images chosen to pass into the final rounds of judging will be required to send us high-resolution files (400 ppi Tiffs and RAW files if available), camera specifications and a more detailed caption for the final judging.

Image requirements:  JPEG format; 72 ppi; no larger than 500KB in file size; about 750 to 1000 pixels on the longest side.

OFFICIAL WEBSITE

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 — Photography exhibition contests

Who can enter photography exhibition contests?

Most exhibition contests welcome photographers with cohesive bodies of work—emerging to mid-career artists. Some prioritize thematic series or conceptual depth; review curatorial guidelines to ensure your project aligns with the venue's vision.

Are exhibition contests free to enter?

Few are free; most charge $15–$50 per submission, with portfolio or series entries priced higher. Entry fees and early-bird discounts are listed in the Quick Facts section at the top of each contest page on PhotoCompete.

What prizes do exhibition contests offer?

Prizes emphasize physical or virtual presentation: gallery exhibition slots, group show inclusion, catalog features, press coverage, or artist talks. Cash awards are less common but may range $1,000–$5,000 for top honors.

How do I choose which exhibition contest to enter?

Match your series to the venue's curatorial focus and research past exhibitions for aesthetic alignment. Verify technical specs (print size, framing, digital format), review shipping or installation requirements, and carefully assess rights clauses—some exhibitions request display or promotional usage rights.

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