| Copyright | You own the rights to your photos but grant Yellowstone Park Foundation and Nature’s Best Photography a non-exclusive license to your photos ONLY for uses related to the contest. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to all photographers, worldwide. |
| Finish | 12 September 2016 |
| Entry fee | $25 US for up to 20 photos |
FinishedCategories:
- WILDLIFE: Wild animals (mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, etc.) including portraits, behavior, predation, and adults with young. Photos of captive animals ARE NOT accepted.
- LANDSCAPES: Dramatic waterfalls, erupting geysers, expansive mountain views, and the many thermal features of Yellowstone. Plant life (flowers, trees, and other flora) close-ups, wide-open vistas, storms, sunrises, and sunsets.
Awards:
- Grants and awards will be sent after the final selection of winners has been made in spring of 2017.
- Winning images will also be featured in a cover story of the next Spring/ Summer issue of Nature’s Best Photography magazine, displayed in an exhibition at the Old Faithful Haynes Photo Shop in Yellowstone National Park, and will appear in online galleries and multimedia presentations.
Judging criteria: technical quality, originality, artistic merit, and overall appeal.
Image requirements: 72 ppi for initial review only; ideally the images should be between at least 1000 and 1800 pixels wide on the longest side; RGB mode (not CMYK!); JPG format. Photos entered under Professional, Amateur, and Youth expertise levels may not be digitally altered beyond standard optimization (minor burning, dodging; limited color correction and cropping; the removal of dust;
etc.).
All photos MUST BE taken within the official boundaries of Yellowstone National Park. Online submission of digital photographs via the website.
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 — Landscape photography contests
Who can enter landscape photography contests?
Most landscape contests welcome photographers worldwide, from enthusiasts to professionals. Many prioritize authentic location work and ethical land practices—review guidelines to confirm if your style aligns with the contest's artistic or conservation focus.
Are landscape photography contests free to enter?
Some are free; many charge $10–$35 per image, with early-bird discounts or series bundles often reducing costs. Entry fees and deadline tiers are listed in the Quick Facts section at the top of each contest page on PhotoCompete.
What prizes do landscape photography contests offer?
Prizes range from cash awards ($250–$10,000) to feature spots in outdoor magazines, calendar placements, workshop scholarships, or exhibition inclusion. Recognition from respected nature publications can significantly boost your visibility in the outdoor photography community.
How do I choose which landscape contest to enter?
Match your strongest images to the contest's theme or geographic focus. Review past winners for aesthetic preferences, verify technical specs (resolution, EXIF data), and check location requirements—some contests prioritize specific regions, parks, or environmental narratives.
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.