ENTRY FORM

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

  • Contact Information

  • File Uploading

    IMPORTANT: Please rename your photo files for your submissions so we can give credit to the photographer accordingly. The file name format should read as first name, last name, category, species, submission # (Jane-Doe-Critters-White-Tailed-Deer-1.jpg)
  • Drop files here or
    Accepted file types: jpg, jpeg, png, Max. file size: 33 MB, Max. files: 3.
    • Drop files here or
      Accepted file types: jpg, jpeg, png, Max. file size: 33 MB, Max. files: 3.
      • Drop files here or
        Accepted file types: jpg, jpeg, png, Max. file size: 33 MB, Max. files: 3.
        • Drop files here or
          Accepted file types: jpg, jpeg, png, Max. file size: 33 MB, Max. files: 3.
          • Do your photos contain people?
            **Any photos containing people must be entered with a signed photo release form.
          • Accepted file types: pdf, Max. file size: 5 MB.

          ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:

          The Photos

          Up to five (5) total photos may be submitted, and up to three (3) photographs may be entered in each category per person. Color or black and white images are eligible.

          • Categories are: Carolina Critters, People in Nature, Scenes of North Carolina and Pollinators & Insects.
          • Photos must be submitted electronically in .jpg, .jpeg, or .png format.
          • Entries may originate in any format (including digital files, digital prints, color transparencies, color prints or black and white prints) as long as they are submitted as digital files.
          • Photos must meet the minimum size of 1500 pixels width or height, or 5 inches width or height at 300 pixels per inch, or 2 MB file size.
          • Photos must not exceed the maximum size of 2400 pixels width or height, or 8 inches width or height at 300 pixels per inch, or 11 MB file size.

          Wildlife Photography Ethics:

          Participants must acknowledge the ethical requirements of wildlife photography in our "Ins and Outs of Nature Photography" blog post in order to participate. All photos in violation of stated rules will not be considered in the photo contest.

          1. Maintain distance from wildlife 
          2. Prioritize safety of photographers
          3. Avoid disruption of critical habitats
          4. Know signs of wildlife distress
          5. Consider rules and regulations

          Digital Alterations

          All photographs should accurately reflect the subject matter and the scene as it appeared. Photos that have been digitally altered beyond standard optimization will be disqualified. Acceptable are adjustments to color, contrast, brightness and sharpness; removal of dust and scratches; cropping; black and white conversions. Not acceptable are photo composites (combination of two or more photos, not of the same scene); the addition, duplication, deletion or moving of objects in the photos; or the use of artistic digital filters and effects. Examples of artistic filters and effects are watercolor, neon glow, posterizing, stained glass and others that do not show the scene in its natural way.

          You, the Photographer

          If you are unable to use this form, you may send your entries to us by email with a statement of agreement to the conditions listed above. Please format your file names as indicated above and include your name and email address in the body of your email. Please submit it via email to photos@ncwf.org. Feel free to elaborate on the story surrounding the picture by sending an email to photos@ncwf.org. We will include winning category pictures on social media, within our electronic newsletters and in our Journal.

          *Note: Contestants by their entry agree North Carolina Wildlife Federation may publish their images in NCWF publications or use them on the NCWF website. Credits will be given when images are used.

          Eligibility

          Entries must be images taken in North Carolina. Captive, domestic and exotic species will not be considered. NCWF staff and board members are not eligible.

          Photographers must electronically sign the entry form to be eligible. **Any photos containing people must be entered with a signed photo release form found here.

          Judging

          There will be one $100 winner for each category for adults and one overall winner (combined categories) for the youth age bracket. Winning photos will be featured in Wildlife Wire, NCWF Journal, social media and more. The judges are made up of the NCWF staff and Board of Directors. The decisions of the judges are final. Notification will be sent by e-mail after the judging is complete.

          Dates

          Entries must be received no later than September 1, 2025. Winners will be notified within 30 days of the contest end date.  Contest winners will be published in the various mediums as previously outlined.

          Questions? Contact NCWF at (704) 332-5696 or photos@ncwf.org.