Photo Contest Details & Rules

The Mass Audubon Picture This Photo Contest runs from June 1 - September 30. Here you will find everything to know about entering the contest.

Who Should Enter

The Mass Audubon Picture This photo contest (the contest) is open to photographers of all skill levels, and ages, with the exception of Mass Audubon employees, board members, and their immediate family members. Upon submission, entrants will be asked to identify whether they are:

• 18 and Over 
• Under 18 

What to Enter

We are seeking digital photographs of people in nature, as well as those that highlight the beauty and diversity of Massachusetts wildlife, plant life, and landscapes. In order to qualify, photographs must be taken:

• in Massachusetts, or
• at Mass Audubon’s Wildwood Camp in Rindge, New Hampshire

Each entrant may enter a maximum of 10 photographs. Photos may have been taken at any time prior to or during the Contest.

Images submitted must not be obtained by harassment or disturbance of wildlife, damage to the environment or wildlife by the photographer, or infringe on the rights of any other photographer or person. This includes relocating and disturbing nests, feeding wildlife, and handling wildlife.

Categories

Entrants must submit their photographs into the categories that best fits the scope of each individual image. Each photograph may only be assigned one category. Judges have the right to move an image from one category to another. Regardless of category, please let us know if a photo was taken at a Mass Audubon wildlife sanctuary.

People in Nature 

We want to see your best shots of people enjoying the outdoors. Note: A signed release from any recognizable people in your images is required, and you must be able to provide copies of those releases to Mass Audubon upon request. 

Birds 

Flying, perching, standing, or swimming—send us your bird shots! Note: please refrain from sending images of captive or pet birds.

Mammals

Otters and bears and foxes, oh my! We want to see mammals looking their best. As with birds, please refrain from sending images of captive animals or pets.

Other Animals 

Got photos of amphibians, reptiles, arachnids, insects, and beyond? This is the category for you. As with birds, please refrain from sending images of captive animals or pets.

Landscapes

Show us how varied the Massachusetts landscape can be, from rolling hills to sandy beaches to dense forests (and everything in between). We especially love photos of our wildlife sanctuaries.

Plants and Fungi 

We’re looking for shots of wild, non-invasive flowers, plants, and fungi found in Massachusetts (or Wildwood Camp in Rindge, New Hampshire). 

Digital Alterations & Screen Captures

Please submit the original photo. Any screen captures of images or AI generated images will not be accepted, including screen captures of images from social media platforms.

All photographs should accurately reflect the subject matter and the scene as it appeared. Photos that have been digitally altered beyond standard optimization may not be entered. Standard optimization is defined as removal of dust, cropping, minor adjustments to color and contrast, etc. Multiple exposures that have been combined to produce a single "High Dynamic Range" image are acceptable.

Image Size & File Type

Because we would love to be able to feature the winning photos in our publications, we ask that you use the highest setting on your camera. Entries should have a resolution of at least 2272 x 1704 pixels (ie 4 megapixels or greater). Resolution can be bigger as long as the total file size does not exceed 15 MB.

Entries must be in JPEG format. They may originate in any format, including—but not limited to—digital files, digital prints, slides, transparencies, color prints, or black and white prints; however they must be submitted electronically via our online submission tool.

Prizes

One grand prize winner will be awarded a $250 gift certificate to the Mass Audubon Shop. Eleven winners will win a $100 gift certificate to redeem at a Mass Audubon Shop. At least 6 honorable mentions will win a $50 gift certificate to redeem at a Mass Audubon Shop. Additional honorable mentions may be awarded at the discretion of the judges.

Judging 

Winners will be selected by a panel of Mass Audubon staff based on originality, technical excellence, composition, overall impact, and artistic merit. Judges shall determine eligibility with sole and absolute discretion. Judges have the right to move photos from one category to another. All decisions made by the judges are final.

How To Enter

Each entrant may enter a maximum of 10 photographs. These photos can be in any of the categories. They can be entered at the same time, or over the course of the contest. All submissions, regardless of original format, must be submitted online. 

Rights

By entering the photo contest, you hereby grant to Mass Audubon (i) non-exclusive, worldwide, irrevocable publication rights for your photos in all Mass Audubon publicity materials, print or electronic, and (ii) the right to use your name, city, state, and country of residence in such publications. This includes the right to use your photos on our website, in print and electronic advertisements and promotions, and in our saleable merchandise. All photographs will be credited with the caption "© Person's Name."

For more, see Legal Conditions.

Previously Published Material

Previously published material of which non-exclusive rights were granted may be entered as long as you still maintain the right to grant us a license (see “Rights”). You must be able to disclose to Mass Audubon when and where the photo appeared previously upon request.

Questions?

Any questions regarding the Contest can be sent via email.