Calling all amateur photographers! The SCWF is sponsoring their 17th Annual Wildlife Photography Contest. Send us your best pictures capturing the beauty of South Carolina’s nature – in your own backyard or our backyard – that being South Carolina’s natural landscapes and creatures.
CONTEST CATEGORIES:
Carolina Critters
Did you catch that bird sifting through the upstate snow to find its meal on film? How about the shy deer venturing out in the Pee Dee field to graze? A turkey? Or that Great Blue Heron wading through the swamps of the lowcountry? Enter any of these pictures (or something of the sort) in the Carolina Critters category.
Scenes of South Carolina
Maybe you’re more into capturing those gorgeous SC sunrises on the ocean or sunsets in the mountains? Or perhaps you find the early morning dew on an open field worth photographing. You might find the placement of rocks in one of SC’s many rivers to be the best photographic moment you’ve ever seen. These scenes (and many others) found in the beauty of SC’s landscapes can be entered in the Scenes of South Carolina category.
Backyard Habitat
Some of the most beautiful and unique wildlife in South Carolina can be found in your own backyard. Now’s your chance to show off the hard work you’ve put into turning your backyard into a haven for wildlife. No two habitats are created equally, and we want to see photos of the various habitats, native plants, and wildlife that enjoy all the fruits of your labor. You put in the work to provide the food, water, cover, and places to raise young in your own backyard, and we want to see your creations.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
No more than three photographs can be entered in each category per person. Submit color or black and white prints. We prefer digital images- jpg, gif, and png file types (at least 72 pixels per inch, which would result in an approximate 250kb size in jpg format).
If you print your pictures and want them returned, please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope to fit the photographs. We will keep a digital copy on file of all photos submitted.
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 which do not show the scene in its natural way.
Entry Fee
Each photographer must submit a one-time entry fee of $15.00 - this fee covers entrance of up to 9 photos (3 per category) in the contest. You may pay the entry fee online through the button below, or you may mail in a check with your photos - make check payable to SCWF.
You, the Photographer
You must submit the Contest Entry Form (click on button below) for each photo you are entering. In addition please include your name, email address, photo category, and photo title in the email or on the back of each entry. You can print a copy of the form and mail it to SCWF or submit it via email to SCWF. Be sure to check the appropriate category on each form. Feel free to elaborate on the story surrounding the picture. We will include your picture on our website if your picture is chosen.
*Note: Contestants, by their entry, agree that the South Carolina Wildlife Federation may publish their images in SCWF publications or use on the SCWF website. Credits will be given when images are used.
Eligibility
Entries must be images taken in South Carolina. Captive, domestic, and exotic species will not be considered. This contest is open to amateur photographers only. SCWF employees or board members or their immediate family members are not eligible.
Photographers must sign the entry form to be eligible and all signatures must be original. Electronic signatures are acceptable.
Judging
The judges are made up of the SCWF staff and Board of Directors. Decisions of the judges are final. Notification will be sent by e-mail after judging is complete.
Prizes
The first place winner in each category will receive a $100 cash prize.
Dates
Entries must be postmarked no later than 5:00 pm on October 31st. Winners will be notified by the end of the year. Only First, Second, and Third places will be awarded. Contest winners will be published online.
Where to Send Entries:
SCWF Photography Contest
215 Pickens Street
Columbia, SC29205
-OR-
Send electronically to: photo@scwf.org
**Although care will be taken with submitted material, the South Carolina Wildlife Federation will not be responsible for damage or loss of photos.
Now that we've got all that straight...get out there and take some great photos! Good luck!
Questions? Contact SCWF at (803) 256-0670 or photo@scwf.org.