COLUMBIA – Calling all amateur photographers! The SCWF is holding their 16th 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.

You may submit entries in three 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 fee is $15, and the deadline for entries is October 31st. Click here for more information, contest rules and to submit your photos.