This is your chance to show off your local or international photography! Amateur photographers of any age are invited to participate. There will be 4 award categories:

1. birds

2. other wildlife 

3. insects

4. scenery and natural flora 

Submit your photos between November 1 and December 7 online at this website or by email (please consider the appropriateness to Audubon’s Conservation Mission and remember to be respectful to wildlife when photographing (see rules for more information).

 

 Awards: Overall Best Prize will be $100. Each category winner will be awarded $50.

 

 Entry fee is $25.00 per person which includes three photo entries and a one year membership to Peace River Audubon Society. PRAS members may participate with a $10 fee for three photos.

 

 Entry for the photo contest will be online at our new website where you can upload photos and pay with PayPal or by email with mail-in check. If you prefer, you may submit your photos by emailing them to praspresident@gmail.com and mail a check to PRAS at PO Box 510760, Punta Gorda, FL 33951-0760.

 

A local artist, a well-known award winning local photographer and a PRAS member will pick 25 finalists.  PRAS members will vote for winners from the 25 finalists at the holiday pot luck meeting Dec 19.  Winners will be notified Dec 23rd. Winning entries will be posted on Facebook and this website.  Please read the rule and ethics sections.

 

2024 Photo Contest Rules

Thank you so much for your interest in participating our photo contest. Please note that when submitting a photo to the contest, you are allowing Peace River Audubon Society the right to use this photo in future social media posts - credit to the photographer will always be given! Please note the following rules to enter: ​

1) You may submit up to 3 photos.  Limit is 3 total.

2) Photos can be submitted by uploading on this website using PayPal

3) You can emailing photos to praspresident@gmail.com. Please include your name, mailing address as well as your email address; but, do not put anything identifying yourself on the photo or in the file name for non bias judging capability).

4) Each image must be in .jpg format with a maximum file size of 15 MB per image

5) Please submit without framing - No green screen nor advanced technical enhancements except cropping.

Good luck, and we look forward to seeing your submissions!

 

Here are some easy tips to remember:​

• Give wildlife space, approach at an angle. If a bird looks agitated, take a few slow large steps back and use a zoom lens.

• Prepare for the environment and weather conditions that you will be working in.

• Talk to rangers or staff, read books on local species you might see before you head out. Learn the rules of your area and always respect posted signs like “Stay on trails” in marked areas.

• Study the behavior of the wildlife before venturing out in addition to learning the favorite spots like tree tops vs understory. Silence and patience can be rewarding.

• Be a role model to other photographers and if necessary, report bad behavior to wildlife authorities. 

 

Photography Ethics

 https://fl.audubon.org/birds/wildlife-photography-ethics

 

Audubon’s Guide to Ethical Bird Photography and Videography

Please show a sincere respect for birds and the places they need to thrive. This must come before getting that perfect photo or footage. Learn how to capture bird photos and videos responsibly.

• Avoid causing unnecessary disturbance or stress to birds.

• Nesting birds are particularly vulnerable and need extra consideration.

• Beach-nesting birds (shorebirds and seabirds) require special care.

• The best strategy is to allow birds to come to you (finding a sit spot and allowing birds to acclimate to your presence will reward your patience.

• Show respect for private and public property, and consideration for other people.

For more information and details, go to

https://www.audubon.org/get-outside/audubons-guide-ethical-bird-photography?