Contest Details

Everything you need to know about who should enter, what to enter, when to enter, why you should enter, and how to enter. Plus, the rights and legal conditions.

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 Beginner, intermediate, and advanced photographers 18 and older.

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. Photos may have been taken at any time prior to or during the Contest. Each entrant may enter a maximum of five photographs via our online submission tool.

Images submitted must not be obtained by harassment of wildlife, damage to the environment or wildlife by the photographer, or infringe on the rights of any other photographer or person.

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.

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

Plants and Fungi Here, we’re looking for shots of non-invasive native flowers, native plants, and native fungi found in Massachusetts (or Wildwood Camp in Rindge, New Hampshire).

Landscapes Show us how varied the Massachusetts landscape can be, from rolling hills to sandy beaches to dense forests (and everything in between).

Note on Digital Alterations
Photos that have been digitally altered beyond standard optimization may not be entered. Standard optimization is defined as removal of dust, cropping, adjustments to color and contrast, etc.

Note on Image Size
Send in the highest-resolution photographs. Because we would love to be able to feature the winning photos in our magazines and publications, we ask that you use the finest setting on your camera without exceeding 10 MB (10,000 KB). Entries should have a resolution of at least 2272 x 1704 pixels (ie 4 megapixels or greater).

Note on File Type
Entries 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.

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

WHEN TO ENTER
The Contest runs from April 1 to September 30, 2013.

WHY YOU SHOULD ENTER (i.e. PRIZES)
Up to 10 winners (2 from each level per category) will win a $100 gift card to redeem at a Mass Audubon shop or a wildlife sanctuary. Up to 10 runners-up will win a $50 gift card to redeem at a Mass Audubon shop or a wildlife sanctuary. One grand prize winner, selected from the winners, will be awarded a $250 gift card, in addition to being featured in Connections, Mass Audubon’s member newsletter. 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 five photographs. All submissions, regardless of original format, must be submitted online.

RIGHTS
By entering the photo contest, you hereby grant to Mass Audubon (i) nonexclusive, worldwide, irrevocable publication rights for your photos in all Mass Audubon publications, 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.

FACEBOOK FAN FAVORITES
Once a month, recently entered photos will be reviewed by Mass Audubon staff, and five photos will be shared on the Mass Audubon Facebook page. This is not part of the official judging process, and images selected as Facebook Fan Favorites will not necessarily be judged as finalists in the Contest.

QUESTIONS?
Any questions regarding the Contest can be directed to picturethis@massaudubon.org.