Nature Photography Contest

2024 Contest Winners | 2023 Contest Winners | 2022 Contest Winners | 2025 Judges

This contest is open to all nature photographers aged eight and older, with $200 prizes awarded separately to 8 ― 18 year olds and ages 19 and up. Three of the categories (waterscapes, birds, and single bloom) are judged by a panel of two judges. Additionally, a $200 community choice award goes to the youth and adult photo with the most votes.

Each photo entry costs $15. Photos must be submitted by 11:59:59 PM (Eastern Time) on Monday, June 30, 2025.


Prizes will be awarded in two divisions for each category:

• Adult: age 19 or older, or out of high school at the end of the contest.
• Youth: ages 8 to 18, or still in high school at the end of the contest.

1. Birds: Audubon Community Nature Center was founded as a chapter of the National Audubon Society in 1957 by a group of avid birders and photographers. Birds are incredible creatures, and they come in a wide variety of shapes, colors, and sizes. Photos of any wild birds will be accepted. Photos of birds in captivity, such as pets, zoo residents, or rehab/education animals are not accepted.
2. Waterscapes: The earth is full of amazing views that include water. From large expansive oceans, to rocky stream beds, rushing rivers, and lovely lakes. Submit your photo of your favorite natural waterscapes for this category.
3. Single Blooms: flowers are so incredibly delicate and detailed. Submit your favorite photo of a singular bloom for this category
   
   

This category is judged by the online community who can vote with $1.00 (U.S. dollars) per vote for the photos they like best. There is a $200 prize for the photo with the most votes in both the youth and the adult division. It is possible that a photo or a photographer will receive both the community choice award and win in another judged category.

1. Eight $200 Winners: One in each judged category for youth and adult, as well as one community choice award for youth and adult.
2. 20 Finalists will be selected (3 youth, 3 adult in the three judged categories, as well as the top 3 youth and adults in the community choice category.)
3. Winning photographers will be notified through email and receive cash prizes in United States dollars via a check sent by United States mail. No cash transfers are available. Please make sure to check your junk email folder for notifications.
4. Contest winners will be named in a news release that is widely distributed, including to their local media, if known.
5. ACNC will print the winning photographs from the judged categories to exhibit in the Nature Center.