Since its inception in 1935, the Conservation Federation of Missouri has been proud to showcase our state’s rich outdoor heritage and its diverse wildlife, plants, and habitats.  This is our third year for the photo contest to share our member’s artistic observations.  There are four categories for photographs with instructions and guidelines for submissions.  Honors will be given for first place in each category and first, second, and third place overall.  Many submissions will appear in our web and print media.  Photos will be judged on creativity, impact, content, and visual quality.  We hope you will join us and enjoy photography of our great Missouri outdoors.

1. Missouri Plants and Animals – We are looking for the best photos that capture the beauty of Missouri's plants and animals! The plant or animal should be the focus of these pictures. With thousands of different species to choose from, this is a great opportunity to showcase our state's biodiversity. 
2. Missouri Waterways – Missouri's waterways are not only one of the most popular areas to recreate in the state, but they also provide abundant habitat and necessary resources to wildlife. This category gives you a chance to show off our waterways, big or small. 
3. Missouri Landscapes – Whether it's a sunset over the river bluffs or a fresh snowfall in the forest, our state has some of the most impressive outdoor scenery you can ask for. Submit your photos that best capture Missouri's natural beauty, 
4. Nature in your Backyard – This is your chance to show off your nature finds from your own backyard! This category is an easy one for anyone to enter, just submit nature photos from around your house or in urban areas! 

1. Photographs must have been taken in the state of Missouri within the last year.  Only photographs from October 2023 to September 2024  will be accepted.  Photos submitted in last years contest will not be accepted.  
2. Any activities in photos must be legal and conform to all state, state parks, and Wildlife Code rules and regulations.
3. This contest is for amateur photography only.  If you receive payment of more than $1,000 annually for your photos, please refrain from entering into this contest.
4. You may submit any number of photographs in any category.  You will notice, some photos could fit into any of the 4 categories, feel free to submit in whichever category suits it best, but do NOT submit the same photo in multiple categories.
5. All photos must be submitted online at: https://www.gogophotocontest.com/confedmo.
6. Photos that have been digitally altered beyond basic editing and toning will not be accepted.
7. People who submit photos into the contest will receive no more than one, prize.  Prizes will be awarded as follows: First Place for each of the 4 categories, $100; Best of Show, $250; with all winners being announced in the CFM magazine.  Winners will be decided by the number of votes they receive through donations on the photo contest website ($1 = 1 vote).
8. By entering this contest, you give permission for the Conservation Federation of Missouri to publish any photos in our media.  This includes, but is not limited to the Conservation Federation magazine, social media, and webpages.  Credit will be given to the photographer.
9. CFM staff and their immediate families will be ineligible to win.
10. There are no age limits for persons wishing to submit their photographs.
11. Photo submissions and voting will run concurrently opening July 1^st at 8:00 A.M. and will close on September 30^th at 10:00 P.M.  The earlier photos are submitted, the more likely they are to gain more votes.

Prizes will be awarded for the first place winners of each of the four photo categories at $100 each with the best of show winning $250. 

Winning photographs will also be placed in the CFM magazine in an article highlighting the contest.