Tom Korbutt’s “My Sandy Look” took first place in the 2016 “Ding” Darling Days Amateur Nature Photography Contest.
The 30th annual “Ding” Darling Days Amateur Nature Photography Contest is underway! The contest, sponsored by the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge (DDWS), is held in conjunction with “Ding” Darling Days from October 15 to 21.
Deadline for photography submission is September 15, and all entries must be submitted electronically by email to [email protected]. In an effort to maintain its commitment to the environment, DDWS will no longer be accepting photo contest entries by mail.
For an entry form and other contest information, visit https://www.dingdarlingsociety.org/articles/photo-contests. DDWS will announce winners and award prizes at Conservation Art Day on Saturday, October 22 during “Ding” Darling Days.
Entry fee is $25 per person, which includes a membership to the society and helps to defray the cost of the contest. One fee covers two entries per person, but the entrant is eligible to win only one award.
Only amateur photographers of all ages are eligible to enter. Entrants may not possess a professional photographer tax identification number for the sale of photographs.
Photos must be taken at JN “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge and have been taken within two years of entry date. Each photo must be a jpg file of at least 2,000 by 1,500 or two megabytes (MB). Panoramic photos are not allowed.
Photos that have won awards in previous “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society photo contests may not be resubmitted. Judging will be anonymous. Please do not put your name or anything that will identify you on your photograph. Judging criteria includes: technical excellence (sharpness, lighting, composition, exposure); originality/ creativity; interest; and ability to be reproduced for publication. Only limited image modifications are permitted. Minor manipulation should be used only to produce a more natural looking photograph. Cropping is allowed but adding any elements not existing in the original scene will not be. Judges, at their discretion, will disqualify any photos that appear to be manipulated beyond these guidelines. All photo files will become the property of DDWS. Photos may be used by DDWS in any way with appropriate credit to the photographer. First, second, and third place winners and honorable mentions will be formally announced during “Ding” Darling Days. Cash prizes will be awarded: first place $200; second place $150; third place $100; and honorable mentions $25. There will be three judges involving a refuge staff person, a professional photographer and a member of the Sanibel community.
For assistance, call 1- 239-472-1100, ext. 4, or email [email protected].
