All ages are welcome to participate!

Adult contestants may submit one original photograph per subject category.

Youth contestants (ages 16 and under) may submit up to nine original photographs of any subject category of their choosing. These entries will be judged separately from the adult entries in a youth-specific category.

This year's categories include:

• People

• Plants & Fungi

• Trails & Landscapes

• Mammals

• Birds

• Reptiles & Amphibians

• Invertebrates (Insects, Crustaceans, Mollusks, Arachnids, etc.)

• Small Worlds: Interpret this category how you see fit—this can be anything from close-up macro photography to teeny-tiny landscapes. Get artistic!‍

• Mobile Photography: Mobile phone pictures may be submitted into any other category, however, only photos taken on a mobile device are eligible in this category. The images can be of any nature subject taken on Nature Center property.‍

• Youth: Contestants ages 16 and under are judged in a separate category and may submit up to nine photographs of any subject category mentioned above.

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• Read our Contest Rules.

• Take photos at Cincinnati Nature Center’s Rowe Woods or Long Branch Farm & Trails.

• Select your best shots and rename the files: name, underscore, subject category (ex: SuzieSmith_Wildlife.jpg or ConnorJones_Youth.jpg).

• Fill out the digital Photo Contest Entry Form (you must fill out this entry form to be eligible to win. Photo submissions without a completed digital entry form will not be judged.)

• If you enter a photograph of any people, a Likeness Release Form for each person featured must be completed. Please fill out the form, and it will be digitally submitted to us.

• Submit your best photos via WeTransfer.com. It’s that simple! (Submission instructions can be found on our full rules page here: Rules and Submission Instructions).

The Best in Show winner will receive a complimentary one-year membership to Cincinnati Nature Center (choice of membership up to a Family level), and a $25 gift certificate to The Nature Shop.

The First Place winners in each category will receive a complimentary daily admission pass and $25 gift certificate to The Nature Shop.

Second and Third Place winners in each category will receive a $10 gift certificate to The Nature Shop.

The Staff Pick winner will receive a $20 gift certificate to The Nature Shop.

Photographers may win in more than one category. In the event a participant receives multiple awards, they will be given one award at the highest level received.

Deadline for all entries is December 31. Winners will be announced the following February.