Friends of Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge are inviting photographers of all ages to submit nature photos for the 2024 25th Annual Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge Photo Contest.
Photos must be taken on the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge Complex, including Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge and satellite properties, Cedar Point National Wildlife Refuge and
West Sister Island National Wildlife Refuge.
The contest is split into three different age groups, including youth, ages 5 to 12 years old, teens, ages 3 to 17 years old and adults, age 18 and over.
Photographers can submit photos in 11 different categories, including Eagles, Birds, Mammals, Reptiles & Amphibians, Insects & Arachnids, Native Plants, Landscapes & Reflections, Sunrises & Sunsets, Refuge in Winter, Funny Nature and People Enjoying Nature.
A panel of judges will review the photos for content, clarity, composition and overall impression before choosing the 1st, 2nd, 3rd place and Honorable Mention for each category, as well as one Best of Show. Once the judges have completed their review, People’s Choice will then be open for the public to choose the best photo.
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Prizes will be awarded for the 1st place photograph in each category for the Adult Age Group. Highlights from the Child and Youth Age Groups, Best of Show and People’s Choice photographs will be featured in the Friends of Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge 2025 Calendar.
A free calendar will be given to 1st place winners, People’s Choice and Best of Show and will receive free access to their Refuge Photograph Class Series.
1st, 2nd, 3rd, Honorable Mention, People’s Choice and Best of Show photos will be displayed on the Friends of Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge website.
All contest winners will be invited to participate in a twilight tour photo opportunity on the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge. Best of Show will also receive a special private tour for themselves and up to nine others.
Photographers interested in submitting wildlife and nature photos can submit their photos here. Photographers can submit one photo per category, up to 11 photos.
For more information on the 2024 25th Annual Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge Photo Contest, visit friendsofottawanwr.org/photography-contest.html.
