Midnight on May 31 the deadline for entries
Corn Snake Enjoying the Salty Air by Diane Fairey was named the 2023 People’s Choice Best In Show winner. Contributed photo
The Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast is inviting the public to participate in its fifth, virtual Summer Photo Contest.
This annual event welcomes “photographers of all ages and experience levels to share their original work showcasing the natural beauty of the Sunshine State,” a news release explains. “As in years past,” the release notes, the exhibition will be entirely virtual, with website and Facebook displays.
“Works submitted for this online juried exhibition must have been taken in Florida within the past year,” and they must fall into one of the following four categories, the release stresses:
- “The Big Picture — This category is for landscapes and waterscapes showcasing nature in all her glory.
- “The Art of Nature — A celebration of abstract expressions in nature and science, this category is for close-ups, angles, patterns, motion, or other unique perspectives of the natural world.
- “Old Florida Charm — Capturing the essence of our rich history, this category showcases the timeless allure and rustic beauty of natural Florida with an emphasis on cultural heritage, ranching, and rural communities.
- “It’s a Wild Life — A mesmerizing array of wildlife can be found across the Sunshine State. From birds to bears, this category is for celebrating the beauty, grace, and power of our native species.”
Further, the release notes, a Youth Perspective category, specifically for photographers ages 15 and under, will welcome submissions that fall into one of the four categories above.
Up to three photographs may be submitted per person; they must be received via email no later than midnight on May 31, the release points out. The jurors will review all submissions and select 10 per category for display in online galleries on the Conservation Foundation website and on the Conservation Foundation Facebook page, the release notes.
The 2024 jury comprises award-winning photographer and digital artist Steve White; noted photographer Mary Lundeberg; conservation biologist, educator and wildlife photographer Alberto Lopez Torres; noted photographer Kerri Deatherage; and three-time Conservation Foundation Summer Photo Contest People’s Choice Winner Diane Fairey, the release adds.
The virtual competition will award prizes to category winners as selected by the jury, as well as People’s Choice winners determined by popular vote on Facebook, the release points out.
For details, entry rules, and submission forms, visit conservationfoundation.com/summerphoto.