May 31 deadline set for submissions
This week, Big Waters Land Trust — formerly the Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast —announced details of its sixth annual, virtual Summer Photo Contest.
“Photography celebrating Florida’s natural landscapes takes center stage in this juried exhibition,” a news release points out. The event “invites photographers of all ages and experience levels to share their original work showcasing the natural beauty of the Sunshine State,” the release continues “As in years past, the exhibition will be entirely virtual,” the release adds, with website and Facebook displays.
Submissions, which will be accepted through May 31, “must have been taken in Florida within the past year and fall into one of the following four categories,” the release explains:
- In Love with the Land — “This category is for landscapes showcasing nature in all her glory.”
- The Art of Nature — “This category is a celebration of abstract expressions in nature and science. Images may include close-ups, angles, patterns, motion, or other unique perspectives of the natural world.”
- Beautiful Waters — This category highlights the beauty of Florida’s waters and is dedicated to the unique rivers, lakes, and coastlines that define the Sunshine State.”
- 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,” the release notes.
Further, a Youth Perspective category has been created specifically for photographers ages 15 and younger, the release says. “Youth Perspective submissions must still fall into one of the four categories above,” it adds.
An individual may submit up to three photographs, the release points out. All of them “must be received via email no later than midnight on May 31.”
The release explains that jurors will review all submissions and then select 10 per category for display in online galleries on the Big Waters Land Trust website and Facebook page. The virtual competition will award prizes to category winners selected by the jury, as well as People’s Choice awards that will be determined by popular vote on Facebook, the release notes.
Jury-selected category winners will be featured in the July/August issue of Scene Magazine, which is sponsoring the competition, the release says.
This year’s jurors are “acclaimed photographer Larry Allan; “renowned videographer and photographer” Karen Arango; and John Knowles, owner and publisher of Sarasota Scene Magazine, the release notes.
For additional details, entry rules and submission forms visit bigwaterslandtrust.org/summerphoto2025.