Photo Contest | Terms & Conditions

All photographic entries must be taken at Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge.

Up to three entries per contestant (all ages) may be submitted. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service employees may enter this contest as long as photos are created on personal time.

Photographs must be submitted using The Friends of Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge Sense of Wonder Photo Contest page. You may also submit photos directly to The Friends of Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge at friendsofrachelcarsonnwr@gmail.com.

We will accept all styles of photography including color, black and white, high dynamic range alterations and other artistic changes deemed necessary and interesting by the artist. The photograph submitted must be original to the artist who is submitting it. No watermarks are accepted.

Photo specifications: Horizontal or landscape orientation only; high resolution (300 - 600dpi) JPG between 8 - 20 megapixels (minimum 2550 x 3300 pixels).

All entries must be posted or sent via email by midnight on June 15, 2024 for consideration. Twelve winners will be chosen by an independent judging panel the following week. All winners will be contacted via email during the last week in June 2024. Winners will also be announced on Facebook and Instagram during the last week of June 2024. 

If a person is pictured in a photo, an “Agreement for Use of Likeness in Audio/Visual Products” must accompany the entry. If a person is over the age of 18, a form is needed only if that individual’s face or other means of identification are visible. If the individual pictured is under the age of 18, a form signed by a parent or legal guardian is needed for any type of depiction, including that which does not show the minor’s face. The form can be found here. Copies can be mailed or emailed to requesting individuals. 

All entries will be retained by The Friends of Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge; the Friends of Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge will also have rights to use the image for future outreach with due credit given to you as the photographer (by permission) including, but not limited to, social media posts (especially in relation to the Sense of Wonder Photo Contest), publications, webpages and presentations.

Winning selections will require that the photographer sign the copyright release agreement before The Friends of Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge publish the 2025 Calendar that will include your photo. You will be notified to sign this agreement upon selection.