National Association of Conservation Districts

Photo Contest

A picture can be worth even more than a thousand words. Good photographs can lend a helping hand to numerous projects: they strengthen publicity for a fund-raiser, make a newsletter more appealing and reveal the beauty of wetlands to elementary students. To recognize individuals who use this tool effectively and creatively, NACD and the NACD Auxiliary join forces to host an annual Photo Contest.

2007 Winners
2006 Winners
2005 Winners

2008 Photo Contest

Entry deadline extended to December 1, 2008
Please note changes in 2008 photo contest from contests of previous years.

The 2008 NACD/Auxiliary Photo Contest is open to amateur photographers who are residents of the United States or its territories. Participants can enter as many as five photos total each year. Each photo has to fit in one of the four photo categories (listed below).

One adult and one youth winner will be selected for each category. Each first place national winner will receive a $50 cash prize. Honorable mentions will also be selected for each category, but won’t receive a monetary award. Winning photos will be displayed at NACD’s Annual Meeting, held in February in New Orleans, LA. Notification will be sent to winners prior to February NACD Annual Meeting. Checks will be issued by the NACD Auxiliary after the February meeting.

If you have any questions, please contact NACD Education Coordinator Susan Schultz at 317-326-2952 or by email at stewardship@nacdnet.org.

Photo Categories – new for 2008

1. Conservation Practices
2. Close Up Conservation
3. Conservation in Action
4. Ag/Conservation Across America

Category Explanations and Examples - For a more detailed explanation of the photo categories and for a list of examples to come up with some ideas, download this category information sheet. | PDF |

Entry Instructions

• Photos must be submitted in electronic format (jpeg or tiff files only) via email to photocontest@email.nacdnet.org or burned to a CD and mailed with entry form. No printed photos will be accepted.
• A completed entry form must be mailed to NACD Auxiliary Photo Contest, 968 E 600 N, Greenfield, IN  46140.
• Each entry must also include a signed photo release form, which must be a hard copy and mailed with the entry form to the address above.
• Entries are due by December 1, 2008. All entry forms must be postmarked by December 1, 2008. (Photos must be e-mailed to photocontest@email.nacdnet.org by December 1, 2008.)

Required Entry Forms
Completed signed forms must be received for entry to be eligible for contest.

2008 Photo Contest Entry Form and Guidelines
NACD Photo Release Form

Please note: If you intend to enter more than one photo (maximum of five photos per participant), you must complete an entry form and photo release form for each photo. Any photo without its own entry form and release form will not be considered for the contest.

Additional Guidelines

• Images must not have been digitally altered in any way other than necessary burning, dodging and cropping.
• Do not send photo reproductions from a printed publication.
• All entries become the property of NACD, and NACD reserves the non-exclusive right to use all photographs in publications or for promotional purposes.

Judging Standards
Photos will be judged on technical merit and composition. For technical merit, judges may check to see if the photo is well-framed, properly exposed and sharp and clear. For composition, judges determine if the photo features a recognizable center of interest, action and imagination and creativity.