2023 Photo Contest—Submissions Now Open!
WA Wild’s annual photo contest returns, offering a chance for outdoor, nature, and wildlife photography enthusiasts from across the state to win prizes from our generous partners while helping WA Wild tell the story of Washington’s wild legacy. By capturing and sharing the breathtaking natural beauty of our state, contest entrants help WA Wild continue our work to protect, defend, and restore Washington’s wild lands and waters all year long!
2023 Categories
This year the Washington Wild Photo Contest features six categories with prizes awarded for the top photo in each category. While we have not included a separate Fish & Wildlife Category this year, please know that fish and wildlife photos are always welcome—enter wildlife photos into whichever category you think they fit best.
PEOPLE & PUBLIC LANDS—Hiking, biking, skiing, climbing, horseback riding, etc. … show us your favorite way to play on public lands.
Submission Requirements: Photos must feature at least one person; please note that photos featuring trail buddies of the furry variety are also most welcome in this category.
WASHINGTON’S WILDERNESS—Since 1979, WA Wild has been instrumental in protecting nearly 3 million acres of Wilderness throughout Washington, help us celebrate these special places.
Submission Requirements: Photos must have been taken in one of Washington’s 31 designated Wilderness areas.
WILD PLACES ON FILM—Are you the next Ansel Adams? Capture the classic look and beauty of Washington’s wild places on film.
Submission Requirements: Photos must have been shot on film.
RISING YOUTH PHOTOGRAPHERS — Showcase a fresh perspective on how best to capture and celebrate the beauty of Washington’s wild lands and waters!
Submission Requirements: Regardless of the subject, all photos taken by folks 18 and younger should be submitted to this category.
WILD WATERS — From snowcaps to whitecaps, water connects everything—whether you’re paddling, sailing, fishing, or chasing waterfalls, help us celebrate the untamed beauty of Washington’s wild waters.
Submission Requirements: Must be taken in Washington State and feature a body of water such as a lake, river, or stream (Puget Sound and the Pacific Ocean/coast also count!) Please note: photos that feature people or furry friends paddling, swimming, fishing, etc. will be entered in this category.
BREWSHED® CONNECTION — Show off your favorite brew from a Washington Brewshed® Alliance member either in their taproom or in the wild.
Submission Requirements: Must feature a beer from one of our Brewshed® Alliance Members and photographers must be 21+ to enter this category; always pack in and pack out, and please drink responsibly.
How to Enter
The submission period will open on Tuesday, June 20 at 12AM (PST) and close on Sunday, August 20 at 11:59 PM (PST). Entries submitted before or after the entry period will not be eligible for consideration in the contest. Photographers will need to submit their photos and all required information via this form. Each photographer may submit up to FIVE photos in TOTAL.
IMPORTANT: In addition to the individual category submission requirements listed above, all photos entered in the PEOPLE & PUBLIC LANDS, WASHINGTON’S WILDERNESS, WILD PLACES ON FILM, and RISING YOUTH PHOTOGRAPHER categories must be taken on Washington State federal lands, which include National Forests, National Parks, National Monuments (Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, Hanford Reach National Monument, San Juan Islands National Monument), designated Wilderness areas, inventoried Roadless Areas, or any areas within pending proposed Wilderness designation, such as the Wild Olympics. We love our State, County, and local parks as much as anyone, but our mission is primarily focused on gaining and defending Federal protections within Washington.
Judging
Beyond our usual panel of WA Staff, Board Members, and volunteers, we are also very excited to be adding several professional photographers as judges this year! Judging will take place from August 21st – September 1st, with winners announced the week of September 4th.
Prize Packs
Prizes for the top photo in each category include:
- $150 gift card to Glazer’s Camera
- GRAYL purifier bottle
- $50 gift card to Ascent Outdoors
- 2 tickets to our annual celebration, Wild Night Out
- A surprise gift tailored to each particular category
- Fine art print to be included in the auction at Wild Night Out
Thank You to Our Contest Sponsors and Partners
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