Part of Audubon’s mission is to connect people with nature. The photo contest helps us fulfill that mission in two ways: the photographer connects with nature while making images and the viewer becomes inspired to connect with nature by seeing the images.

The purpose of the contest is to give photographers an outlet to share their work and have it judged, while at the same time inspiring others to connect with nature and raising money to support the work of the Audubon Center & Sanctuary in Jamestown, New York.

There will be one winner per category in two divisions, a total of six (6) winners:
• Youth: ages 8-18 (or still in high school)
• Adult: ages 18 and over (or post high school)

Categories
Photos may be taken anywhere in the world. Contest officials reserve the right to refuse photos with inappropriate content. Winners will be chosen in the following categories:
• Wildlife: wild animals of all kinds in their native habitats
• Plants/Trees/Fungi: growing naturally in wild places
• Landscapes: wild, natural places

Digital Alterations
All photographs should accurately reflect the subject matter and the scene as it appeared. Photos that have been digitally altered beyond standard optimization will be disqualified. Acceptable are adjustments to color, contrast, brightness and sharpness, removal of dust and scratches, cropping, black and white conversions and use of HDRI (high dynamic range imaging).

Timeline
• Submission Dates and Deadline: Begin submitting now. Deadline is midnight, Saturday, June 30, 2012.
• Judging: Week of July 1, 2012
• Finalists & Winners Announced: Week of July 23, 2012