By 1808Delaware
Preservation Parks invites amateur photographers to participate in its annual photo contest, capturing the essence of central Ohio’s natural and historical landscapes. With categories ranging from Animals and General Nature to Macro and Park District Scenes, the contest offers a platform for photographers to showcase their talent and the beauty of Preservation Parks. The contest is open until 11:59 PM, November 5, so there’s ample time to explore and snap your perfect shot.
Contest Categories: A Spectrum of Subjects
The contest features five categories, each designed to highlight different aspects of Preservation Parks:
- Animals: This category focuses on wild animals. Domesticated animals and livestock from Gallant Farm should be entered under Park District Scenes.
- General Nature: Photos can include landscapes, plants, animals, and natural phenomena like weather. The human element may be present but should be minimal.
- Macro: This category is for extreme close-ups of small natural items, showcasing them larger than life.
- Park District Scenes: Photos may capture natural or historical features, structures, events, areas, or people within the parks. No portraits are allowed.
- Youth: This category is open to photographers aged 17 and under and can include photos related to any of the other categories.
All photos must be taken at a Preservation Parks site. Visit the Parks & Trails page for a list of all eligible locations.
How to Enter
Entries must be uploaded to the Preservation Parks’ digital asset management platform, Canto, in jpeg/jpg format with a minimum resolution of 2400 x 3000 pixels and a maximum size of 5MB. No major digital enhancements or watermarks are allowed. Each entry must include the photographer’s name, address, phone, email, the park or trail where the photo was taken, and the contest category. Participants may submit up to two entries per category.
For full guidelines and to upload your entries, click here.
Judging and Awards
Photos will be reviewed by a panel of Park District staff and judged based on content, image quality, composition, creativity, and storytelling. Ribbons will be awarded for first, second, and third places in each category, along with a “Best of Show” and “Reserve Best of Show” ribbon across all entries. A “People’s Choice” ribbon will also be awarded based on Facebook votes, running from November 15 to December 3, 2023.
By entering the contest, participants agree to allow Preservation Parks to use their photographs in any Park District publication, advertisement, or merchandise. If your photo includes recognizable faces, a signed photo release form must accompany your submission.
