ANNAPOLIS (April 7, 2010) — The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is now accepting entries for the 7th Annual Maryland Natural Resource Photo Contest. The contest invites student, amateur and professional photographers to submit photos of Maryland’s diverse natural resources through August 31.
“This is a great opportunity,” said DNR Secretary John Griffin. “Not only is it a chance for photographers of all skill levels to compete for exposure, but the contest highlights the natural beauty Maryland has to offer.”
Last year, My Phuong Nguyen of Burtonsville topped more than 300 other photographers with her winning image entitled “Egret Dancing.” There were five additional first place winners, including Steven Dembo of Pikesville in the State Parks category; Karen L. Messick of Baltimore in the Mountains to the Bay category; David Gigliotti of Bel Air in the Insect category; and Natalie K. Overholt of Westover in the Wildlife category.
Photos entered into the 2010 contest will be judged within six categories: birds, wildlife, insects, scenic, floral and outdoor recreation. Winning entries will be featured in the winter issue of The Maryland Natural Resource magazine as well as the 2011 DNR calendar.
The best overall photo will win the grand prize of $500, a 2011 Maryland State Park Passport, a lifetime subscription to the Maryland Natural Resource magazine and five copies of the 2011 DNR Calendar, which will feature the winning photo on the cover.
First place winners in each category will receive a Maryland State Park Passport, a two year subscription to the Maryland Natural Resource magazine and two copies of the 2011 DNR Calendar. Second place winners will receive a one-year subscription to the magazine and a calendar.
All qualifying photographs must be taken in Maryland. Photographers may submit up to three entries for a $10 entry fee with an additional $3 for each additional entry beyond three. Photos cannot be more than two years old or previously published. Non-residents may participate as long as the photos were taken in Maryland. Winners will be announced online September 30.
Official rules and contest entry forms are available online at
www.dnr.maryland.gov/photocontest/.