The contest is open to the general public, all Friends of Rice Lake Refuge members (including board members) and the staff of Rice Lake NWR. All ages are encouraged to participate. This contest is limited to nonprofessional photographers (no taxable income earned from photography).

Photographs must be of nature related subjects in Aitkin County, MN. Each photographer may enter two photographs per category.

Categories:

1. Nature/Landscape
2. Wildflowers
3. Wildlife, Birds
4. Wildlife, Other
5. People in Nature
6. Digitally Manipulated
7. Black and White

Photographs must be 5x7 or 8x10 and mounted on a black matboard with approximately two inch margins on all sides. No framed artwork will be accepted.

All entrants must complete, sign and submit the official entry form. Winning photographs may be used by the Friends of Rice Lake Refuge as postcards and/or for other educational, promotional and informational purposes, on the Friends and/or Refuge website, in printed materials and on products. Winners will be asked to supply a negative, slide or digital file. The photographer will be given credit when the photo is used.

Entries will be accepted from September 4- 28. Entries must be dropped off at the Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge located five miles south of McGregor, MN on Highway 65.

Judging will be conducted by volunteer individuals with professional photography experience. Three winners (first, second, and third place) will be selected in each category. In addition, Best of Show, Youth Best of Show will be selected overall. Photographs will be judged on technical quality, subject matter appropriateness, ability to be reproduced, and originality/creativity. Judging will occur the week of October 1, 2012. Judges decision is final. The viewing public selects a People’s Choice winner by vote during the exhibition.

All entries will be on display at the Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge from October 9-31, 2012. The Refuge and/or Friends cannot be held responsible for loss or damage to photos. Photos must be picked-up at the Refuge Headquarters November 1-16.

There will be a $5 per person ($15 maximum per family) entry fee with a maximum of 14 photos entered per person (two per category).

All youth will receive a participation prize. All winners will receive a ribbon. Best of Show, Youth Best of Show and People’s Choice winners will receive a $20.00 gift certificate to the Friends of Rice Lake Refuge gift shop.

Please call the Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge at (218) 768-2402. The Friends of Rice Lake Refuge are a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

You can download an entry form in pdf format by clicking on the following link.