The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is now accepting entries for the 5th Annual Maryland Natural Resource Photo Contest. Sponsors including Ritz Camera Centers, Boater's World Marine Centers, Maryland Public Television, and DNR invite student, amateur and professional photographers to enter their photos of Maryland's rich natural resources - water, wildlife, farms, parks and forests, etc. – now through September 5, 2008.Photographers of all ages can participate in a chance to win a share of more than $1,200 in prizes and to have their outdoor images published in print and online. Winning entries will be featured in the winter issue of The Maryland Natural Resource magazine as well as the 2009 DNR calendar.
Photos entered into the 2008 contest will be judged within 5 categories:
Birds - more than 350 species call Maryland home;
Mammals, Reptiles and Amphibians - fish, frog or fox, you decide;
Invertebrates - Bugs, bugs and more bugs;
Landscape scenes - from the mountains to the Bay;
Wild-growing Plants - including trees, flowers, leaves, fruits and all other cool looking parts; and
Outdoor Recreation - show human interaction with and enjoyment of Maryland's natural world, from hunting and hiking to fly-fishing, shell-collecting, canoeing or climbing.
Photographs must have been taken in Maryland. Photographers may enter up to three entries for a $10 entry fee. 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 October 16. Official rules and contest entry forms are available online at www.dnr.maryland.gov/photocontest/
