MDAS 2023 Photo Contest Official Rules

THE ENTRY PERIOD IS NOW CLOSED.


MT. DIABLO SOCIETY 2023 PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST

To promote interest, protection and preservation of birds, and to encourage nature photography and enjoyment of our natural wonders, Mt. Diablo Audubon Society hosts its 2023 photography competition.

ENTRY:

Entry is open to MDAS members. Non-members may join at the MDAS Membership page.

Entry Period:
February 14, 2023 – May 14, 2023
All submissions must be received by 11:59 pm on May 14, 2023
Presentation/Awards: Thursday, June 1st, 2023 at the June Members’ Meeting
DIVISION CATEGORIES:

ADULT: Mt. Diablo Audubon Society members who are 18 and over can submit one photograph per category in the first 5 categories below.

1) California Birds (Photos of birds taken in-state)
2) International Birds (Favorites from your trips abroad)
3) Birds in action (flight, fight, or just having a bath, for example)
4) Birds Dining (Birds eating seeds, nectar, berries, insects, or vertebrates)
5) Worst Bird Shot! (The one that got away! The one that photobombed! The one that is comically
blurry. Some identifiable part of the bird must appear in the frame)

6) YOUTH: Youth under age 18 are encouraged to submit their three best photos. Membership not required.
ENTRY IS BY EMAIL ONLY:

THE ENTRY PERIOD IS NOW CLOSED.
Entry Must Include:

Your photo must be sent as an attachment with the following information in body of email:

1. First and Last Name
2. Division (Adult, Youth): Category (which of 1-6 above)
3. Bird Species
5. City, Park or Wildlife Refuge, or Residence in California
6. Date

Example:
Willow Smith
Adult: Bird Families
Western bluebird
Borges Ranch, Walnut Creek
1/10/2023

Receipt:
You will receive an auto-generated response once we are in receipt of your email submission. The MDAS email is not monitored daily; please do not contact contest administrator or judges to confirm submission. Someone will reach out to you if there is an issue with your submission. If you have a
question, please allow three to four days for a response.

Photo Eligibility:
Photos must be no larger than 35 MB, be close to 3,000 pixels wide (for horizontal photographs), or 3,000 pixels tall (for vertical photographs) with at least 150 dpi, saved in RGB mode, and saved in jpeg format.

Some normal processing of original file is acceptable.

Examples of ineligible photographs include frame stacking, stitched panoramic, photos that have been heavily manipulated, photos with borders/signatures/watermarks.

Winners:
A panel of two to three judges plus contest administrators will meet to determine winners in each category. Judges are ineligible to enter. Panel will select top five (including winner) to be shown via slide show at MDAS member meeting June 1, 2023. Winners in each category will receive a prize. No entrant may win more than one prize. Winning photographs will also be featured on MDAS social media sites, in the Quail, and on website.

Important Considerations:

Ethical Bird Photography In the spirit of appreciating without disturbing or harming birds, MDAS advocates for ethical bird photography. Examples include not getting close to nests or nesting birds and chicks, not using a flash especially when photographing nocturnal birds, not baiting, and no drones.

By entering, photographers are:
1. Representing that they are the sole and exclusive author and owner of the photograph.
2. Irrevocably granting Mt. Diablo Audubon Society non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free, perpetual license to use the photograph in any manner, including all associated uses,