‘Ding’ Days Photo Contest Is Under Way

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July marks the opening of the 26^th annual “Ding” Darling Days Amateur Nature Photography Contest. Deadline for submission is September 15.

The contest, sponsored by the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge (DDWS), is held in conjunction with “Ding” Darling Days, October 20 to 26.

Complete contest rules are listed below. For an entry form and other contest information, visit www.dingdarlingsociety.org/photo-contests. Or contact DDWS at dingdarlingoffice@yahoo.com or 239-472-1100 ext. 223.

DDWS will announce winners and award prizes at Conservation Art Day on Saturday, October 26, during “Ding” Darling Days.

Entries may be delivered in person to J.N. “Ding” Darling NWR or by mail to:

“Ding” Darling Wildlife Society (DDWS), 1 Wildlife Dr., Sanibel, FL 33957 (Attention: Gary Ogden).

·         There is a $25 per person entry fee that provides you with a membership to the Society and is used to defray the cost of the contest. One fee covers two entries per person.

·         Only amateur (all ages) photographers are eligible to enter (may not possess a professional photographer tax identification numbers for the sale of photographs).

·         Photos must be 8” x 10” (or full frame 8” x 12”) with an 11” x 14” mat. This will facilitate display in the Visitor Center (Please, no hangers on the backs of the photographs). Frames are not permitted. Please submit a digital copy on a CD/DVD/Flash Drive. Each photo must be at least 2MB. The two photo entries can be copied onto the same CD/DVD/Flash Drive.

·         Each person may enter up to two photos but is eligible to win only one award. One $25 fee covers two entries per person.

·         Photos that have won awards in previous “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society photo contests may not be resubmitted.

·         Judging will be anonymous. Please do not put your name or anything that will identify you on your photograph.

·         Judging criteria:

1)      Technical excellence (sharpness, lighting, composition, exposure)

2)      Originality/creativity

3)      Interest

4)      Ability to be reproduced for publication

·         On digital photos, only limited image modifications are permitted. Minor manipulation should be used only to produce a more natural looking photograph. Cropping is allowed by adding  any elements not existing in the original scene will not be allowed. Judges, at their discretion, will disqualify any photos that appear to be manipulated beyond these guidelines.

·         All photos will become the property of DDWS and will not be returned. There is no need to include a return enveloped or postage. Photos may be used by DDWS in any way with appropriate with appropriate credit.

·         First, second, and third place winners and honorable mentions will be formally announced during the “Ding” Darling Day’s weeklong celebration held in October. Cash prizes will be awarded.

·         The refuge and Wildlife Society cannot be held responsible for loss or damage of photos.

·         There are three judges: A refuge staff person, a professional photographer, and a member of the Sanibel community.

To support DDWS and the refuge with a tax-deductible gift, visit www.dingdarlingsociety.org or contact Birdie Vertesch at 292-0566, 472-1100 ext. 4 or director@dingdarlingsociety.org.

Island Sun (July 19, 2013)