Join Big Waters Land Trust for our 7th Annual Summer Photo Contest!

Photographers of all ages and experience levels are invited to enter their original work in our sixth annual Summer Photo Contest. Sponsored by Sarasota Scene Magazine, if you love nature and enjoy taking photos, this is the contest for you!

Artwork that celebrates the breathtaking beauty of Florida’s natural landscapes will take center stage in this juried exhibition. A distinguished panel of experts will carefully select pieces that capture the essence of the state’s wild and scenic wonders. This year’s esteemed jurors include photographer and writer Mary Lundeberg, renowed photographers Harry Sayer and Barbara Banks, and Darcy Kelly-Laviolette, Executive Creative Director for Sarasota Scene Magazine.

Submission Period: 5/1–5/31
Up to three photographs may be submitted per person and must be received no later than midnight on May 31.

Following the submission deadline, jurors will review all entries and select 10 photographs per category for display in online galleries on the Big Waters Land Trust website and Facebook page. Selections will be based on composition, color, contrast, overall quality, subject interest, point of view, and storytelling.

Announcement of Juror Selection for Virtual Exhibition: 7/1

People’s Choice Voting Period: 7/1–7/30
During this time, the public can vote for their favorite images on Facebook.

Announcement of People’s Choice: 8/1

The virtual competition will award prizes to category winners selected by the jury, as well as People’s Choice winners determined by public voting. Jury-selected category winners will also be featured in the July/August issue of Sarasota Scene Magazine.

Download Guidelines and Submission Form. Submission must be sent to Angelena Papazian at [email protected]

CATEGORIES

1. In Love with the Land
   • This category is for landscapes showcasing nature in all her glory.
2. The Art of Nature
   • This category is a celebration of abstract expressions in nature and science. Images may include close-ups, angles, patterns, motion, or other unique perspectives of the natural world.
3. Beautiful Waters
   • This category highlights the beauty of Florida’s waters and is dedicated to the unique rivers, lakes, and coastlines that define the Sunshine State.
4. It’s A Wild Life
   • A mesmerizing array of wildlife can be found across the Sunshine State. From birds to bears, this category is for celebrating the beauty, grace, and raw power of our native species.
5. Youth Perspective
   • This category is for photographers aged 15 and under. Submissions must still fall into one of the categories above.

PRIZES

• Best in Show (jury selected): $100 gift certificate, photograph featured in July/August issue of Sarasota Scene Magazine
• Overall winner in each category (jury selected): Big Waters Land Trust Prize Pack, photograph featured in July/August issue of Sarasota Scene Magazine
• People’s Choice Best in Show (popular vote): $100 gift certificate
• People’s Choice category winners (popular vote): Big Waters Land Trust Prize Pack

CONTEST RULES AND CONDITIONS

• Anyone can enter the contest with the exception of jury members.
• Entrants can submit up to three photos.
• Entries must be submitted with an official entry form and publicity release (up to three
  entries per form).
• There is no cost to enter.
• All submissions must be received via email no later than Noon on May 31, 2026.
• Images must be sent as a JPG and cannot exceed 5MB in size.
• Image files should be named as follows: Title of Image – Photographer Last Name
• Photographs must fall into one of the official contest categories.
• Photographs must be taken within the past year in Florida (location identified on submission form).
• Photograph must be original work owned by the registrant.
• Basic editing is permitted, however, no special effects or heavy edits may be applied to
  photograph.
• Text, logos, and/or names cannot be included in the photo.
• All photographs are subject to acceptance for exhibition – entering contest does not guarantee your work will be selected.

Any photo not meeting the above rules and guidelines will not be considered for selection.