PRESS RELEASE

For immediate release.
Contact: Chelle Koster Walton
               239-472-3499
               ChelleTrav@aol.com

Caption 1stPlace: Buck Ward, from Fort Myers, Florida, took first place in the 2006 “Ding” Darling Days Amateur Nature Photography Contest with this portrait of a Double-crested Cormorant.

“Ding” Days photo contest comes into focus

June 1 marks the opening of the Annual “Ding” Darling Days Amateur Nature Photography Contest.

The contest, sponsored by the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society (DDWS) and held in conjunction with “Ding” Days, Oct. 8 through 14, honors the birthday of Jay Norwood “Ding” Darling, one of the foremost conservationists in American history and driving force behind the eponymous J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge (NWR).

Deadline for submission is 4 p.m. on Aug. 31, 2007. Complete contest rules are listed below. For an entry form and other contest information, log on to www.dingdarlingsociety.org and click on “Photos,” then “Photo Contest.” Or contact DDWS at dingdarlingoffice@yahoo.com or 239-472-1100, ext. 233.

Entries may be delivered in person to J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge or by mail to “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society, One Wildlife Dr., Sanibel, FL 33957.

• Only amateur photographers are eligible to enter. (You may not possess a professional photographer tax identification number for the sale of photographs.)
• Photos must have been taken during the two previous years within J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge.
• Photos must be 8” x 10” (or full frame 8” x 12”) with an 11” x 14” mat to facilitate display. Frames are not permitted. Please include one 4” x 6” copy of entry.
• Each person may enter up to two photos but can win only one award.
• Photos that have won awards in previous DDWS photo contests may not be resubmitted.
• Judging will be anonymous. Please do not put your name or anything that will identify you on your photo.
• Judging criteria:

• technical excellence (sharpness, lighting, composition, exposure)
• originality/creativity
• interest
• ability to be reproduced for publication

• Digital photos are acceptable. However, only limited image modifications are permitted. Manipulation should only be used to produce a more natural looking photograph. Cropping is allowed, but any other color modifications or the addition of any elements not existing in the original scene will not be allowed.
• All photos will become the property of the Society and will not be returned. There is no need to include a return envelope or postage.
• In the event that fewer than 16 entries are received, the Wildlife Society reserves the right to cancel the contest.
• First, second, and third place winners and honorable mentions will be announced during the “Ding” Darling Days in October. Photos may be used by the Society in any way with appropriate credit.
• The Refuge and DDWS cannot be held responsible for lost or damaged photos.

 

“Ding” Darling Wildlife Society is a non-profit friends organization that supports environmental education and services for J.N. “Ding” Darling NWR.