2024 photo contest

The 2024 Photo Contest is now closed.

Every year, we invite you to share your best photos of nature in Wisconsin with us: the landscapes you’ve explored, the wildlife you’ve spotted, and the outdoor adventures you’ve had.

This year, we are switching things up a bit and incorporating 5 different categories for photo submissions. There will be one winner from each category, and one of the category winners will be selected as the grand prize winner. We are also bringing back the People’s Choice Award where, you guessed it, YOU get to decide the winner. The 2024 Photo Contest categories are:

1) Landscapes
2) Birds
3) Flora & Fungi
4) Insects, Amphibians, & Reptiles
5) People & Other Mammals

The Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin is dedicated to protecting the lands, waters, and wildlife that you cherish most. Thank you for being a part of our mission and letting us see our work through your lens.

A group of American avocets walking along the beach

People’s Choice: 2023 — American Avocets by Todd Leech

Prizes

We are awarding prizes for the Grand Prize Winner, 4 additional Category Winners, and People’s Choice!

Grand Prize: Oberwerk 8×32 Sport HD Binoculars ($230) and $200 REI gift card

Category Prizes: GOSKY 12×55 HD Monocular ($170 value) and $50 REI gift card

People’s Choice: NRF swag bag with hat, tee, sweatshirt, & more

In addition, all winners will receive a complimentary NRF membership, Foundation t-shirt, and their photo featured in our newsletter, Bridges. 

People’s Choice will be determined by popular vote from a selection of finalists.

Graphic that reads Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin 2024 Photo Contest Prizes Grand Prize Oberwerk 8x32 sport HD Binoculars ($230 value), $200 REI gift card, your photo featured on the cover of an NRF publication, 4 category winners Gosky 12x55 HD Monocular ($170 value), $50 REI gift card People's Choice NRF swag bag with hat, tee, sweatshirt, and more. All winners get a complimentary NRF membership, Foundation t-shirt, and their photo featured in our newsletter, Bridges

Submission Guidelines

Submit up to four of your best Wisconsin nature photos to the Photo Contest via our online portal. If submitting multiple photos, please submit each one separately. NRF staff, judges, and the immediate family of judges are not eligible to win prizes.

DEADLINE: November 1st, 2024 at 11:59 pm

PHOTO REQUIREMENTS: Photos must be submitted as high resolution JPEG files (200+ dpi). Maximum file size 20 MB. Minimum file size 2 MB. Minimum image size 2048 pixels (tall or wide). Vertical or horizontal in orientation (Note: some images may be cropped to fit format). Photo cannot be over three years old. You cannot submit the same photo to multiple categories. No watermarks please. Only photos that fit these requirements will be eligible for prizes.

PHOTO RIGHTS: Entrant must hold all rights to the photograph, must receive permission from any people featured in the photo prior to submitting.

NOTE: By submitting your photos, you give the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin permission to use them in publications, promotions, and on social media (we always credit the photographer).

You do not need to be an NRF member to submit a photo.

goldfinch on sumac

First Place: 2022 — Momma Fox & Kit by Marci Lanois

GUEST JUDGES

We are excited to introduce our two guest judges for the 2024 Photo Contest! Julie Spanton and Andy Raupp will join a panel with NRF staff to select the winning photos.

Julie Spanton

Winner of NRF’s 2023 Photo Contest

Sunset over a lake, with the sunset's reflection on the water

First Place: 2023 — Sunset on Middle Sugarbush Lake by Julie Spanton

Andy Raupp

Professional bird and wildlife photographer

Thomas Meyer holding a leopard frog
A ruby throated hummingbird flying next to a tall red wildflower with tall purple flowers framing the shot

Ruby Throated Hummingbird and Wildflowers by Andy Raupp

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2023 Contest Winners

Banner photos by Dave Moffat and Andy Raupp