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Photo Contest

Photo Contest Display

Visit the Olewine Nature Center from December 14- January 27, 2023 to view and vote for your favorite photos! Take a tour of beautiful photographs from all of Dauphin County’s parks. Winners will be announced at the Photo Contest Reception on Sunday, January 14, 2024 at 1:00 pm. Prizes will be awarded for winning entries. The People’s Choice Award winners will be announced in February after the display ends.

The Nature Center will be closed: Mondays and Sunday, December 24

Entering the Contest

The Friends of Wildwood are seeking original, amateur photographs taken within a Dauphin County Park for the 2023 Photography Contest. Photos should reflect natural habitats including flora and fauna and convey the conservation values of all Dauphin County Parks.

NEW in 2022 – Photos reflecting nature, may be taken within any of the following Dauphin County Parks: Wildwood Park, Fort Hunter Park, Fort Hunter Conservancy, Detweiler Park, Wiconisco Creek Park, or Lykens Glen Park.

Contest Rules

Eligibility

  • Photo MUST have been taken at one of the following Dauphin County Parks: Wildwood Park, Fort Hunter Park, Fort Hunter Conservancy, Detweiler Park, Wiconisco Creek Park, or Lykens Glen Park.
  • While we recognize that there is a great deal of creativity associated with digital manipulation of photos, we will accept
    only photographs that reflect wildlife and scenic areas in their natural state, without the assistance of imagery manipulation.
  • Photos should reflect natural habitats including flora and fauna and convey the conservation values of all Dauphin County Parks.
  • Photos that previously won an award in the Photo Contest may not be entered.
  • This competition is open only to amateur photographers.

Preparing Photos

  • Only two submissions per person will be accepted.
  • Entries must be 8”x10” print size, mounted on a white 11”x14” backboard with a single white top mat. Note: Adhesive hangers will be provided by Friends of Wildwood and attached to the backboard for exhibit hanging.
  • Mats are available in the Nature Shop for $6.00.
  • No framed prints are permitted.
  • No marks or names that can identify the photographer may be visible on the front of the photograph or mat.
  • A completed photo contest entry form must be attached to the backboard of each photo.
  • Entries will be accepted at the Nature Center November 1 through December 3, 2023. All entries are due by December 3, 2023 by 3:00 pm.

Judging & Awards

  • Photos will be on display in the Olewine Nature Center from December 12, 2023 through January 27, 2024.
  • Judging will be conducted by a panel of professional photographers and will be based on composition, creativity, sharpness and contrast.
  • Cash prizes ($100, $75, $50) will be awarded to first, second and third place winners in each division at the awards reception on January 14, 2024, 1:00pm.
  • The public will have an opportunity to vote for their favorite photographs (People’s Choice Awards). Winners will be notified in early February.
  • The photo committee reserves the right to disqualify any entry that does not meet the contest guidelines.

Returns

  • Photos may be picked up at the Olewine Nature Center February 1, 2024 through March 1, 2024 (closed Mondays and holidays). Beyond March 1, 2024, unclaimed photos may be donated for educational purposes.
  • Winning entries will be retained for one year for display purposes and may be picked up on or after February 1, 2025.

Other

  • The Friends of Wildwood and Dauphin County Department of Parks and Recreation reserve the right to publish or display submitted photographs on our website and other venues.
  • The Friends of Wildwood assumes no liability for any loss, damage or injury of any kind to persons or property resulting from participation in the contest.