“Focus on Eastern Neck”

Objective: Increase community involvement through photography showing the beauty of Eastern Neck Refuge.

Timing: September 20– November 1.

Themes:

  • Wildlife: Action shots in the refuge
  • People and/or animal fun or playfulness

All awards are publicized on the Friends of Eastern Neck website and on social media.

Awards*:

1st Place

  • $150 gift card and $50 store gift card**
  • Digital print display in visitors lodge

2nd Place

  • $100 gift card and $25 store gift card
  • Digital print display in visitors lodge

3rd Place

  • $50 gift card and $25 store gift card


* Youth submissions will get special consideration.

** The store gift card is for merchandise only, not cash.

Submission Requirements

  • All image file entries must be digital uploads only and have a title, date photo was taken, location of photograph on Eastern Neck refuge and the name of the person who took the photo.
    • Each image file should be in jpg format only. Please keep file sizes no larger than 10MB.
    • Adult Contest is open to photographers both Professional and Amateur aged 18 or older.
    • Youth submissions (ages 10-17) need to be submitted by parents with name and age of youth in the email.
    • You must submit one (1) image at a time, but each contestant may submit up to six (6) digital images total.
    • Image files must be submitted by 11:59 PM on November 1, 2025 to info@friendsofeasternneck.org
    • Photos generated using Artificial Intelligence are prohibited
    • Photographs that have been digitally or otherwise altered beyond standard optimization will be disqualified. Limited image modifications are allowed.
    • Photos taken with drones are prohibited. Drones are not allowed in the Refuge.
    • Photos must have been taken within areas of the Refuge that are open to the public during public accessible hours in 2025
    • Any refuge scene, whether wildlife, plants, or scenic landscape, are eligible.
    • Color and/or black & white images are allowed.
    • Elements or objects not in the original scene should not be added.
    • Watermarks, signatures, or copyright notices MUST be removed prior to submission.
    • Photographers retain ownership of all copyrights.
    • Photographers allow FOEN to use their photographs on the FOEN website and in social media. (The name of the photographer will of course be included for proper credit.)
    • No one photographer may have more than one winning entry.
    • All finalists will be notified by email a week or so before the public announcement and may be required to resubmit their winning image in high resolution.
    • If submission rules are not followed, the application and images may not be judged and/or disqualified.

How To Enter

Submit each photo to info@friendsofeasternneck.org

Judging Criteria

The Judge will score eligible photographs using the following criteria:

  • Technical Excellence
  • Composition & Visual Impact
  • Creativity & Originality
  • Wildlife & Habitat Representation
  • Emotional Impact & Storytelling

Competition Judge

Rodger Wilder Is a photographer focusing on birds, wildlife, landscapes, and scenery. He visits Eastern Neck often and has captured numerous birds, waterfowl, animals, and insects that are residents or  frequent the refuge. He is familiar with the roads and trails of the island, including the winter bird walks to Panhandle Point and Hail Creek.

Good luck and happy photographing.