Attention all amateur nature photographers, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation just launched their 11th annual watershed photo contest. If you’ve got a shot you took in the past year and you shot it in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, you have until April 11th to send it in and possibly receive a cash prize.

The Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse in the Chesapeake Bay. Credit: Wikipedia

Photographers of all skill levels, ages 13 and up, are encouraged to participate to win cash prizes of from $100 to $500, and to have their photos featured in a number of CBF’s publications.

The contest is intended to promote awareness of conservation issues related to the Chesapeake Bay and local rivers and streams. CBF is seeking images from around the watershed that illustrate the beauty, benefits, and bounty of the Bay and its rivers and streams. This year, concepts and topics for photographers to consider include beauty, recreation, history and legacy, and agriculture. Photos can illustrate a wide variety of topics but must include water in the photo.

“We constantly are impressed with the quality of the photos submitted,” said Jennifer Wallace, CBF managing editor and contest organizer. “It’s wonderful to see how connected and aware people are of our great rivers, streams, and the Bay.” 

Winners will receive a cash award ranging from the top prize of $500 to $100. The first-prize winner also receives a premium spot in the CBF 2015 calendar. All winners will receive a one-year membership to CBF and will have their photos displayed on CBF’s website, in a CBF e-newsletter, in CBF’s 2015 calendar, and in CBF’s award-winning magazine, Save the Bay.

Judging will be conducted by a panel of CBF employees on the basis of subject matter, composition, focus, lighting, uniqueness, and impact. The public will also be able to vote online for their favorite photo in the Viewers’ Choice Gallery.

Last year the judges considered more than 600 entries. Participation in the Viewers’ Choice Award was outstanding, too, with more than 1,500 votes cast.