Since the launch of PARS we have received thousands upon thousands of voucher photos, many of which are outstanding examples of wildlife photography. Among these, certain photos always stand out; either for outstanding clarity, composition, behavior of the subject, or other possible reasons. We would like to start showcasing the quality of our best photographers with an annual photography contest. Entrants in of the categories listed below will compete for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place awards, and winning photographs will appear in the last newsletter issue of each year. First place winners may see their winning photographs in, or on the cover of a future PARS newsletter, or possibly in the final publication for the PARS project. One photograph will be chosen as the ‘Best of Show’ grand prize winner each year. Photographs will be judged on composition, creativity and clarity of the shot.
Contest Categories:
Macro Photography – Close-up photos of any portion of an amphibian or reptile.
Species Representation – These photos should be approached as though they are going to be used as a field guide representation of the subject. Adult, juvenile, larval and egg stages are all acceptable, but only two photos of each species may be submitted.
Behavior – Action photos showing a specimen (or specimens) engaged in a natural activity such as feeding, courtship, etc.
Herps in the Landscape – Photographs illustrating an amphibian or reptile in a classic natural landscape setting.
There will be a first, second and third place winner for each category, with the exception of the Species Representation photos, for which there will only be one winning photograph for each species judged. Deadline for photo submission in this year’s contest is October 7th, 2025. Winners will be announced in the Winter 2026 newsletter.
RULES:
Who Is Eligible?
Registered PARS participants only, including all volunteers, coordinators, land-owners, MACHAC & PFBC personnel. Participants will retain ownership of their photographs, but by submitting agree to allow MACHAC to use the photographs in any of its future publications.
Field Parameters:
- Animals should not be unduly stressed or abused to obtain photographs.
- Photographs must be shot on location where the animal was found, preferably within Pennsylvania’s borders.
How Many Photos Can Be Submitted?
Two photographs for each Pennsylvania species may be submitted in the Species Representation category, and one photograph may be submitted for each of the other categories.
How To Submit:
- Send photos as attachments via email to .
- Submit using the online form here.
- Only one species should be included in each email.
- In the subject line write: ‘PARS photo contest’ and the species name
- In the email text please state the species and category of entry for each photo.
- Photos should be labeled with the last name of the photographer, a hyphen, the species name, photo format, and a number if two photos are being submitted for the same species. Example of two spring peeper photos submitted: poston-crucifer1.jpg , poston-crucifer2.jpg .
Technical Photo Criteria
- Format for final photos: high-resolution JPG or TIF.
- Preferred photo size 1500 x 2100 pixels or more
- Minimum photo size 1200 x 1200 pixels
- Photos should be smoothly pixilated even at 100% zoom.
Judging Criteria:
Photos will first be screened by MACHAC personnel to ensure criteria have been met, and then presented anonymously to a panel of judges without photographer information. These judges will select the winning photo for each category. Judges may enter the contest but will not be permitted to judge their own photos.
- Originality
- Technical execution
- Animal should comprise > 50% of the photo.
- How well the individual represents the Pennsylvania phenotype or morphology of the species in the ‘Species Representation’ category.
PLEASE:
- No dead animals (e.g., roadkill).
- No multiple species.
- No text, symbols, or watermarks permitted on photos
- Hand-held or captive is acceptable if the hand (or net or container) doesn’t show in the photo.
Legalities:
- Photographs are donations, not purchased.
- No prizes for this contest are awarded other than certificates and/or ribbons.
- You will receive credit for each photo published.
- You will retain legal rights for future use of your photographs.
- You will be required to sign a release form that grants MACHAC and the PFBC the rights to use your photograph in any of their future publications, including electronic. Participants under the age of 18 must have a parent or legal guardian co-sign for them.
- Final size and cropping will be determined by MACHAC.
Judges Wanted:
We will need a minimum of three volunteers to assist in judging the entries. Volunteer judges should have professional photography experience, preferably in wildlife photography, or other appropriate credentials. Judges may enter their own photographs, but will not be allowed to vote for their own photos. If you are interested in volunteering as a judge for the contest, please contact. The PARS Team
