This post is from eyeonannapolis.com The <a href=”https://dnr.maryland.gov/Pages/photocontest.aspx”>Maryland Department of Natural Resources</a> (DNR) has officially opened the <a href=”https://dnr.maryland.gov/Pages/photocontest.aspx”>2025 Maryland Natural Resource Photo Contest</a>. The annual competition invites photographers of all skill levels to capture the diverse landscapes, wildlife, and natural wonders of Maryland.

For the first time, this year’s contest offers an additional platform for recognition. In addition to the opportunity to be featured in the 2026 DNR calendar, photographers may also have their work selected for the department’s newly introduced DNR hard cards, which will be available to hunting and fishing license holders at an additional cost.

“There is no specific prize for a hard card winner, but you’ll get some great exposure,” DNR representatives stated.

<h2 class=”wp-block-heading”>Contest Categories and Judging</h2>

The contest is structured by season—winter, spring, summer, and fall—with first, second, and third place winners selected for each period. A grand prize winner will be chosen from among these top entries.

Participants may submit photographs in the following subcategories within each season:

<ul class=”wp-block-list”>
<li>Birds</li>

<li>Insects</li>

<li>Flora</li>

<li>Recreation</li>

<li>Landscapes</li>

<li>Weather and Wonder</li>

<li>Wildlife</li>
</ul>

To enter, participants must correctly name their photo files using the format: Subcategory Title by Photographer Name. For example: Landscapes Chesapeake Sunrise by Lens Master.jpg. Unnamed or incorrectly named photos may be disqualified.

<h2 class=”wp-block-heading”>Public Voting and Prizes</h2>

A “Fan Favorite” will be selected via public voting on the Maryland DNR Facebook page. The image receiving the most likes will be published in the DNR calendar and will earn the photographer a Maryland State Park pass along with complimentary copies of the calendar.

Additionally, DNR is seeking fishing and hunting photographs for potential use on the new DNR hard cards. While no formal prize accompanies selection for a hard card, the department notes it as an opportunity for photographers to gain wider exposure.

<h2 class=”wp-block-heading”>Entry Rules and Guidelines</h2>

The entry fee is $10 for up to three photos, with an additional $3 fee for each subsequent entry. All submissions must be original and taken in Maryland. Contest ends on August 1, 2025, at noon.

Photos must be landscape-oriented, high-resolution, and free from excessive editing. Images must not include watermarks and should not be generated by artificial intelligence. Minimal focus stacking is allowed, provided it does not alter the integrity of the image.

Images must not contain any embedded nonessential metadata. Photographers retain copyright ownership but grant the Maryland DNR permission to use their images for non-commercial purposes, including education and promotional activities across print, digital, and online platforms.

Participants from any state are eligible to enter, though only photos taken in Maryland qualify. Employees of the Maryland DNR and their immediate families are ineligible.

<h2 class=”wp-block-heading”>About the Contest</h2>

The Maryland Natural Resource Photo Contest is widely recognized for highlighting the scenic diversity of the state. The 2024 contest’s first-place winner for the spring category, Green Heron in the Gardens by Debby Berlyne (above), exemplified the high standard expected of entries.

Complete details, including full contest rules, <a href=”https://www.shopdnr.com/2025PhotoContest.aspx”>entry instructions</a>, <a href=”https://dnr.maryland.gov/Pages/photocontest_entryform.aspx”>submission form</a>, and frequently asked questions, are available on the <a href=”https://dnr.maryland.gov/Pages/photocontest.aspx”>Maryland Department of Natural Resources website</a>.