A flock of sandhill cranes flies against a pink and blue sky at Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge.

How it Works

Review important contest information, including eligibility requirements, timeline, and submission guidelines.

A flock of sandhill cranes flies against a pink and blue sky at Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge.

How It Works

Review important contest information, including eligibility requirements, timeline, and submission guidelines.

Contest Phases

Entry

Submit your photos from eligible federal public lands and waters between September 1 and December 31. Entrants may upload up to 50 photos across the contest categories. Before entering, review the Guidelines and Official Rules to confirm eligibility and photo requirements.

Judging

After the contest closes, representatives from the participating federal agencies and the National Park Foundation review eligible entries and select the finalists. Photos are evaluated for originality, composition, technical quality, photographic technique, and how effectively they showcase America's public lands and waters.

Winners Announcement

Winners will be announced in June 2027. In addition to the Grand Prize and category winners, monthly prizes and honorable mentions provide opportunities for recognition throughout the competition.

A hiker with a backpack walks down a stone path toward towering red rock formations in Arches National Park.

Contest Phases

Entry

Submit your photos from eligible federal public lands and waters between September 1 and December 31. Entrants may upload up to 50 photos across the contest categories. Before entering, review the Guidelines and Official Rules to confirm eligibility and photo requirements.

Judging

After the contest closes, representatives from the participating federal agencies and the National Park Foundation review eligible entries and select the finalists. Photos are evaluated for originality, composition, technical quality, photographic technique, and how effectively they showcase America's public lands and waters.

Winners Announcement

Winners will be announced in June 2027. In addition to the Grand Prize and category winners, monthly prizes and honorable mentions provide opportunities for recognition throughout the competition.

A hiker with a backpack walks down a stone path toward towering red rock formations in Arches National Park.

How to Participate

Enter the contest with confidence by reading the official rules, FAQs, and guidelines. Watch the video walk through to see the process for uploading your photos to Picter.

Rules

Read the official rules.

FAQs

Get Answers to common questions

Guidelines

Review essential information from the rules and FAQs.

Picter Walkthrough

Watch a short video on how to submit photos.

Have Questions?

Contact our team today.

Contact Us

Have Questions?

Contact our team today.

Contact Us