Calling all photographers: Maryland's Department of Natural Resources wants to see your best photos of the state's natural beauty. Learn more about the annual photo contest that runs through August and see last year's prize-winning photos.
WASHINGTON — Rushing waterfalls, misty lakes and resting deer are just a few of the incredible photos captured by the winners of last year’s annual photo contest held by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Now, it could be your turn to win.
Photographers, professional or amateur, are welcome to submit photos highlighting Maryland’s natural beauty to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources online or by mail through Aug. 31, 2018. Entries can include images featuring birds, fauna, flora, insects, natural phenomena, outdoor recreation, scenic landscapes, weather or wildlife.
According to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, judges will select the top three winners from each season, then select a grand prize winner from those.
Winning photos will be posted online, featured in an issue of the Maryland Natural Resource magazine and placed in a 2019 wall calendar. The grand prize winner will be awarded $500, a one-year Maryland State Park and Trail Passport and other prizes.
Photographers may submit up to three entries for $10 with additional unlimited entries at $3 each. All photos must be original and unpublished to be considered.
Natural Resources Secretary Mark Belton said the contest is a great way to get people involved with the outdoors and share their experiences.
“Every year I’m astounded by these new images of Maryland’s natural wonders,” Belton said.
The grand prize winner from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ 2017 Annual Photo Contest. An American Wigeon spreads its wings by Nikunj Patel.
(Courtesy Maryland Department of Natural Resources)
Courtesy Maryland Department of Natural Resources
Fishermen on a misty fall morning by Nikunj Patel. This one hooked first place in the fall category.
(Courtesy Maryland Department of Natural Resources)
Courtesy Maryland Department of Natural Resources
A fox pup in a field by Dane Madsen. This shot took second place in the spring category in 2017.
(Courtesy Maryland Department of Natural Resources)
Courtesy Maryland Department of Natural Resources
A night heron shading itself by Wendy Crowe. This photo took first place in the summer category.
(Courtesy Maryland Department of Natural Resources)
Courtesy Maryland Department of Natural Resources
Bucks relaxing on a chilly day by Reinhardt Sahmel. This serene photo took second place in the fall category.
(Courtesy Maryland Department of Natural Resources)
Courtesy Maryland Department of Natural Resources
An American bald eagle by John Adolph. This took third place in the winter category.
(Courtesy Maryland Department of Natural Resources)
Courtesy Maryland Department of Natural Resources
A nest of eastern bluebird eggs by Martha Johnston. This photo nestled into third place in the spring category.
(Courtesy Maryland Department of Natural Resources)
Courtesy Maryland Department of Natural Resources
A shot of Kilgore Falls in Rock State Park, Harford County by Travis Foreman. This all-American landscape was the number two photo in the summer category.
(Courtesy Maryland Department of Natural Resources)
Zeke Hartner is a digital writer/editor who has been with WTOP since 2017. He is a graduate of North Carolina State University’s Political Science program and an avid news junkie.
