Photo Contest

Lessons From the Natural World Photo Contest

This contest is meant to encourage a deeper connection with nature and the lessons that can be learned from spending time in and observing nature. The photo contest will feature four judged categories inspired by Nebraska State symbols:

  1. Little Bluestems: Elementary/middle school students (grades K-8) 

  2. Honeybees: High school students (grades 9-12)

  3. Goldenrods: University students (undergraduate)

  4. Meadowlarks: Adults (general public)

There will also be a fifth "People's Choice" category voted on by the public.

 

Eligibility & Submission Guidelines:  
  • Photographer must currently reside in Nebraska

  • Entrants may submit up to 3 digitally accessible images

  • Each submission must be accompanied by a brief description of what the photographer learned from the natural world by taking the photo and/or what the photographer hopes the viewer will learn by viewing it.

  • Photographs must be original work taken in 2024 or 2025 

  • Submissions must be in color

  • Entries containing a watermark will not be accepted

  • Original photo should only be modified with minimal correction

  • Submissions close on February 28, 2025 (11:59 pm Central)

  • Prior to uploading, please save image files as follows: 

    • Last name_First initial_Image title name

    • Example: Smith_A_Sunflower

 

Announcements & Prizes:  
  • Winners will be announced at the Ed Yong event on March 25. Please save the date and plan to attend!

  • Winners will receive prizes related to the theme, including 2 tickets to “The Cosmic Perspective” with Neil deGrasse Tyson on April 22.

 

Submit your photos here:  
Photographer's Name

For example, "Sophie B." or "S. Brown" if you prefer not to share both first and last names.

Contact Name (if submitting on behalf of a K-8 student)
Current Address
Category
Grades K-8
Grades 9-12
University Student
Adult

In addition to the judged category above, would you like the photo(s) considered for the People's Choice category?

Prior to uploading, please save image file: Last name_First initial_Image title name (Example: Smith_A_Sunflower)


One file only.
20 MB limit.
Allowed types: gif, jpg, jpeg, png.

What did the photographer learn from the natural world by taking the photo, and/or what does the photographer hope the viewer will learn by viewing it?

Prior to uploading, please save image file: Last name_First initial_Image title name (Example: Smith_A_Sunflower)


One file only.
20 MB limit.
Allowed types: gif, jpg, jpeg, png.

What did the photographer learn from the natural world by taking the photo, and/or what does the photographer hope the viewer will learn by viewing it?

Prior to uploading, please save image file: Last name_First initial_Image title name (Example: Smith_A_Sunflower)


One file only.
20 MB limit.
Allowed types: gif, jpg, jpeg, png.

What did the photographer learn from the natural world by taking the photo, and/or what does the photographer hope the viewer will learn by viewing it?

The photo(s) submitted adhere to all Eligibility & Submission Guidelines noted above.

By submitting the image(s) above, I, the participant, grant the E.N. Thompson Forum permission to post my photo(s) on the E.N. Thompson Forum website and social media platforms and display at related events, in any form and at any time.

By submitting the image(s) above, I, the participant, grant the E.N. Thompson Forum permission to use my name on the E.N. Thompson Forum website and social media platforms and display it at related events.