How to Enter

All entries must be submitted as digital files. No hard copies will be displayed at this year’s event.

Only registered symposium attendees, onsite or virtual, may submit photographs. All entries must be submitted digitally by 5PM PST Friday February 21, 2025. No late entries will be accepted.

Digital photographs must be submitted, one photo per email, to email hidden; JavaScript is required. In the body of the email, include the following information about the photo:

• entry category (see below)
• the name for the photo
• common and scientific name (for flora and fauna subjects)
• location
• date photo was taken
• contestant’s name, address, and phone number
• contestant’s social media tag/handle, if available

The filename should be formatted as category-name_photo-name.jpg — for example:

other-desert-wildlife_scrub-jays.jpg

If you need assistance, please email email hidden; JavaScript is required.

Categories

Each contestant may submit a maximum of two photos per category:

1. WILD DESERT TORTOISES
2. CAPTIVE (PET) DESERT TORTOISES
3. OTHER DESERT REPTILES
4. DESERT MAMMALS
5. OTHER DESERT WILDLIFE
6. WILD DESERT PLANTS
7. DESERT SCENES
8. TORTOISE CONSERVATION*

*This category covers a range of subjects but must depict activities or subject matter important to the perpetuation of the species. Examples are research, impacts (i.e., raven predation), improvements (i.e., fencing), and environmental education.

With the exception of Captive (Pet) Tortoises, all photographs must be taken in the wild with animals unrestrained and photographed taken in a natural habitat within the geographic range of the three desert tortoise species.

Awards

Winners will be awarded first, second, and third place in each of the eight categories.

• First Place awards will be $75.00
• Second Place awards will be $50.00
• Third Place awards will be $25.00
• The ninth category, Best of Show, will receive $150.00

Judging

Photographs will be judged at the Symposium by the registered attendees, onsite or virtual. Voting will be online only, and specific instructions will be given. Each attendee may vote only once. Winners will be announced at the symposium banquet.

Digital photos will be displayed on the website. The Desert Tortoise Council shall have the right to use all electronic file submissions in its publications, educational programs, website, and social media platforms, as well as to assign such permission to others, with full credit given to the photographer. Photos from the contest have proven to be very successful outreach tools on our virtual platforms and aid our organization in fundraising efforts, advocacy, and networking.