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 digital photographs must be taken of wild (i.e., unrestrained and photographed in its natural habitat) subjects occurring within the geographic range of the appropriate 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 during the Symposium by the attendees. Symposium attendees will be provided instructions about viewing the photos and voting for each category, and each person may vote only once.

Digital Photos

Digital photographs will become the property of the Desert Tortoise Council. The Desert Tortoise Council shall have the right to use these photographs 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.