CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES
CHILDREN'S PHOTO CONTEST DETAILS
"Through the Lens: California in your backyard"
The California Academy of Sciences is pleased to announce a photo contest for youth ages 8-12. The Academy has a long history with nature. Our researchers spend a great deal of time in nature "getting up close" and documenting what they observe. This contest is a chance for children to put on the hat of a researcher, get curious and explore through the lens of a camera.
It is up to the photographer how to convey California in their backyard and the Academy's mission — to explore, explain and protect the natural world. All photographers entering the contest are encouraged to have lots of fun and be as creative as possible! Several winners will receive cash prizes and their work will be exhibited as part of the Children's Gallery at the Grand Re-opening of the California Academy of Sciences on September 27, 2008 and throughout the inaugural year.
The majority of submissions will be posted on the Academy website. Call for submissions will begin on April 15th, 2008 and the deadline to enter is May 26, 2008. Work will be judged after the deadline and winners will be contacted by August 1, 2008. Judging of the entries will be at the discretion of the Academy and winners will be chosen for several categories and awarded the following cash prizes:
- $100 for first place
- $75 for second place
- $50 for third place
Rules of the Contest
1) The Academy's Children's Photo Contest, Through the Lens: California in your backyard is open to anyone between the ages of 8 and 12, except the immediate family members of Academy employees and those of its board of directors.
2) You can enter up to three digital images (a minimum of one megapixel or 300 DPI), or color slides. Contestants must write their name and address on each slide submitted.
3) Photographs containing people are not eligible. However photographs capturing wildlife and nature that convey the mission of the Academy and the theme of California in your backyard are encouraged.
4) If cruel of unethical practices are suspected by the Academy or any of the judges, the entry will be disqualified.
5) Color slides or digital photos on a CD need to be mailed along with the Information and Release Form in one package.
Submissions Process
By Email
1. Email digital photos to . In the email, include your name, age and the title of each digital photo submitted.
2. Complete the Academy's Information and Release form. Scan and email it to , fax it to (415) 321-8604 or mail it to the address given below.
By Mail
1. Mail color slides or digital photos on a CD & the Academy's Information and Release form in one package to:
- California Academy of Sciences
- ATTN: California in your backyard
- 875 Howard Street
- San Francisco, CA 94103
Due to limited space the Academy will only feature Grand Prize Winners and Honorable Mentions in the Exhibit and on the online Gallery. All winning photographers and honorable mentions will be contacted by the judges by August 1, 2008.
The Information and Release Form
Each submission must include a completed and signed Information and Release form. To request the forms by mail or email, please contact the Photo Contest Coordinator at or by phone at (415) 321-8122. Completed forms can be scanned and emailed to , faxed to (415) 321-8604 or mailed to the address given above.
Deadline
The submission deadline for entry is May 26, 2008.
Other Questions
For more information or if you have more questions, contact the Photo Contest Coordinator at or by phone at (415) 321-8122.
