Residents of Arizona have the opportunity to take part in the state parks and trails photo contest this holiday season, with the opportunity to win a variety of prizes.
Photographers have until Jan. 15 to submit their nature images for the Opt Outside photo competition. The contest is looking for shots taken in Arizona’s state parks that fit into one of five designated categories.
The prize package for the grand champion involves a two-night stay in a micro-camper at Dead Horse Ranch State Park, an annual pass to Arizona State Parks, and a tour of Kartchner Caverns State Park.
The agency’s goal is for people to come and take advantage of the picturesque locales that Arizona has to offer with their loved ones, and create some amazing memories.
Arizona State Parks Photography Competition Details
Contestants are welcome to submit up to five photos per person for the Opt Outside Photo Contest, with each entry eligible to be entered into one of the five categories.
Five distinct classifications exist:
- Flora and fauna, including plants, animals and bugs.
- Cheerful people at state parks.
- Recreational activities such as kayaking, fishing, and camping.
- Picturesque scenes of the natural beauty of state parks.
- The saga of Arizona.
Criteria for judging include creativity, originality, quality and how successfully a story is told. The evaluation body is composed of Arizona State Parks and Trails personnel, Cottonwood Mayor Tim Elinski, and Lauren and Owen Steinwall, proprietors of the Arizona adventures social media page The AZ Hikeaholics.
The top three positions in each category will be awarded, along with the ultimate grand prize.
The top prize in the competition is an Arizona State Parks annual pass, while second-place finishers will be rewarded with two day-use passes. Those who come in third will also receive two day-use passes.
Contestants must be of the age of 18 or older.