OceaninFocusConservationPhotoContest2011

Imagine yourself leaning over the edge of the National Geographic Endeavor, a Lindblad Expeditions ship, the Galapagos Islands in your viewfinder as the sun rises over these ecologically critical islands. You capture the iconic photo and the excitement swells as you anticipate the days ahead filled with kayaking, snorkeling, photography expeditions and much more.

Join the Marine Photobank as a contributing photographer, donate your most compelling ocean conservation photos, and you could win the Grand Prize: a two-person cabin on a
10-day Lindblad Expeditions trip to the Galapagos!

This contest calls on photographers of all skill levels to compete and donate photos illustrating the many human impacts on marine life and marine ecosystems as well as ways in which people are working to turn the tide on ocean degradation. Photos contributed to the Marine Photobank will be available to download for free for our membership of teachers, students, researchers, conservationists, scientists and other non-commercial users as well as media under specified media usage terms. Images downloaded from the Marine Photobank must NOT be used for commercial purposes. Help us raise ocean awareness with your photography today.

Check out the other incredible prizes, such as the First Place prize of seven days, of diving, from Matava eco-resort in Fiji! We will also offer carbon offsets from NativeEnergy to each prize-winner. You can also win gift certificates to Backscatter Underwater Video and Photo for new gear as well as large photo prints from photographer Bob Talbot. Learn more about all of the exciting prizes. Image submissions will be accepted until September 30, 2011 at 11:59 p.m. US Eastern Standard Time.

1. Login to the Marine Photobank (if you are not a Contributor Member, update your membership status). If you do not have an account, register here as a Contributor Member.

3. If you are a new member, please be patient while we review your application. Once you receive a membership acceptance e-mail, you may upload your photos.

Please be sure to login to your account and confirm that we have an up-to-date e-mail address on record. If you win, we will need to contact you!

We cannot guarantee that your image will be entered into the contest if you have not properly labeled and provided detailed information with your photo. See below for details. Images should be uploaded at the highest available resolution, but must be under 5MB each.

To help us keep organized, please label your photos, either in the file name OR the Title field of the upload page (please be consistent) with the word “Contest 1.” Label subsequent entries as numbers 2,3,4 and so on up to 10. (i.e. Contest 1, Contest 2, Contest 3, etc.)

We never get tired of seeing your photos, so please feel free to donate more than 10 photos, but be sure to label which photos you wish to enter into the contest.

It is essential that you include your name on the upload page. You may not submit photos for other people. Anyone who would like to compete in the contest must open their own account for contact purposes. Please specify in the Credit Statement field if you wish to be contacted my Media members prior to their use. We will fill in the credit statement field with our preferred credit statement language based on your preferences.

After you have filled out the information fields on the photo upload page, select the gallery Photo Contest 2011. You may also select other appropriate galleries in which you think the photos belong.

4) Be thorough and include detail. The photo is only as good as what you have to tell us about it.

Be sure to include a description of the image as well as any interesting information about what it took to get the shot, what marine issue is being addressed in the photo, etc. Information we recommend you include:

1. Photographers can enter a maximum of 10 photos into the contest. If submitting multiple photos of the same subject, please be sure to submit your best photos from the series and be sure they tell a compelling story. (The remainder can be submitted to the Marine Photobank cause rather than the contest.)

2. Photos will not be accepted in which animals, plants or objects have been staged.

3. By submitting your photos, you are stating that no species were harassed or harmed nor were ecosystems disturbed or damaged in the process of obtaining your photo. Violators of this rule will not be entered in this or future competitions.

4. Images cannot be digitally manipulated, aside from basic changes such as light levels, etc.

5. Submissions will be accepted from professional and amateur photographers. In order to submit your photos, visit the Marine Photobank registration page.

6. All photos submitted will be subject to the Marine Photobank image usage terms. Therefore, once the contest is complete, images will be available to a global network of researchers, educators, students, conservationists and concerned citizens to use for non-commercial, conservation purposes. Media use is allowed under terms specified by the photographer in the copyright statement.

7. Current Marine Photobank photographers are eligible to submit images if the image is not already in the collection.

We would like to say a massive THANK YOU to all of our generous prize donors for their in-kind donations to this effort. Each of them recognizes the power of visual communication to affect change around the way we interact with the ocean and we ask that you visit their websites and learn more about these great prize donors. This contest would not be possible without their support.

Grand-Prize:
Lindblad Expeditions has graciously donated a cabin for two aboard the National Geographic Endeavour for a 10-day trip to the Galapagos Islands! Carbon offsets from NativeEnergy for the equivalent emissions from 2 people flying roundtrip from JFK to Ecuador and 16,000 miles driving (13 tons total). More Details >>

TERMS AND RESTRICTIONS: One category 1 or 2 cabin for two for a departure between November 1, 2011 and November 1, 2012. Final departure date based upon availability by Lindblad Expeditions. Confirmation is given 45 days prior to sailing. Donation does not include air transportation; baggage, accident, or cancellation insurance; items of a personal nature, such as alcoholic beverages, gift shop, etc.; passport expenses; extension; gratuities to ship's crew at traveler's discretion.

First Prize:
Seven nights Oceanview Bure for one at Matava, Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort, including five days of two-tank morning dives (10 dives) for one, all day free access to shore diving, a traditional Lovo Feast and Kava ceremony. Carbon offsets from NativeEnergy for the equivalent of driving 16,000 miles in the average US car. More details >>

Prize includes:

7 nights Oceanview Bure for one (1) at Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort
5 days 2-tank morning dives (10 dives) for one (1) with Mad Fish Dive Centre, Matava's on site
PADI 5 Star Dive Centre
All day free access to shore diving at The Critter Junction
Traditional Lovo Feast and Kava ceremony
All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, unlimited tea/coffee)
Boat transfers to/from Kadavu airport
All taxes

Not Included:

International air to/from Fiji
Domestic air to/from Kadavu

Terms and Restrictions:

Prize is valid until March 31st, 2012
All requests must be made within 60 days prior to the intended departure date.
This prize is non-transferable and holds no cash value.
Prize based on a double occupancy booking being made.
There is a black out period 4 days before/after any major holiday or school vacation.
Reservations must be made direct through our resort office by emailing our reservations info@Matava.com. Please make all requests by email and include up to three (3) choice dates and a copy of this prize winner letter. Please also note your address, telephone number and your travelling

Honorable Mention for Most Hopeful Image:
To be awarded to the photographer who contributes the most hopeful, inspiring image that best illustrates our capacity to improve and conserve marine species or resources.

Ocean in Focus

Conservation Photo Contest 2011

Win a Trip to the Galapagos Islands!

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The contest is now closed for submissions. Thank you to all of the participants. View the winning photos here.

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