Contest Rules

A.      This contest is open to all attendees of the North American Reptile Breeders Conference to show off your best herp-oriented photography.  There is no charge to enter.  Prizes will be awarded to the winners in each of the main 5 categories.  In addition, a “Best of Contest Photo” will be chosen among all the entries.  Color and / or black & white pictures are acceptable.

B.      Photographs must  be submitted as prints (not slides) in 8” x 10” size, or larger .   No pictures smaller than 8” x 10” are eligible.   Stiff backings on photos are encouraged, but not necessary.  You must be the one who took images to enter them – you may not enter pictures that you did not take.  All entries must not have ever been published (yet) in any books, magazines, calendars, etc.  Un paid use of entered pictures on websites is O.K., though.

C.      The following 5 herp categories will be open for judging, The best, most interesting image, regardless of species, rarity, or setting in each :

• 1.   SNAKES  
• 2.   LIZARDS
• 3.   TURTLES  &  CROCODILIANS  
• 4.   AMPHIBIANS  
• 5.   HERPS & HUMANS  - - - The subject(s) should be depicted in an obviously non-wild situation, such as around your home, or on & around manmade structures.  This category includes pets in their cages, being held by people, etc.

PLEASE note which of the above five categories your picture is intended to compete in, even if it seems obvious to you .

D.      Up to 3 images may be submitted in each of the 5 categories by each contestant. 

E.      The judging emphasis will be on the visual impact of the image (how memorable it is), the difficulty factor of obtaining it, the fascination and ‘unusualness' of the subject shown, and the shot's overall artistic appeal.   Images should be clear and in focus, but the difference in quality between what simple cameras versus fancy, expensive cameras & lenses can record will not  weigh heavily against contestants.   It is photographic skill and creativity that counts here, not  fancy photo gadgetry.

F.      Your name, mailing address and telephone number, plus any other contact information (like email address) must be written on or attached to each entry on the back .  The photographer's name may NOT be displayed on the front to possibly influence the judges' decisions.

          You may list what herp species is depicted (common and / or Latin name), where the photo was taken, and any other details of the shot that you wish to add to clarify why you feel your shot is worthy of winning on a small sign on the front of your photos.

J.      A “Best of Show” ribbon will be awarded for the best herp picture overall, plus a cash prize of $150.  That single winner will also receive a bold new t-shirt design of his or her choice from ECO's tables at the show.  The winners in each of the five herp photography categories will each receive $25 and their choice of an ECO t-shirt.

Good  Luck  To  All  !  !  !