Macarthur Nature Photography Competition

About the competition 

In a world seemingly overloaded by a daily avalanche of images, through Instagram, Facebook and television, a striking image can still cut through the clutter of it all, revealing to us something in our worlds that we have been missing.

The Macarthur councils will once again host the highly anticipated Macarthur Nature Photography Competition (MNPC) and encourage our community to enter their most striking, engaging and enticing images of local native flora, wildlife and natural scenery taken from within the Macarthur area!

 

Important dates

Due to COVID-19 this year's competition will be entirely online and with no cost to enter. 

Online entries open: 21 September 2020

Online entries close: 23 October 2020

 

How to enter 

Entry is easy!

1. Take some photos that relate to the competition categories within the Campbelltown, Camden or Wollondilly Local Government Area. 

2. Carefully read all the competition rules. 

3. Enter your photos via our online platform. 

 

Submit your entry

Online submissions will open on 21 September 2020.

 

Competition Themes 

The five categories for the competition are: 

1. Flora - Images that showcase the diverse array of native flora found within the Macarthur region (ie: plants, flowers, trees, leaves, bark).

2. Fauna - Images that celebrate our unique native fauna found within the Macarthur region (ie: birds, mammals, invertebrates, reptiles, amphibians).

3. Waterways - Images reflecting an aspect of the lakes, rivers and creeks of the Macarthur region (i.e. Thirlmere Lakes, Georges River, Nepean River and their tributaries).

4. Backyard Biodiversity - Images taken from your backyard, balcony or local park highlighting native plants or wildlife. 

5. Landscapes of Macarthur - Panoramic images of characteristic landscapes and views of the Macarthur highlighting the unique features of the region (i.e. sunsets/sunrises, local nature reserves, and national parks).

 

Teacher resources 

When students fill out their entry form, all they need to do is specify their age and parent's contact details to go in the running to win a prize for themselves in one of the five main categories. 

Cameras come in all shapes and forms these days, encourage students to snap a shot on their smart phone, iPad or camera. 

The competition is a great way to engage students in a range of syllabus content.

Download our Primary School Teachers Resource Booklet or High School Teachers Resource Booklet to help deliver this within your classrooms. 

 

Prizes 

Primary school aged (5 to 12 years) 

  • $75 cash for first place in each theme 
  • $50 cash for second place in each theme 

High school aged (13 to 18 years) 

  • $100 cash for first place in each theme 
  • $75 cash for second place in each theme

Open section (18+ years)

  • $200 cash for first place in each theme 
  • $100 cash for second place in each theme 

Don't forget! The People's Choice Award is back again this year with an amazing prize for the most popular photo, voted by YOU through our online photo gallery. 

 

Announcement of winners

Due to COVID-19 there will not be an awards ceremony this year, instead:  

  • An online album of each age category winner will be developed by the Macarthur Councils
  • The winners will be shared online via social media, with the winners being contacted ahead of time

Exact dates are still to be confirmed, keep an eye on this page for further details. 

 

Ethical Photography 

Putting the welfare of wildlife and nature first should be every photographer’s goal.

Please be respectful and follow the below: 

  • Do no harm, leave only footprints and take only photos.
  • Do not destroy or alter habitat for a better view or scene.
  • Let animals go about their business, do not seek their attention or interaction.
  • Take special care at breeding season.
  • Know the signs of stress on wildlife.
  • Do not use flash photography on wildlife.

 

Competition rules 

1. For the purposes of this competition, the competition organisers are defined as nominated staff involved in the organisation and coordination of the competition from Campbelltown City, Camden and Wollondilly Shire councils.
2. The subject matter of the photographs submitted must be from within the Macarthur region, defined as Campbelltown, Camden and Wollondilly Local Government Area (LGA), and must be obtained lawfully.
3. Photographs may be black and white or colour.
4. Each entrant may enter a maximum of five photographs in the competition.
5. The content of a photograph must not be changed or manipulated in anyway; that is, no cloning, montaging, or digital manipulation other than cropping, toning, digital spotting, burning and dodging is permitted. No addition or removal of subject matter is accepted. Retouching is limited to removal of normal scratches and dust spots. Colour adjustment should be minimal.
6. Each photograph can only be entered into one theme.
7. A panel of judges approved by the general managers of the three participating councils, representing photography, art and local
biodiversity expertise, will select the theme place winners and shortlist 10 images for the People’s Choice Award, the winner of which will be chosen on the awards night by the general public. The judges’ decision is final.
8. Respective Councillors, competition organisers, the judging panel and their immediate families are not eligible to enter the competition.
9. Entries must be submitted by 5pm, Friday 23 October 2020.
10. Late entries will not be accepted.
12. Any photos that have not been collected by February 2021 will be disposed of.
13. The competition organisers will not cover transport costs incurred in delivery or return of works.
14. Entrants must organise their own insurance cover against damage, loss by any means or theft. The competition organisers do not insure works in transit, storage or handling or on exhibition.

For more information please contact Council’s Natural Resource Project Officer on 4654 7777 or sustainability@camden.nsw.gov.au