2007 MARS Photography Contest Highlights:

The best in show from last year was also the "in the wild" photo. We picked best in show from the winners of each category. Scott Moser of Baltimore, MD was the winner of Best in Show -- Eastern box turtle (Terrapene carolina carolina) Julia Kaylock of Reisterstown, MD "In Captivity" -- Spiny tailed monitor (Varanus acanthurus) Ben Fisher of Baltimore, MD "Kids" -- Bullfrog (Rana catesbieana)

Winner: "In Captivity"	Winner: Best in Show! "In the Wild"	Winner: "Kids"

2008 MARS Photography Contest:

1. RULES:

• Images must be original, and not have been published in any printed books, magazines, calendars, advertising, etc.
• images must have a reptile, amphibian, or tarantula in the image
• Winning entries will be judged by a expert panel on multiple points such as: composition, sharpness of image, lighting, difficulty of the shot, and overall attraction. 
• Any age can enter any category, except the KIDS ONLY which is for children ages 12 and under only as of September 13, 2008.
• Eligibility: MARS BOARD AND JUDGES ARE NOT ELIGIBLE.
• There is NO FEE to enter and each photographer may enter no more than 3 photos for each category
• Images may be color or black & white, and there is not separate categories for each format.
• Digital manipulation of the images is not allowed beyond minor lightening, darkening, or cropping of original photo.
• You do not have to be present to win.
• Photos will not be returned to the photographer. The winning photos will be on display at MARS.
• Submission guidelines:

  i. Photo must be sized no smaller than 8” x 10”

  ii. Horizontal or vertical format is fine.

  iii. Each entry must be mounted on a stiff backing (e.g. foam core or quality cardboard), with no matting, frames, or borders of any kind .

  iv. Each entry must be clearly labeled on back of photo with PHOTOGRAPHER'S NAME, ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBER, EMAIL ADDRESS (if available), a brief caption [common and scientific name(s), locality, etc.] and which CATEGORY it is judged. The KIDS ONLY category also requires a DATE OF BIRTH listed on the back of each photo.

  v. DEADLINE: In order for an image to be considered eligible, it must be received by MARS no later than August 30, 2008.

  vi. Mail images to the following address:

  MARS Photography Contest
  PO BOX 65012
  Baltimore, MD 21209

 

2. CATEGORIES and AWARDS (1 st , 2 nd , and 3 rd place in each, plus honorable mentions if desired. First place in each category eligible for BEST IN SHOW grand award)

• In the Wild - Herpetofauna in its natural habitat photographed where it lives.  This category may include shots of herps that were manipulated / posed in the field, and 'studio' shots that simulate herps in their natural habitats so well that they look authentic. Posed and studio shots may be entered, but more natural shots are preferred in this category.
• In Captivity - Illustrating an aspect of husbandry and/or herpetoculture (handling, feeding, breeding, collecting, aberrant morphs, etc.)
• Kids Only (amateur photographers aged 12 and under only as of September 13, 2008) – any aspect

 

3. PRIZES

BEST IN SHOW (1): Prize to be announced, ribbon, and the winning photo will appear as the cover of the MARS program for this year.

1st Place (4): Prize to be announced, ribbon
2nd Place (4): Prize to be announced, ribbon
3rd Place (4): Prize to be announced, ribbon