Our Ocean in Focus Photography Contest

The dates of the Our Ocean In Focus Photography Contest are as follows:

• Submission period: August 19th through September 3rd, 2020 11:59 pm ET
• Public Choice voting period: September 3rd through September 17th, 2020 at 11:59 pm ET
• Judges determination period: September 20 to October 1st, 2020
• Winners contacted the week of October 3rd, 2020
• Winners announced the week of October 10th, 2020

On the left hand side of the contest page there is a form to fill out. Answer all questions about your photo, upload your photo and click submit. Please be sure to read the terms and conditions.

Yes, you can submit up to 10 photos.

The system voting for public choice can only be voted on once per email address.

Adults (>18 years old)

• One grand prize winner
• Public choice winner (based on voting and adherence to terms and conditions)
• Seascapes: (Seascapes, geological or climatological features and scientific processes or endeavors)
• Marine Life: Any marine animal or plant that is found in our marine ecosystem
• Black water diving: Show us what you encountered while black water diving
• Seabirds: Seabirds of any kind, from anywhere by the shore or over the sea

Teens (13-17 years old)

• One grand prize winner
• Public choice winner (based on voting and adherence to terms and conditions)
• Weirdly Wonderful : What is the weirdest thing you've seen and captured by the beach? Show us your wonderfully weird photographs.
• Where the land meets the sea: Show us your best photo of ocean shorelines

There are two categories of ages, one for teens ages (13-18 years old) with parent permission and one for adults ages 18 plus. Please read the terms and conditions for more information.

At this time we can only accept photographs from citizens from the mainland 48 states. Please see terms and conditions for more information.

No, your participation is free and voluntary.

Please see terms and conditions for greater detail.

All winners must adhere to the submission guidelines and judging criteria in order to win. Public choice winners will be voted on by the public during the voting period in September. In order for a photograph to be selected as a winner it must adhere to the guidelines. If they do not the next qualified photograph will win.

All other categories and the grand winner will be determined by the judging panel based on the following criteria:

• creativity (25%);
• adherence/relevance to selected Theme (25%);
• quality of photo (25%); and
• visual appeal (25%).

Photographs submitted must be entered in the following format:

Last Name_First Name_Name of Photo_Location_Date

And submitted with these specifications:

• 4k pixels wide or greater
• 11.25” x 8.377 inches at 300 dpi or greater
• RGB, JPEG, TIF or raw file

Please contact: social@whoi.edu for support.