Summer Photography Contests

By Chris Lombardi, 6-19-07

Several of the major photo gear pushers have announced summer photo contests recently.

The tastiest, and likely the most competitive, is the Canon Photography in the Parks Photo Contest. Canon will be awarding camera gear (including a Canon 5D, 30D, and Digital Rebel XTi) to the top three winners in two categories, Wildlife and Landscape. Photos can be taken in any state or national park. The big winner gets an all-expenses trip to any park in the US (fine print: in the contiguous lower 48 states—no trips to Denali or American Samoa, alas.). Submissions are open until September 29.

Olympus is running a contest with a lot more categories, but much less prize tastiness. Their contest will award $100 American Express gift certificates to the top image in four categories--Action, Black & White, Travel, and Architecture. Entries will be accepted until August 10.

Lens manufacturer Tamron is running the “Make Your Mark” photo contest this summer and fall. A Tamron AF18-250mm F/3.5-6.3 Di-II Aspherical (IF) lens will be awarded to the best photo of a natural or manmade landmark from anywhere in the world. How’s that for broad? The deadline is October 31, 2007.

And if you hurry, you can still get in on the The National Wildlife Federation’s wildlife photography contest, which closes July 1st. They’re offering prizes in 8 wildlife categories in Pro, Amateur and Youth divisions.

Good luck!