Emotions in Nature & Wildlife: A Photography Contest

In Partnership with Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art

A Chance to Showcase Your Photography at the Award Ceremony at Crystal Bridges!

Calling all young photographers from Northwest Arkansas!

Kidz N Cameras invites students in grades 3rd–6th, 7th–9th, and 10th–12th to showcase their creativity and capture the beauty of nature through their lenses. Whether it’s breathtaking landscapes, stunning wildlife, or a mix of both, we want to see the world through your eyes!

What is "Nature Through Your Lens" Photography Contest?

This exciting contest encourages students to explore the outdoors, connect with nature, and express their emotions through photography. At Kidz N Cameras, we believe that photography is a powerful form of self-expression. We invite young artists to share their unique perspectives and emotions through their work.

Categories

Participants may submit one image that focuses on:

  • Landscape, wildlife, or a combination of both.

  • Aerial, macro, and astrophotography are welcome, as long as they adhere to the contest’s guidelines and emphasize authenticity.

Important Note:

  • All photos must be taken in Arkansas to be eligible. The contest is focused on showcasing the natural beauty of our state, including its landscapes, wildlife, and unique features. Photos taken outside of Arkansas will be disqualified.

  • No people or faces may appear in submitted photos. Photos containing people will be disqualified.

How to Enter

  1. Submit one photo showcasing landscapes, wildlife, or a combination of both.

  2. Accompany your photo with an Artist Statement explaining the emotions or story behind the image.

  3. Submit your entry via the designated JotForm link no later than 5:00 PM on Wednesday, April 2, 2025.

  4. Parent/legal guardian consent is required for participants under 18. Participants who are 18 may sign for themselves.

Artist Statement

We want to hear the story behind your photography! The Artist Statement is your chance to express:

  • What inspired you.

  • The emotions you aimed to capture.

  • How the image reflects your connection to nature.

This statement helps judges understand the emotional depth of your work and is a crucial part of your submission. Statements must be between 100–300 words and no more than one page.

Example Photo and Artist Statement by Brandon Watts:

Title of Photo: "Awakening in the Smokies"

This photograph captures the emotions I felt standing in the quiet stillness of the Smoky Mountains at sunrise. As the first light of day broke over the horizon, I was overwhelmed by a sense of hope and renewal. The sun rising above the mountain filled me with warmth and reminded me that every day is a chance to start fresh.

The silhouetted trees in the foreground feel grounded and steady, like a calm reassurance in the face of life’s uncertainties. The mist drifting across the mountains adds a sense of mystery, evoking a mix of wonder and reflection as I stood there in awe of the world’s beauty.

Through this photo, I wanted to express the quiet yet powerful emotions that nature brings out in me—peace, hope, and a connection to something greater than myself. I hope that when others view this image, they feel the same sense of calm and possibility that I experienced in that moment.

Note: This photograph was taken outside of Arkansas and is provided as an example for the artist statement. All contest entries must be taken in Arkansas to be eligible.

Prizes & Recognition

1st Place in Each Age Group (3rd–6th, 7th–9th, 10th–12th):

  • An entry-level DSLR or mirrorless camera (valued between $450–$750).

  • A gift bag filled with photography accessories.

  • A 90-minute private lesson with their new camera to enhance photography skills.

2nd Place in Each Age Group:

  • A $50 cash prize.

  • A gift bag filled with photography accessories.

  • A voucher for a Kidz N Cameras workshop

3rd Place in Each Age Group:

  • A Kidz N Cameras Certificate of Recognition.

  • A gift bag with items to encourage their photography journey.

  • A voucher for a Kidz N Cameras workshop

Celebrate the Winners at Crystal Bridges!

Winners of the Nature Through Your Lens Photography Contest will be announced and celebrated at a special banquet at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, one of Northwest Arkansas' most prestigious venues!

Event Details:
📅 Date: Friday, April 25, 2025
⏰ Time: Doors open at 6:00 PM | Event starts at 6:30 PM

This exciting evening will feature:

  • Winning photographs on display throughout the event, allowing attendees to experience the creativity and talent of our participants firsthand.

  • An award ceremony where winners in each age group (1st, 2nd, and 3rd place) will be revealed and celebrated.

  • A chance to honor the hard work and vision of young photographers while enjoying a night of inspiration and community.

Your art will be showcased in a world-class setting, providing you with an incredible opportunity to have your work appreciated by the public!

Ownership & Use of Submissions

By entering the contest, participants and their parent/legal guardian agree that:

  • Kidz N Cameras has the right to use submitted images for promotional, marketing, educational, and fundraising purposes without compensation.

  • Photos may appear in advertisements, on the website, on social media, and in educational materials.

  • All proceeds from the use of these photos will support Kidz N Cameras’ mission to empower young photographers.

Join Us!

Capture the beauty of nature, share your emotions, and let your creativity shine. Submit your photo and artist statement today, and become part of our growing community of young photographers!

For more information, visit our website or follow us on social media:

Let your lens tell a story!

  • Terms and Conditions for the Kidz N Cameras Photography Competition

    1. Agreement to Terms

    By entering the Kidz N Cameras Photography Competition, participants and their parent/legal guardian (if under 18) agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. Failure to comply with these Terms and Conditions may result in disqualification.

    2. Eligibility

    Participants must reside in Northwest Arkansas and fall within one of the following age groups:

    • 3rd–6th grade

    • 7th–9th grade

    • 10th–12th grade

    If under 18, all submissions must include a signed consent form from a parent or legal guardian.

    3. Categories

    Participants may submit one photograph that must focus on Arkansas landscape, wildlife, or a blend of both. Photos must be taken in Arkansas. Photos that were not taken in Arkansas will be disqualified. All photos must follow these rules:

    • No people or faces may appear in any photograph. Submissions containing people or recognizable faces will be disqualified.

    • The photograph must reflect the themes of Arkansas landscapes, wildlife, or a blend of both, and emphasize authenticity in its portrayal.

    • All photos must be connected through their themes, whether showcasing solely landscapes, wildlife, or a blend of both.

    The following types of photography are welcome, as long as they emphasize authenticity and adhere to the competition’s guidelines:

    • Aerial photography

    • Macro photography

    • Astrophotography

    Age Categories

    Participants will be judged within the following age groups:

    • 3rd–6th grade

    • 7th–9th grade

    • 10th–12th grade

    4. Submission Requirements

    • Each participant may submit up to three photographs, which can be a mix of landscape and wildlife photography or all within one category.

    • All submissions must be original works created by the participant.

    • An artist statement of 100-300 words must accompany the submission, explaining the emotional significance of the photograph.

    • Entries must be submitted via the designated Jotform link by Wednesday, April 3, 2025 by 5:00.

    • Parent/legal guardian consent is required for participants under 18. Participants who are 18 may sign for themselves.

    5. Rights to Submitted Photos

    By entering the competition, participants and their parent/legal guardian (if applicable) grant Kidz N Cameras the following rights:

    • A non-exclusive, perpetual, royalty-free license to use, reproduce, display, and distribute the submitted photographs for promotional, educational, and fundraising purposes.

    • Kidz N Cameras may use the photographs in advertisements, on the website, on social media, and in the creation of products for sale, with proceeds going to support the organization.

    • Participants and their legal guardians acknowledge that no financial compensation will be provided for the use of these photographs.

    • Kidz N Cameras reserves the right to use the participant's name, grade level, and photo submission in promotional and online materials related to the competition.

    6. Liability

    Kidz N Cameras is not liable for any issues, damages, or losses arising from participation in the competition, including but not limited to technical malfunctions, loss of data, or third-party claims of copyright or trademark infringement. Participation in the competition signifies agreement that all disputes, liabilities, and claims will be governed and interpreted under the laws of the State of Arkansas.

    Participants and their parent/legal guardian agree to indemnify and hold harmless Kidz N Cameras from any claims, damages, or expenses arising out of their participation in the competition.

    7. Prizes

    The prizes for the competition are as follows:

    • 1st Place (per age group): An entry-level mirrorless/DSLR camera valued at $450–$750, a Kidz N Cameras gift bag, and a 90-minute private photography lesson with their camera.

    • 2nd Place (per age group): $50 cash prize, a Kidz N Cameras gift bag, and a certificate of recognition.

    • 3rd Place (per age group): A Kidz N Cameras certificate of recognition and a Kidz N Cameras gift bag.

    Prizes are non-transferable and cannot be exchanged for cash or other alternatives.

    8. Disqualification

    Kidz N Cameras reserves the right to disqualify any participant who:

    • Submits photographs that do not meet the competition’s requirements.

    • Violates the terms and conditions.

    • Engages in fraudulent activity or breaches ethical standards.

    9. Notification of Winners

    Winners will be notified via the contact information provided at the time of submission. If a winner cannot be reached within five business days, an alternate winner may be selected.

    There will be a banquet and award ceremony at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. The event will take place on Friday, April 25, 2025, with doors opening at 6:00 PM and the ceremony beginning at 6:30 PM. Winning artwork will be displayed at Crystal Bridges during the event.

    10. Amendments to Terms and Conditions

    Kidz N Cameras reserves the right to amend these Terms and Conditions at any time without prior notice. Any changes will be communicated via the competition website.

    11. Compliance with Arkansas Law

    This agreement and its terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Arkansas. Participants agree that any disputes shall be resolved in courts located within the state of Arkansas.

    12. Notification and Access to Terms and Conditions

    By agreeing to these terms and conditions during the submission process, participants and their parent/legal guardian confirm that they have read and understand this document. A copy of the terms and conditions will be made available upon request.

    13. Contact Information

    For questions or additional information, please contact Kidz N Cameras at:

    Email: contact@kidzncameras.com

    Website: www.kidzncameras.com

  • Rules

    These rules apply to all images submitted digitally for the competition.

    1. Submission Requirements:
      Entrants must upload a JPEG file for each image submitted.

    2. Entry Finality:
      No changes to your entry are allowed once the submission deadline has passed. Entry fees, if applicable, are non-refundable.

    3. Eligibility:
      The competition is open to youth photographers residing in Northwest Arkansas. Participants must be in one of the following age groups:

      • 3rd-6th grade

      • 7th-9th grade

      • 10th-12th grade

    4. Original Work:
      All photographic elements in the submission must be the original work of the entrant. No stock images, AI-generated content, or third-party assets are permitted.

    5. Theme Adherence:
      Entries must align with the competition's theme, "Nature Through Your Lens", focusing on nature such as landscapes, wildlife, or flora.

    6. Ethical Standards:
      Images depicting harm to nature, animals, or the environment, or violating ethical or legal standards, will be disqualified.

    7. Age Group Limit:
      Entrants may submit images only for their designated age group.

    8. Limits on Submission:
      Each entrant can submit up to three images, but may only win one award per category.

    Eligibility

    1. Originality:
      All entries must be created using photographic processes, with all manipulations performed solely by the entrant or under their direct supervision.

    2. Releases:
      Entrants are responsible for obtaining necessary permissions, including model and property releases, and agree to hold Kidz N Cameras harmless against any claims.

    3. Educational Environment:
      Images created under direct supervision as part of a class assignment or workshop are not eligible for submission.

    4. Anonymity:
      The entrant’s name or identifying information must not appear on or in the image or file metadata.

    Submission Specifications

    1. File Format:
      Images must be JPEG files.

    2. File Quality:
      Images should be of good quality suitable for printing. No specific resolution requirements.

    3. No Raw File Requirement:
      Raw files are not required, as many participants may be using phones.

    Disqualification

    Kidz N Cameras reserves the right to disqualify or re-categorize any entry that violates competition rules or undermines the integrity of the event.

  • Multi-Round Judging System

    We will adopt a simplified multi-round judging approach, with 3-5 judges evaluating the submissions. Below is a breakdown of the judging process:

    Round 1: Initial Evaluation – Base Judging

    • Judging Criteria:

      • Composition

      • Lighting

      • Creativity

      • Technical quality

    • Each image will be evaluated on these aspects to ensure the basic requirements are met.

    • Judges will score each image individually, and scores will be averaged.

    • The top 50% of images will move forward to the next round.

    Round 2: Judging with Artist Statements

    • Judging Criteria:

      • Clarity of the artist's intent

      • Relevance of the artist’s statement to the image

      • Storytelling and emotional connection

    • Judges will review the artist’s statement and how it relates to the submitted images.

    • Scores will be averaged, and the top 50% from this round will move on to the final round.

    Round 3: Final Judging & Selection of Winners

    • Judging Criteria:

      • Overall impact

      • Technical excellence

      • Creativity & originality

      • Adherence to the theme of the competition

    • Judges will review the top submissions and select the winners.

    • The winners will be determined based on combined scores from both rounds.

    • The top image from each category will be selected, with special recognition for the overall top entries.

  • 1. How old do I have to be?
    The competition is open to students in 3rd through 12th grade, divided into the following age groups:

    • 3rd–6th grade

    • 7th–9th grade

    • 10th–12th grade

    If you're unsure about eligibility, please contact us at contact@kidzncameras.com for clarification.

    2. What if I’m homeschooled? Can I still participate?
    Yes! Homeschooled students are encouraged to participate. The contest is open to all eligible students residing in Northwest Arkansas, whether they attend public school, private school, or are homeschooled.

    3. What if I’m homeschooled and don’t know what grade I’m in?
    If you’re unsure about your grade level, use your age as a guide:

    • Ages 8–11 generally align with 3rd–6th grade.

    • Ages 12–14 generally align with 7th–9th grade.

    • Ages 15–18 generally align with 10th–12th grade.

    If you’re still uncertain, email us at contact@kidzncameras.com for assistance.

    4. How can I promote this contest?
    We’d love your help spreading the word! You can:

    • Share the contest details on social media using the hashtag #KidznCamerasContest.

    • Tell your friends and family about the competition.

    • Encourage others in your school or community to participate.

    For additional promotional materials, reach out to contact@kidzncameras.com.

    5. How can I support the contest and Kidz N Cameras?
    Thank you for wanting to support us! Here are some ways to get involved:

    • Make a donation via our website at www.kidzncameras.com/donate.

    • Volunteer to help with the competition or other Kidz N Cameras programs.

    • Sponsor a prize or provide in-kind donations.

    • Spread the word to local schools and organizations.

    If you’d like to discuss other ways to support us, please email contact@kidzncameras.com.

    6. What if I work at a school and want my whole school to participate?
    That’s fantastic! We’d love for entire schools to get involved. Please contact us at contact@kidzncameras.com to discuss group participation, submission logistics, and ways to ensure every student has an opportunity to take part.

    Here's the updated FAQ with the entry deadline included:

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

    1. How old do I have to be?
    The competition is open to students in 3rd through 12th grade, divided into the following age groups:

    • 3rd–6th grade

    • 7th–9th grade

    • 10th–12th grade

    If you're unsure about eligibility, please contact us at contact@kidzncameras.com for clarification.

    2. What if I’m homeschooled? Can I still participate?
    Yes! Homeschooled students are encouraged to participate. The contest is open to all eligible students residing in Northwest Arkansas, whether they attend public school, private school, or are homeschooled.

    3. What if I’m homeschooled and don’t know what grade I’m in?
    If you’re unsure about your grade level, use your age as a guide:

    • Ages 8–11 generally align with 3rd–6th grade.

    • Ages 12–14 generally align with 7th–9th grade.

    • Ages 15–18 generally align with 10th–12th grade.

    If you’re still uncertain, email us at contact@kidzncameras.com for assistance.

    4. How can I promote this contest?
    We’d love your help spreading the word! You can:

    • Share the contest details on social media using the hashtag #KidznCamerasContest.

    • Tell your friends and family about the competition.

    • Encourage others in your school or community to participate.

    For additional promotional materials, reach out to contact@kidzncameras.com.

    5. How can I support the contest and Kidz N Cameras?
    Thank you for wanting to support us! Here are some ways to get involved:

    • Make a donation via our website at www.kidzncameras.com/donate.

    • Volunteer to help with the competition or other Kidz N Cameras programs.

    • Sponsor a prize or provide in-kind donations.

    • Spread the word to local schools and organizations.

    If you’d like to discuss other ways to support us, please email contact@kidzncameras.com.

    6. What if I work at a school and want my whole school to participate?
    That’s fantastic! We’d love for entire schools to get involved. Please contact us at contact@kidzncameras.com to discuss group participation, submission logistics, and ways to ensure every student has an opportunity to take part.

    7. When is the last day to enter the competition?
    The final day to submit your photo and artist statement is Wednesday, April 3, 2025. Be sure to complete your submission by the deadline to be considered for the competition.