---
title: Friends of Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge Photo Contest 2026
description: Photo contest celebrating Blackwater NWR in Maryland. Cash prizes in 4 categories for adults and youth; winning prints displayed at the Visitor Center.
url: https://www.artsume.com/programs/89071c1b-4e3a-4e56-8b86-73add905d46d
type: program
status: closed
createdAt: "2026-05-28"
updatedAt: "2026-09-30"
programType: Prize/award
organization: Friends of Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge
organizationUrl: https://www.artsume.com/o/friends-of-blackwater-national-wildlife-refuge
deadline: "2026-06-14"
entryFee: 30 USD
location: Blackwater NWR Visitor Center, Cambridge, MD, United States
isOnline: false
compensationRange: "Cash prizes per category: Adult 1st $100, 2nd $75, 3rd $50; Youth 1st $50, 2nd $25, 3rd $15. Plus exhibition of winning prints and a one-year FOB membership."
disciplines:
  - photography
---

# Friends of Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge Photo Contest 2026

**Hosted by:** Friends of Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge

**Type:** Prize/award | **Location:** Blackwater NWR Visitor Center, Cambridge, MD, United States | **Deadline:** June 14, 2026 | **Entry fee:** $30

## About This Program

> "Wildlife and nature photography at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge"

The Friends of Blackwater (FOB) are hosting a digital photo contest from May 1, 2026 through June 14, 2026 to showcase Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) and raise funds for refuge projects. Visitors are invited to submit photos taken between January 1, 2025 and May 29, 2026 in refuge areas open to the public. These areas include: Wildlife Drive, Marsh Edge Trail, Key Wallace Drive (bridge area), Woods Trail, Tubman Road Trail, paddling trails, the Visitor Center butterfly garden, and Refuge property along Maple Dam Road, as well as the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center Legacy Garden.

A panel of expert photographers will judge the digital submissions. Winners and honorable mentions will be announced. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners will receive monetary awards and will be invited to exhibit framed prints of the winning submissions at the Blackwater NWR Visitor Center. We urge the winners to take advantage of this. Anyone expressing an interest in purchasing prints displayed at Blackwater NWR Visitors Center are referred directly to the photographer. Additionally, winners will receive a one-year Friends of Blackwater membership.

## Eligibility & Requirements

- **Geographic Eligibility:** International
- **Disciplines:** photography
- **Age Requirements:** 13+ years old
- **Note:** Photos must be taken between January 1, 2025 and May 29, 2026 at Blackwater NWR public areas. Adult category: age 18+ as of May 29, 2026. Youth category: age 13–17 as of May 29, 2026 (free entry using code YOUTH2026, max 3 photos). No AI-generated or AI-assisted images accepted. Four photo categories: Wildlife, Flora and Macro, Landscapes and Waterscapes, Nightscapes.

### Additional Requirements

Submit digital photos (JPG/JPEG) taken between January 1, 2025 and May 29, 2026 at Blackwater NWR public areas. Adult: $30 for up to 3 photos, $10 per additional photo, max 6 total. Youth (13–17): Free with code YOUTH2026, max 3 photos. Image specs: minimum 960px on shortest side, maximum 4800px on longest side, under 4MB. No AI-generated or AI-assisted images accepted.

## Compensation & Benefits

Cash prizes per category: Adult 1st $100, 2nd $75, 3rd $50; Youth 1st $50, 2nd $25, 3rd $15. Plus exhibition of winning prints and a one-year FOB membership.

**Includes:** Prize

## Timeline

- **Opens:** May 28, 2026
- **Deadline:** June 14, 2026

## How to Apply

Apply at: https://2026fobphotocontest.artcall.org/