CONTEST SPONSOR
Theodore Roosevelt Nature & History Association proudly serves as the official sponsor of the annual “Picture Yourself in Theodore Roosevelt National Park Photo Contest.” This exciting competition invites photography enthusiasts and nature lovers alike to capture and share their most stunning images of the breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich history found within Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

As a nonprofit, the Theodore Roosevelt Nature & History Association is dedicated to enhancing the visitor experience and promoting the conservation of our natural and cultural resources. Through educational programs, stewardship initiatives, and community engagement, we strive to foster a deeper connection between the public and this magnificent park, ensuring that its beauty and history are preserved for future generations.

For additional information about our association, our programs, and opportunities to get involved, we invite you to visit our official website at www.trnha.org.
Join us in celebrating the natural wonders of Theodore Roosevelt National Park and the vibrant spirit of outdoor photography!

TERM
The 2026 Photography Contest kicks off on April 6, 2026, at 12:00 AM US Mountain Time and will run until August 31, 2026, at 11:59 PM US Mountain Time. Details on how to enter the contest and information about the prizes available can be found below. By submitting an entry, each participant agrees to the Official Rules and certifies that their submission meets all the requirements outlined in these rules. Please note that this is a skill-based contest, and the selection of winners is determined solely by merit, with no element of chance involved.

ORIGINALITY AND COPYRIGHT
All photographs submitted must be original works created by the entrant. By entering the contest, participants affirm that they are the sole creators and copyright owners of their submitted images. Entries must not infringe upon the rights of any other photographer, artist, or individual and must not include any copyrighted material owned by third parties unless explicit permission has been obtained. Any entry that violates these terms will be disqualified from the contest.

WHO MAY ENTER
The contest is open to individuals of all ages. However, employees of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, the Theodore Roosevelt Nature and History Association, and members of the TRNHA Board of Directors are not eligible to participate.

HOW TO ENTER (Limit one entry per person)
Each entry consists of a completed entry form and up to two images. Failure to submit an entry form will result in disqualification, and any individual submitting more than one application will also be disqualified from the contest.
To enter, please visit: www.trnha.org or https://form.jotform.com/trnha1951/pictureyourselfintrnp

Complete the entry form with the required information, including your name, address, telephone number, email address, and release form. Then, submit your photographs in accordance with the submission guidelines. Photos must be renamed using the format: mm-dd-yyyy_firstname. If both photos were taken on the same day, add a '2' after your firstname for the second photo. For example, if photos were taken on June 1, 2026, by Becky, they would be named 06-01-2026_Becky and 06-01-2026_Becky2.

All photos must be captured between September 1, 2025, and August 31, 2026. Photos should be easily identifiable as having been taken in Theodore Roosevelt National Park and may depict any natural, cultural, or historical subject within the park's three units. Photos that cannot be confirmed as taken in the park will be disqualified.

Photographs must be in digital format, and only online entries will be accepted; print or film submissions are not allowed. Photos need not be taken with a digital camera; scans of traditional images are acceptable. All digital files must be in JPEG or JPG format. Photos should be named following the filename format: mm-dd-yy_firstname.jpg.

RELEASES
All submitted photos will be added to the public domain archive files of Theodore Roosevelt National Park and Theodore Roosevelt Nature & History Association. These images may be utilized in the production of free handouts, displays, and merchandise. Participants in the photo contest will not receive any compensation for their images used in future products created by Theodore Roosevelt National Park, the Theodore Roosevelt Nature & History Association, and/or their development partners. However, efforts will be made to give credit to photographers whenever possible.

If the photograph includes any materials or elements not owned by the entrant, or if any individuals appear in the photograph, the entrant is responsible for obtaining all necessary releases and consents prior to submission. This includes permission to exhibit and use the photograph as outlined in these Official Rules without any additional compensation. For photographs featuring individuals under the age of 18, a parent or legal guardian's signature is required on each release.

Upon request from the Sponsor, each entrant must be prepared to provide a signed release from all individuals appearing in the submitted photograph and/or from the owner of any material featured in the entry. This release must authorize the Sponsor and its licensees ("Authorized Parties") to reproduce, distribute, display, and create derivative works of the entry in connection with the contest and its promotion, in any media now or hereafter known.

JUDGING
The contest consists of two rounds of evaluation.
Judging Round 1: A panel of judges will select the top photographs based on the following criteria:
- Representation of Theodore Roosevelt National Park
- Technical Quality
- Originality or Creativity
Judging Round 2: The top 25 photographs will advance to the second round of evaluation. In this stage, a panel of esteemed judges will carefully review the selected entries and determine the Overall Winner from this group of outstanding images. The judges will consider various factors, including creativity, technical excellence, and the ability to capture the spirit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

Winners will be officially announced in early December, a highly anticipated moment for all participants. It's important to note that the decisions made by the judges are final and binding, ensuring a fair and respected selection process.

CONTEST PRIZES
Exciting prizes await our winners, to be awarded after the announcement in December 2026! The most outstanding photographs will be showcased on various products available for purchase in our stores or online at www.shoptrnha.org. Additionally, winning images may be featured in park publications, merchandise, and websites, celebrating the talent of our participants.

Grand Prize Winner (Total Prize Value $250)
• America the Beautiful Park Pass (current value: $80): Enjoy a full year of free access to all national parks across the United States, allowing you to continue exploring the great outdoors.
• Gallery Quality Canvas Print of your winning photo (current value: $80): A stunning canvas print that beautifully showcases your photography, perfect for display in your home or office.
• Exclusive National Park Merchandise valued at $90: We will select from a variety of unique park-inspired items that celebrate the beauty of nature.
• Featured Photo: Your winning image will grace the cover of our 2027 "Picture Yourself in TRNP" calendar and other selected items by Theodore Roosevelt National Park or the Theodore Roosevelt Nature and History Association.

2nd Place Prize (Total Prize Value $150)
• Gallery Quality Canvas Print of your winning photo (current value: $80): A beautiful canvas print capturing the essence of your photography.
• National Park Merchandise valued at $70: Enjoy a selection of exclusive park products that highlight the natural wonders of the area.
• Featured Photo: Your image will be included in our 2027 "Picture Yourself in TRNP" calendar and other items as chosen by Theodore Roosevelt National Park or the Theodore Roosevelt Nature and History Association.


3rd Place Prize (total prize value $100)
• Gallery Quality Canvas Print of your winning photo (current value: $65): An eye-catching canvas print that brings your photography to life.
• National Park Merchandise valued at $35: We will select from a variety of unique park-inspired items that celebrate the beauty of nature.
• Featured Photo: Your photograph will be featured in our 2027 "Picture Yourself in TRNP" calendar and other items as selected by Theodore Roosevelt National Park or the Theodore Roosevelt Nature and History Association.
Social Media Fan Favorite (total prize value $50)
The Fan Favorite photo, chosen by our social media followers, will receive a special prize! This award recognizes the photograph that captures the hearts and attention of our online community. Be sure to encourage your friends and followers to participate, as their votes will determine the winning image.
• National Park Merchandise valued at $50: We will select from a variety of unique park-inspired items that celebrate the beauty of nature.


For any questions or information regarding the photo contest, please contact us at: photocontest@trnha.org.