PHOTO CONTEST

Celebrating the Beauty and Diversity of Florida’s Native Plants

2026 FNPS Photo Contest


Now open for submissions

Everyone is encouraged to apply - including non-FNPS members


Click here to submit photos!


The Florida Native Plant Society Photography Contest showcases the visual stories of Florida’s native flora, landscapes, and the people who protect them. Whether you’re a professional photographer, a passionate amateur, or simply love snapping shots in nature, we invite you to share your perspective through the lens.


MISSION


The FNPS Photography Contest aims to highlight the visual power of native plants in Florida’s landscapes and ecosystems. We celebrate photographers who capture the intricate beauty, ecological value, and conservation significance of native species and habitats.
 

AWARDS


Judging will be conducted by a team of FNPS members, who will evaluate submissions based on a standardized scoring rubric.


Prizes: An exclusive FNPS gift will be awarded for first, second, and third place in each category.


Exhibition: First place winners will be featured in the Palmetto, our quarterly publication. All winners will be featured on the FNPS website, social media platforms, and at the 2027 FNPS Conference.


CATEGORIES 


  • Native Plants in Their Natural Habitat  - Individual native plants or small groupings of plants growing naturally in the wild. The emphasis is on the plants themselves.
  • Native Plant Gardens & Designed Landscapes - Home gardens, public gardens, demonstration gardens, restoration plantings, and other intentionally designed landscapes featuring native plants.
  • Natural Landscapes & Ecosystems - Wide scenic views of Florida's natural areas where the landscape or ecosystem is the primary subject.
  • Wildlife and Plant Interactions - Wildlife engaging with Florida’s native plants.
  • Artistic Interpretations - Creative compositions emphasizing the beauty of Florida’s native plants.
  • Advocacy in Action*  - People engaged in conservation, education, restoration, stewardship, or advocacy.
  • Youth Category (17 and under) - Open to young photographers capturing any of the above themes.


*Photos in the Advocacy in Action category may include identifiable people. Photographers are responsible for obtaining permission from recognizable individuals before submitting their images. Please include the names of identifiable individuals (if known) on the entry form.


FEES


  • Adult - Members: $5 per image
  • Adult - Non-Members: $10 per image
  • Youth* - Members: $3 per image
  • Youth* - Non-Members: $5 per image


*17 and under


Maximum Entries: Up to 5 images per participant


IMAGE REQUIREMENTS


  • Subject Matter: Photographs must feature Florida native plants. Except for entries in the Advocacy in Action category, images should not include non-native species, identifiable people, or prominent man-made structures. Advocacy in Action entries may feature people and built environments as part of conservation, education, restoration, or stewardship activities.


  • Image Quality: Images must be submitted at their original, full resolution and should be suitable for high-quality print reproduction (approximately 300 dpi at the intended print size). If you would like your image to be considered for the cover of The Palmetto, it should be at least 8.5 × 7.5 inches at 300 dpi. Cover-quality images are typically 15–20 MB, and images under 10 MB may not have sufficient resolution for print. Please capture photos using the highest resolution available on your camera or phone.


  • Editing: Only standard post-processing adjustments are permitted, including exposure, contrast, cropping, and focus stacking (including microstacking). Excessive alterations and AI-generated images are not permitted.


  • Originality: Entries must be original photographs taken by the participant on or after January 1, 2020.


SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS


  • Image Format: JPEG (.jpg) or HEIC (.heic)


  • Photo Submission: Upload your images to a file-sharing service (such as Google Drive or Dropbox) and provide the sharing link in the online Entry Form.


  • File Names: Give each image a descriptive filename. The Entry Form will ask you to identify the category for each submission.


  • Human Subjects: If an identifiable person appears in your image, you must have their permission to submit the photograph. If the person is a minor, permission must be obtained from a parent or legal guardian.


IMPORTANT DATES


  • Contest opens: July 27, 2026
  • Last day for submissions: September 15, 2026 
  • Winners official announcement: October 2026


TERMS & CONDITIONS


By entering the contest, participants grant the Florida Native Plant Society (FNPS) a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use submitted images for promotional and educational purposes, with photographer credit.


Photographers must adhere to ethical photography practices and ensure no harm or disturbance to native plants, wildlife, or habitats during the creation of their images.


For entries featuring identifiable people (permitted only in the Advocacy in Action category), photographers are responsible for obtaining permission from all recognizable individuals (or a parent/legal guardian for minors) before submitting the image. By entering, participants confirm they have obtained the necessary consent.


QUESTIONS?


Email info@fnps.org

SUBMIT YOUR PHOTOS HERE