Annual Obed Photo Contest

2019 Winner -- "Four Seasons of Lilly"

Lindsey Burtis-Fuller

 

Obed invites photographers to submit entries for the 14th annual photo exhibit at Obed Wild & Scenic River Visitor Center. The National Park Service is looking for striking digital images of nature, highlighting the spectacular views, recreational opportunities, and diversity of life in the park.

ELIGIBILITY

Only photographs taken within Obed Wild & Scenic River will be accepted. All images should accurately reflect the subject matter and the scene as it appeared. Digitally altered photos, beyond standard optimization, will be disqualified. Acceptable alterations include: adjustments to color, contrast, brightness and sharpness; removal of dust and scratches; cropping; black and white conversions. High dynamic range imaging is acceptable in all categories. Stitching is acceptable in Landscapes category. Unacceptable alterations include: composites (combination of two or more photos, not of the same scene); the addition, duplication, deletion or moving of objects in the photos; digital effects that do not show the scene in its natural way. People may be included except in the Fauna and Flora category.

CATEGORIES

• Recreation – Photographs of people participating in recreational activities.
• Dark Skies – Expansive and dramatic view of the night sky within the boundaries of the park.
• Flora & Fauna – Animals in their natural habitat, including close-ups of invertebrates, or plants in their natural habitat, including close-ups of flowers, fungi, lichen, and algae.
• Landscapes – Expansive and dramatic views of the land and its features within park boundaries.
• Youth (17 and under) – Any entry by photographers under 17 years of age. Photographs must fit into one of the categories above.

SELECTION & EXHIBIT PROCEDURES

Judging will be conducted by an anonymous third party group. No employee of the NPS will participate in the judging of entries nor have influence in the decision. Entries will be judged on technical excellence, originality, creativity, visual impact, and artistic merit. Judges decisions are final.

Selected images will be unveiled at the artist reception, and printed for exhibition at Obed Visitor Center, and will be displayed on the park's official website, social media pages, and other venues.

FORMS

Contest Entry Form

Model Release Form

PHOTO & SIZE RECOMMENDATIONS

Selected images will be printed for an exhibition at the visitor center. They may also be displayed on the internet and other venues. We recommend ensuring your photo can be reproduced at minimum 11” x 14”. There are no file size restrictions; however, keep in mind photos taken with lower megapixels may restrict the sizing of enlargement for display.

SUBMISSION & DEADLINE

Entries must be received no later than July 15, 2025. Each entry must be accompanied by a completed entry form with all information clearly filled out. Entry forms may be downloaded from here. Entries may be emailed to: [e-mail], or dropped off at or mailed to:

Obed Wild & Scenic River
208 North Maiden Street
Wartburg, TN 37887
Attn: Obed Photo Contest

RULES

Entries that do not comply with the rules will be disqualified.

• Contest is open to all photographers except NPS employees and their immediate families and household members.
• Entries must be taken within the boundaries of the Obed WSR.
• Any photo depicting illegal activity within the park will be disqualified. Entries are limited to 3 photos per photographer.
• Entries must be the original work. The photographer must own the copyright to the image and must agree to allow the NPS to use the images in publishing and merchandising without compensation to the copyright holder.
• Previously published or sold photos may not be submitted.
• Photos containing recognizable images of people must be accompanied by a model release.
• Submissions must be digital (no slides) and submitted on a CD, DVD, or USB flash drive. These will not be returned.
• Each image must be labeled with your last name, first name, brief title and category. For example: lastname_firstname_title_category. Entries will not be disqualified for failing to name files as requested; however, following these instruction will ensure proper attribution.
• Photo must not contain any copyright, watermark, stamp, etc.

RULES

Entries that do not comply with the rules will be disqualified.

WINNERS ANNOUNCED

Winners will be annouced on August 22, 2025 during our NPS Birthday Bash at the Obed Wild & Scenic River Visitor Center.

 

Please click on the links below to view previous year's contest winners.

• 2024
• 2023
• 2022
• 2021
• 2020
• 2019
• 2018
• 2017
• 2016
• 2015
• 2014
• 2013
• 2012