Wild About Shellharbour 2024
We are thrilled to announce that the Wild Shellharbour Nature Photography Competition is back and will launch on Wednesday 5 June 2024 for World Environment Day.
Wild About Shellharbour provides a unique opportunity for Shellharbour City Council residents to celebrate their local natural environment and we invite you to enter photos taken in the Shellharbour region that showcase this year's theme 'Connecting with Country'.
Categories
There are two main categories and a people's choice, the following prizes are available category:
Prizes for 18 years and over age category
- First prize in each theme is a 20 x 30 inch canvas print of your winning image professionally printed by PhotoMart and $200 cash.
- Second prize in each theme is a 16 x 24 inch canvas print of your winning image professionally printed by PhotoMart and $100 cash.
Prizes for under 18 years category
- First prize in each theme is a 20 x 30 inch canvas print of your winning image professionally printed by PhotoMart and $200 cash.
- Second prize in each theme is a 16 x 24 inch canvas print of your winning image professionally printed by PhotoMart and $100 cash.
Peoples Choice prize
- A People’s Choice winner (formal judging winners will be excluded) will be awarded by public vote in the 18yrs and over and under 18 years categories. Each People’s Choice winner will receive $100 cash.
- One randomly selected public voter will also receive $100 cash.
Entires must be completed by Sunday 14 July 2024 by 11:59pm.
Please sumbit your photo entries here. If you have any issues with submitting your files please email your submissions to wildaboutshellharbour@shellharbour.nsw.gov.au.
Read our frequently asked questions below or find the full terms and conditions here.
What is the theme for the 'Wild About Shellharbour' competition and what does it entail?
The theme for the Wild About Shellharbour competition is 'Connecting with Country'. This theme encourages participants to explore and depict their personal connection to the natural landscapes, wildlife, and cultural heritage of Shellharbour, NSW (Dharawal Country), through photography. Entries should reflect a deep appreciation and understanding of the local environment and its significance. The theme aims to inspire a sense of stewardship and respect for the natural world, celebrating the unique relationship between people and the land.
How many photos can I submit?
Entrants may submit a maximum of 3 photos. Photos must be submitted as a JPEG file of a size between 1MB to 5MB. Photos must not have any watermarks/names/logos on the images.
When will submissions close?
Entrantries must be submitted by Sunday 14 July, 11:59pm. Entries received after this date will not be accepted.
Do the photos have to be taken in Shellharbour?
Yes, all photos must be taken in the Shellharbour City Council Area by people who live in the area. This include suburbs and rural localities of Albion Park, Albion Park Rail, Barrack Heights, Barrack Point, Blackbutt, Calderwood, Croom (part only), Dunmore, Flinders, Lake Illawarra, Macquarie Pass, Mount Warrigal, North Macquarie, Oak Flats, Shell Cove, Shellharbour, Shellharbour City Centre, Tongarra, Tullimbar, Warilla and Yellow Rock Ridge (part only). Includes Killalea State Park and most of Macquarie Pass National Park (excluding small parts of the far west of the park in the Wingecarribee Shire). You must be standing in the Shellharbour Local Government Area when you take the image. Images cannot be taken from another Council area (e.g. Wollongong or Kiama), looking across to the Shellharbour City Council area.
Do I need consent for people pictured in my photos?
Yes, any people who are clearly identifiable in your photo must have granted you consent to be photographed
Can I manipulate original image?
The content of the photo must not be changed or manipulated in any way; that is, no cloning, montaging, AI image generation or digital manipulation other than cropping, toning, digital spotting, burning and dodging is permitted. No addition or removal of subject matter is accepted. Retouching is limited to removal of normal scratches and dust spots. Colour adjustment should be minimal.
Can I submit a drone image?
Yes, however if you are using a drone for your photography, all images submitted must comply with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority rules regarding drone usage. For more information please see Drone safety rules.
What are the guidelines for including images of native wildlife in my competition entry?
Photos must not contain images of native wildlife being fed by people or from bird feeders. Images of native animals at bird baths/water troughs are permitted. Animals must not be handled or stressed in any way for the purpose of this competition.
Who will be judging the competition?
A panel of judges approved by the competition organisers, representing photography and environmental expertise will select the winners. Representatives from local businesses Kramer Photography and Photo Mart will be included in judging panel. Judging will be ‘blind’ with no names given to the judges. The judges decision is final. The people's choice will be selected from members of the public based off the shortlist displayed at the Shellharbour Civic Centre.
How will the entries be judged?
Entries will be judged on how well the photo reflects the theme, the quality of the image and accompanying caption.
What are the requirements for entering the under 18 category?
Entrants in the under 18 category must be under 18 years of age at the time of entering. They must have the entry form declaration agreed to by their parent/guardian.
What permissions do I need to grant and what are the originality requirements for my entry?
Entrants in this competition give permission for their works to be reproduced by print and electronic media by Shellharbour City Council for not-forprofit publications, advertising and promotional purposes. Your entry must be your original work and no other party can have any right, title, claim or interest in it
Who is not eligible to enter the 'Wild About Shellharbour' competition?
Shellharbour City Council staff and Councillors, as well as members of the judging panel, are not able to enter the competition.