Get Into Your Sanctuary Photo Contest

Before You Submit

Please review the sections below in full before submitting your photos.

Required Information

Each photo submission must include:

• Photographer’s name
• A short description of when and where the photo was taken, including the sanctuary name
• A description of what is shown in the photo, including scientific names of animals if known
• The type of camera and lens used
• Approximate distance from which the photo was taken for all wildlife photos

Responsible Photography

Please practice responsible recreation when you are out enjoying national marine sanctuaries and taking your photos. Explore information about fishing and boating best practices, tidepool etiquette, tips for being a smart diver, and more on our the Plan Ahead section of our website.

Wildlife Photography

When photographing marine mammals and other protected species, always follow wildlife viewing guidelines and government approach regulations for marine protected species. Keeping a respectful distance helps reduce stress on animals and allows them to feed, rest, travel, and behave naturally.

Keep these responsible wildlife photography tips in mind:

Give wildlife space: Great wildlife photography does not require a close approach. Images can be strengthened later through cropping and editing, but animals should always have enough room to move freely and remain undisturbed.

Do not pursue animals: If an animal changes direction, speeds up, or moves away, do not follow it. Chasing wildlife can disrupt natural behavior and create unnecessary stress. Position yourself carefully, be patient, and let the moment unfold on its own.

Maintain control underwater: For underwater photography, make sure your camera system is properly balanced. A housing that is too heavy or too buoyant can affect your trim, make it harder to maneuver, and increase the risk of contact with coral, seafloor habitat, or other sensitive resources.

Use artificial light with care: Start with the lowest light setting possible and increase only if needed. If an animal reacts to strobes or video lights by retreating or showing signs of stress, lower the intensity or stop using artificial light.

Official Rules and Eligibility

By submitting a photo, you agree to the eligibility requirements and official contest rules of the Get Into Your Sanctuary Photo Contest below:

• Photographers must be 13 years of age or older as of the first day of the contest.
• You must be the owner of the photo and have the right to publish it, including permission or a model release for anyone who is clearly identifiable.
• By submitting a photo, you grant permission for NOAA and the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation to use the photo on websites, social media, and in other publications. Photographer credit will be provided whenever possible.
• Submitted photographs may also be used by organizations other than NOAA and the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation to promote sustainable and responsible recreation and other appropriate activities within the National Marine Sanctuary System.
• Submitted photos are not for sale and may not be used for commercial purposes unless prior permission is arranged.
• Only photos taken in compliance with responsible photography practices, including wildlife viewing guidelines and government approach regulations for marine protected species will be considered.
• Photos must be taken within or at the edge of a U.S. national marine sanctuary (see boundary maps)
• Photos submitted without photographer information and a brief caption will not be considered.
• Submitted photos may not contain watermarks.
• Photos should be a minimum of 1,200 pixels wide. Larger images are encouraged.
• The maximum number of submissions for each photographer is three images per category. Any photos submitted beyond this limit will be disqualified.
• Only one submission form per person is required for each category.

How Entries Are Judged

Winning photos reveal a moment of connection, behavior, or wonder in a way that feels both visually compelling and authentic to the natural world. As you prepare your entry, keep these qualities in mind. Here’s what our judges are looking for:

• Strong composition and lighting
• Unique perspective or subject
• Storytelling or emotional impact
• Adherence to responsible photography practices

*These judging criteria were updated in May 2026