Photography Contest

27th Annual Photography Contest

Curious Otter | Summer Beeler

2026 Best of Show

Curious Otter by Summer Beeler

1st Place | Mammals | Adult 18+
Location: By the North Woods
Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge

Contest Information

To celebrate National Wildlife Refuges and the beauty of nature, Friends of Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge invited all photographers to enter the 27th Annual Nature Photography Contest. All photos must have been captured on the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge Complex. Photos taken elsewhere were not eligible. Entries were accepted July 1 - September 6, 2026. Participants may submit up to eleven entries, with a maximum of 1 entry per category. All ages and abilities are welcome to enter!

A panel of judges reviewed photos for content, clarity, composition and overall impression. 1st, 2nd, 3rd place, and Honorable Mentions were chosen for each category. Top winners will be displayed in our 2027 Photo Contest Calendar, which is available for presale through November 9th.

People's Choice Award - Vote Now!

Help choose this year’s People’s Choice Award winner in the 27th Annual Nature Photography Contest! Browse the entries, vote for your favorite, and come back to vote again once each day through October 11.

Vote Now!

Create your own user feedback survey