Please read the Official Contest Rules here and find Frequently Asked Questions here.

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What?

We’re seeking amazing photos from amateur photographers that highlight the best of America's federal public lands in the following categories:

1. Adventure & Outdoor Recreation
   Share photos of your favorite activities and adventures on federal lands across the country – camping, hiking, biking, boating, fishing, kayaking, skiing, climbing, riding, etc.
2. Historical & Cultural
   inspire with images depicting historical and cultural locations – from national historical sites and monuments to cultural celebrations on federal lands
3. Scenic, Seasons & Landscapes
   Capture scenic vistas and sweeping landscapes - fall foliage, forests, winter wonderlands, flowers, mountains, deserts, canyons, lakes, beaches, rivers and more.
4. Family, Friends & Fun
   Family, Friends and Fun encourages friends and families to be active and explore America's great outdoors.
5. Wildlife
   Take a walk on the wild side with photos of wildlife on federal lands – mammals, birds, insects and reptiles. Keep your distance and stay safe!
6. Night Skies
   Capture the magic of a night out under the stars. Slow the shutter speed down and see what develop

Where?

Photos must be taken on the lands or within the facilities of these participating agencies:

1. National Park Service
2. U.S. Bureau of Land Management
3. U.S. Bureau of Reclamation
4. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
5. U.S. Forest Service
6. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

When?

Photographs must be taken between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2018 and contest entries are accepted from May 21, 2018 to December 31, 2018. Winners will be announced Spring 2019.

How to Submit?

1. Submit photos at: www.sharetheexperience.org
2. Only submit photos you yourself have taken
3. Photos must be submitted in JPEG format. Please try to ensure submitted photos ae 2MB or larger with high resolution (300 DPI) as the winning photos must work in print. Photos less then 2MB will be accepted but will not be eligible to win prizes.

How are the Photos Judged?

Photos will be judged on the following criteria:
(i) originality, (ii) artistic composition, (iii) technical quality, (iv) photographic technique, and (v) whether the photograph showcases the best of America's recreational opportunities.
See Prizes here.

Why?

We are looking for the official photo that will be featured on the America the Beautiful Federal Recreation Lands Pass for 2020. Plus, it's a fantastic way to "Share the Experience" and let others see and appreciate all the incredible federal lands and adventures across the nation.

Who's Eligible to Enter?

1. Legal residents of the 50 United States and DC, and at least 13 years of age or older as of May 22, 2018.
2. Amateur Photographers (less than 20% of your total income is from photography).
3. Photographs must be taken by you and you must have the rights to the photo.

Who's Ineligible to Enter?

1. Employees of the participating agencies and sponsors and their family members are not eligible to win prizes. You are allowed to upload photos, but must check the box identifying that you are an employee.
2. An Employee is considered anyone who has been or will be employed by a partner or sponsor during the contest period or was employed during the time the photograph in question was taken.
3. Individuals who derive 20% or more of their income from photography.

What Not to Do

1. Do not alter or manipulate photos except for minimal cropping, red eye removal and/or adjustment of contrast, brightness or saturation. Photo techniques such as HDR or long exposures are accepted.
2. Don't break any laws or rules of federal lands
3. Don't do anything unsafe
4. Don't photograph anything that is inappropriate, indecent or obscene
5. No watermarks or logos

What to Do

1. Enjoy your experience and share it with us!
2. Vote for your favorites online
3. Tell your friends