Alabama’s wildlife, landscapes and outdoor adventures are once again in the spotlight as amateur photographers get a chance to show off their best shots from across the state.
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is accepting entries for the 2027 Outdoor Alabama Photo Contest through October 30, 2026.
The contest is open to Alabama residents and visitors, but qualifying photographs must have been taken in Alabama within the past two years.
Any amateur photographer who is not employed by ADCNR may enter, with each photographer allowed to submit up to 10 photos. All 10 can be entered in one category or divided among several. First, second and third place and one honorable mention will be awarded in each category.
This year, photographers will want to pay particular attention to what they use to capture their images.
The contest is focusing on traditional photography techniques and handheld cameras. Cellphone and smartphone photos, along with images taken by game cameras or drones, will not be selected as winners in nine of the 10 categories. The exception is the Young Photographers category, where smartphone and tablet photos are accepted.
The 10 categories are:
- Alabama State Parks
- Birds
- Bugs and Butterflies
- Cold-blooded Critters
- Nature-Based Recreation
- Scenic
- Shoots and Roots
- Sweet Home Alabama
- Wildlife
- Young Photographers, ages 17 and under
“Each year, nearly two thousand images are entered in the Outdoor Alabama Photo Contest by some of the best amateur photographers in our state and from across the country,” said Chris Blankenship, ADCNR Commissioner. “Their photos showcase the abundant wildlife, public lands and outdoor recreation opportunities that make Alabama the perfect destination for outdoor photography. We are honored to highlight their work and look forward to seeing the incredible photos entered in the 2027 contest.”
Winning images will be featured online and will also travel the state as part of an exhibit at various venues during 2027.
In the meantime, Alabamians have two opportunities to see winning photographs from previous contests.
The 2026 Outdoor Alabama Photo Contest Exhibit is on display at the Oak Mountain State Park Interpretive Center in Pelham through Sept. 16.
In Montgomery, the Outdoor Alabama Photo Contest Retrospective is on display at the Georgine Clarke Alabama Artists Gallery through Sept. 25. The free exhibit features winning images from the 2021 through 2025 contests.
The complete schedule for Outdoor Alabama photo exhibits is available at Outdoor Alabama’s photo exhibit page.
Complete category descriptions, contest rules and sponsor information are available at Outdoor Alabama’s photo contest page.
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
