LINCOLN, MA-Mass Audubon invites photographers of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds to enter its statewide photo contest, "Picture This: Your Great Outdoors," and connect with nature while portraying the beauty of the Bay State.

The contest, which runs April through September, annually encourages shutterbugs to reveal the Commonwealth's natural wonders, large and small: mist-filled valleys and nesting birds, wildflower meadows and people enjoying the outdoors.

Last year, almost 700 photographers submitted more than 2,000 images.

There are two age levels: 18 and Older or Under 18. For 2014, in an effort to offer participants an even wider choice in subject matter, the number of submission categories has grown to six: Mammals will now be a stand-alone category, in addition to People in Nature, Birds, Other Animals, Plants and Fungi, and Landscapes.

Each entrant may submit up to five photos, which must be taken in Massachusetts or at Mass Audubon's Wildwood Camp, located in Rindge, New Hampshire.

A grand prize winner, selected from among up to 12 winners (two from each age level per category), will be awarded a $250 gift card, to be redeemed at a Mass Audubon shop or wildlife sanctuary. The grand prize photograph will also be featured in Connections, Mass Audubon's member newsletter.

Other winners will receive $100 gift cards and up to six honorable mentions will receive $50 gift cards, all to be redeemed at a Mass Audubon shop or wildlife sanctuary. Additional honorable mentions may be awarded at the discretion of the judges.

All submissions, regardless of original format, must be submitted online. Please visit the www.massaudubon.org/picturethis for submission guidelines and other contest rules and details.

Michael P. O'Connor
media@massaudubon.org
781-259-2134