~ "Capture the Real Florida" for a Chance to Win the Ultimate Prizefor Best Photo~

Florida State Parks is calling for all photo enthusiaststo get out, exploreand capture …the Real Florida!

"Florida's state parks are full of beauty and wonder, and we are so excited to see them through your lens," said Chuck Hatcher, Director of Florida State Parks. "Whether you'rea professional or just doing it for fun, we encourage everyone to get out there and experience the many unique natural and cultural resources at Florida State Parks. We can'twait to see what you capture!"

The annual photo contest, Capture the Real Florida,is open to all Florida state park visitors, and the submission period runs from Nov. 1 through Dec. 31, 2024. Entries can be submittedon the photo contest website.

All photos must be taken ata Florida State Park. Each participant may submitone photograph for each category for a total of eight photographs, or two photographs may be submittedinto four separate categories. These eight categories include:

Scenic Landscapes. 

Wildlife Wonders. 

State Park Adventures.

Small Wonders.  

Waterscapes.

ParksOvernight.  

Plants/Flowers. 

Birds

The photo contest includes three divisions: professional/hobbyist, studentand mobile phone. 

First-, second- and third-place winners will be selected within their division by a panel of employees from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. The grand-prize winner in eachdivision will be chosen by a blue-ribbon panel and will receive a B&H Photo gift card, a Florida State Parks Annual Entrance Pass and a promotional package that includes a Florida State Parks branded stand-up paddleboard.

This year, the photo contest will include a People's Choice Award for each division, where the public can vote for their favorites. People's Choice winners will receive alsoa Florida State Parks promotional package.

Winning photographsmay be featured in calendars, websites, displays, publicationsandat Florida Welcome Centers.

For a full list of contest rules, submission details and prizes, visit the Florida State Parks photo contest website.