NU State Museum's wildlife and nature photo contest begins June 7

Lincoln, Neb., June 2, 2010 -- The University of Nebraska State Museum will conduct its second annual "Wildlife and Nature Photo Contest" June 7 through Sept. 1. Amateur photographers who are Nebraska residents age 18 or older are invited to submit their striking photos of wildlife and natural settings taken anywhere in the world. All entries will be showcased in the museum Oct. 1 through Dec. 1 as part of a special exhibit.

Images may show animal behavior, plant life, natural landscapes, portraits of wildlife in a natural habitat and people interacting with nature. Images of pets, domestic animals, or captive animals photographed in zoos or game farms will not qualify for entry. All entries must be original photographs taken by the contestant.

The contest will include six categories:

* Mammals

* Birds

* Other Wildlife (includes reptiles, amphibians, insects, fish, etc.)

* Nature and People (people interacting with nature.)

* Landscapes and Skyscapes

* Plant Life (native plants in natural settings; garden plants and annuals are not eligible.)

Participants may submit a maximum of two entries per category.

This contest is for color photographs only. Photographs must be size 8.5 by 11 inches or 8 by 12 inches and securely mounted on 11 by 14-inch foam core (any color, preferably black) with an entry form attached to the back (mat board is also acceptable). No manipulation of photographs is permitted except for cropping, adjustment of contrast and brightness, and color correction. Enhanced or altered photos, or photos taken with artistic filters, will be disqualified.

For official rules, visit www.museum.unl.edu.

Photography will be judged based on originality, technical excellence, composition, artistic merit and overall impact. First-, second- and third-place winners will be selected among each category. One grand prize winner will also be awarded from among all categories. Honorable mentions will also be recognized. The grand prize winner and all first place winners will have their photos featured on the museum's Web site. The museum is not responsible for returning photos to contestants after the exhibit. Photos may be picked up at Morrill Hall's front desk Dec. 2-23.

To participate, complete the entry form found at www.museum.unl.edu and submit it along with photography no later than 4:30 p.m. Sept. 1. Mail or deliver to: University of Nebraska State Museum, Re: Wildlife and Nature Photo Contest, 307 Morrill Hall, Lincoln, NE, 68588-0388. Contestants hand-delivering their entries will receive half-price museum admission.

The University of Nebraska State Museum of Natural History in Morrill Hall is open 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Wednesday and Friday-Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursdays, and 1:30-4:30 p.m. Sundays. Admission is $5 for adults (19 and over), $3 for children (5-18 years, 4 and under are free), and $10 for families (up to two adults and children). UNL staff, faculty and students are admitted free with valid NU ID. There is an additional charge for planetarium shows. Parking is free. For further information, telephone the museum at (402) 472-3779 or visit www.museum.unl.edu.

WRITER: Dana Ludvik