The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is accepting entries for the 2027 Outdoor Alabama Photo Contest. The deadline is October 30, 2026.
“Each year, nearly 2,000 images are entered in the Outdoor Alabama Photo Contest by some of the best amateur photographers in our state and from across the country,” Commissioner Chris Blankenship said. “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.”
The contest will focus on traditional photography using handheld cameras. The department will not select cellphone, smartphone, game camera or drone photographs as winners in nine of the 10 categories. The Young Photographers category will accept smartphone and tablet photos.
Alabama residents and visitors may enter. Photographers must have taken qualifying photos in Alabama within the past two years. Department employees are not eligible.
Entrants may submit up to 10 photos in one or several categories. Judges will award first, second and third place and one honorable mention in each category.
The 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 younger
The department will feature the winning images online and in a traveling exhibit across Alabama in 2027.
The 2026 Outdoor Alabama Photo Contest Exhibit is on display at the Oak Mountain State Park Interpretive Center in Pelham through September 16.
The Georgine Clarke Alabama Artists Gallery in downtown Montgomery is hosting a free retrospective featuring winning images from the 2021 through 2025 contests. The exhibit will remain on display through September 25.
View the complete exhibit schedule.
Contest rules, category descriptions and sponsors are available on the Outdoor Alabama Photo Contest website.
