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My TN State Park Photo Contest
We are thrilled to announce the winners of the 2025 My TN State Park Photo Contest! With a impressive 1,404 submissions, this competition showcased the breathtaking beauty of our state parks through the eyes of talented photographers.
The diversity of submissions was truly remarkable, reflecting the unique landscapes and experiences that Tennessee State Parks have to offer. From stunning vistas that thoughtfully utilized light and shadow to wildlife action shots that demostrated exceptional skill, each image captured the essence of the state parks experience.
Choosing the winning photographs was no small task. Our panel of judges, which included the Editor-in-Chief ofThe Tennessee Conservationist magazine, evaluated each image based on technical excellence, creativity, visual impact, and artistic merit. After careful consideration, a total of 147 images were selected as finalists, with five entries standing out among the rest that will receive awards.
Congratulations to our winners!
- 1st Place: Caleb Mckenney,Fall Hanging, South Cumberland State Park
- 2nd Place: Bryce Wade,Mud Salamander,Frozen Head State Park
- 3rd Place: Bobby Shane Blythe, Annual Pow-Wow at Long Hunter State Park
- 4th Place: Stephanie Hinton, Star Trails at Standing Stone State Park
- 5th Place: Christa Ellis,Backlit Snail, Long Hunter State Park
Thank you to everyone who participated in this contest and helped showcase the beauty of Tennessee. We invite you to explore the finalist images below.
Finalist Gallery
Stay tuned to the Tennessee State Parks social media channels for the chance to see your image featured.
- Follow Tennessee State Parks onInstagram andFacebook
- Follow The Tennessee Conservationist onInstagram andFacebook
Grand Prize
Click Here to view the prizes for each winner.
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FAQs
When can I enter the contest?Submissions will be accepted from April 1, 2025, to April 30, 2025.
Who can enter? Photographers and nature enthusiasts of all skill levels are encouraged to enter. We accept submissions from any age with parental consent.
What photos can I submit?Only photographs taken within the boundaries of Tennessee State Parks will be accepted. This can include a wide variety of subjects including native wildlife, native plants, landscapes, recreational activities and more. Photo submissions must be the original creation of the entrant.
Can I edit my photo submissions?Minimal editing is allowed, such as cropping and alterations to color, contrast, brightness, etc. Extensive manipulation, including AI-altered images and edits that do not show the scene naturally, is not allowed. Alternative processes such as polaroid transfers and cyanotypes are accepted. Photos must not contain any markings, such as copyright, watermark, stamp, etc.
Are black and white images acceptable?Yes.
Can I submit drone photography?Drone usage at Tennessee State Parks requires written approval from the park manager andadditional requirements. Drone images will not be accepted in this contest.
Can I submit photography of people? The focus of submissions should be on showcasing the natural beauty of Tennessee State Parks. It's ok to include people in your photos as long as they are not recognizable.
How many photos can I submit?There is a limit of five photo submissions per person and each must be submitted separately. If more than five images are submitted, only five will be judged, and they will be randomly selected. To avoid this, please only submit at or under five images.
What size photo should I submit? Photos should be a minimum of 2,500 pixels wide (if a horizontal image) or 2,500 pixels tall (if a vertical image).
How will Tennessee State Parks use the photos? By submitting photos, the photographer agrees to the following terms:
Unlimited Use in Perpetuity (Excluding Merchandise): The State of Tennessee and the Tennessee State Parks Conservancy are granted a non-exclusive license to use the photos in any marketing or promotional context, including but not limited to: social media, websites, printed materials, email campaigns, presentations, signage, and releases to media outlets in perpetuity. This does not include use on items intended for sale (e.g., t-shirts, prints, or other merchandise) without additional permission.
How are entries judged? Entries will be judged on technical excellence, originality, creativity, visual impact, and artistic merit by a panel of judges including the Editor in Chief of The Conservationist Magazine. Judges decisions are final.
Grand Prize: One winner with the top submission will receive a grand prize comprising of one (1)ENO Leave No Trace DoubleNest Hammock, two-night stay at any Tennessee State Parkcabin orlodge, one (1)ENO Atlas Hammock Straps, one (1) one-year print and digitalsubscription to The Tennessee Conservationist magazine, one (1)TEREN Daily Driver Shirt, and one (1) $50 gift card to theTennessee State Parks Online Gift Shop.
The remaining top four submissions will receive one (1) one-year print and digitalsubscription to The Tennessee Conservationist magazine.
When will the winners be announced?Winners will be announced in June 2025. They will be notified at the email address that is provided during submission.