The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) is accepting entries for the 2027 Outdoor Alabama Photo Contest, with a deadline of Oct. 30.

The annual contest is open to amateur photographers who live in Alabama or visit the state, a news release said. Photographers do not have to be Alabama residents to participate, but all qualifying photos must have been taken in Alabama within the past two years. Photographers employed by ADCNR are not eligible.

“Each year, nearly two thousand images are entered in the Outdoor Alabama Photo Contest by some of the best amateur photographers in our state and from across the country,” ADCNR Commissioner Chris Blankenship said in the release. “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 2027 competition will emphasize traditional photography techniques and handheld cameras. Winning photos in nine of the 10 categories cannot be taken with cellphones, smartphones, game cameras or drones. Smartphone and tablet photography will be allowed in the Young Photographers category.

Each photographer may submit up to 10 photos. All 10 entries may be submitted to a single category or divided among multiple categories. First-, second- and third-place awards, along with one honorable mention, will be selected in each category.

The 10 categories are:

• Alabama State Parks
• Birds
• Bugs and Butterflies
• Cold-blooded Critters

Winning images will be featured online and in a traveling exhibit at venues throughout Alabama during 2027.
Photography enthusiasts also can see winning images from previous competitions in two current exhibits.
The 2026 Outdoor Alabama Photo Contest Exhibit is on display at the Oak Mountain State Park Interpretive Center in Pelham through Sept. 16.

The Outdoor Alabama Photo Contest Retrospective is on display through Sept. 25 at the Georgine Clarke Alabama Artists Gallery in downtown Montgomery. The free exhibit features winning images from the 2021-2025 contests.

The complete exhibit schedule is available at www.outdooralabama.com/photo-exhibit.

Detailed descriptions of the 2027 categories, contest rules and information about sponsors are available at www.outdooralabama.com/photocontest.

ADCNR promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through four divisions: Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. More information is available at www.outdooralabama.com.