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Ripley Waterfowl Conservancy 2026 Photo Contest Entry Consent Form

Please read and acknowledge the forms below:

2026 Photo Contest Rules

The Ripley Waterfowl Conservancy Photo Contest is sponsored and administered by Ripley
Waterfowl Conservancy, a 501(c)(3) organization with a mission to preserve rare and
endangered waterfowl species.
BY ENTERING THIS COMPETITION, YOU AGREE TO THESE TERMS AND
CONDITIONS:
• WHO IS ELIGIBLE: The Ripley Photo Contest is open to all photographers, amateur,
or professional.
• HOW TO ENTER: Entries must be submitted as digital files and can be color or black
and white. Prints or transparencies will not be accepted.
o Entrants must first submit entry fees and will then be directed to fill out the
entry form and submissions through our website.
• CONTEST ENTRY PERIOD: The Ripley Photo Contest opens on January 1 st, 2026,
and the final date for submission is May 31st , 2026.
• PHOTOS TO ENTER: Any photos of birds taken at the Conservancy will be
accepted. There must be AT LEAST ONE bird in each photo submitted. Photos may be
in black and white or color.
o Photographer credit will be provided whenever images are used. Submitted
photos may not contain watermarks, logos, or signatures. By submitting an
image, you confirm that you are the photographer, that you own the rights to the
image, and that you grant permission for its use with proper credit.
o Limit of 3 photo submissions per entrant
• JUDGING: Photographs will be reviewed by a panel of Ripley staff and Board
members. Winners will be selected based on the highest number of votes received finalist
images will be displayed on multiple platforms including our website and social media to
determine top prizes. Winners will be announced Monday, July 1st .
• PRIZES: One 1 st place, one 2nd place, and one 3rd place winner will be chosen. Nine
Honorable Mentions will also be awarded. Entrants are eligible for ONE prize each.
o First Place (one winner): Exclusive “Behind-the-Scenes” tour for up to five (5)
of the RWC facility with one of our aviculturists, valued at $100, a Ripley T-shirt
and hat. The First-Place photo will also grace the COVER and a featured month
in our 2027 Ripley Calendar.
o Second Place (one winner): Ripley T-shirt and Hat. Second-place photo will be
featured in the 2027 Ripley Calendar.
o Third Place (one winner): Ripley T-shirt. Third-place photo will be featured in
the 2027 Ripley Calendar.
o Honorable Mention (nine winners): Photos will be chosen for use in Ripley’s
2027 calendar. Winners will receive a free calendar.
• FEE: A non-refundable fee of $5 per photo entry is charged for submissions. This fee is
used to support the Conservancy’s mission as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
*Entry fees will be waived for all active Ripley Membership Photo Pass holders*
• INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY: Entrants retain ownership and all other rights to future
use of the photographs they enter, except for the following: your entry to the contest
constitutes your agreement to allow your entered photos and name to be displayed on the
Ripley Waterfowl website, social media, in the Ripley calendar and for future Ripley
marketing. Entrants will be properly credited for all photos used on the website and in the
Ripley calendar.

Ripley Waterfowl Conservancy General Photography Policy

General Conditions for Photographing Birds at Ripley Waterfowl Conservancy:
• Feeding, touching, or harassment of any birds is strictly prohibited.
• The sale of photographs of videos under the Ripley name and logo is prohibited.
• With prior approval, publications may be approved with the acknowledgment of Ripley
Waterfowl Conservancy in the credits of the publication.
• Ripley reserves the right to use any photographs or videos taken at the Conservancy for
marketing use with proper credit given to photographer.
• Photography of adjoining property is strictly prohibited.
Cancellations (For Private Photography Sessions Only):
Photographers must notify RWC if they will not be able to attend their selected day.
• Refunds may be requested in cases of inclement weather which results in school closures.
• Make ups may be rescheduled if approved by Ripley Waterfowl Conservancy’s staff if
the appointment is cancelled due to weather or other circumstances, in the case that a
refund has not been given.
• Must give cancellation notice 24 hours in advance.
General Consent and Liability:
I grant permission to Ripley Waterfowl Conservancy for the use of the photograph(s) &/or video or electronic media images taken for the use of publications, news releases, online, and in any other form of communications related to the mission of Ripley Waterfowl Conservancy.
The Conservancy does not guarantee the results of any photography session since we are at the mercy of working with live birds and unpredictable weather conditions. I agree to the conditions outlined above and hereby acknowledge that Ripley Waterfowl Conservancy and its staff shall not be held liable for any injuries I might sustain nor any damage to property or equipment I may incur during my time at Ripley Waterfowl Conservancy.
Staff members reserve the right to approach photographers on Conservancy property about their work. If photographers are not complying with the stated policy or have not sought permission to take professional photographs of the birds or physical site, they will be asked to return their equipment to their vehicle before enjoying the rest of their visit.
Our Aviculturists reserve the right to decide which exhibits are open or closed based on nesting, aggression, or animal well-being.
Ripley Waterfowl Conservancy General Photography Policy

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