The “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge has opened entries for their 34th annual amateur photo contest. Electronic-only entries will be accepted through September 15. Winners of cash prizes of $500 for first place, $300 for second, $200 for third and $50 for honorable mentions will be announced during its Art in the Wild event in late October.

Amateur photographers of all ages are eligible to enter. Photos must be taken at J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge within two years of entry date. Each person may enter up to two photos, but is eligible to win only one award. Photos that have won awards in previous “Ding” Darling photo contests may not be resubmitted.

Criteria for judging photos by a refuge staffer, professional photographer and a Sanibel resident will include technical excellence, originality and creativity, interest and ability to be reproduced for publication. Judging will be anonymous and contestants are instructed not to put their name or any other identification on photos.

All photo files will become the property of “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society (DDWS) which can use them in any way with appropriate credit to the photographer. The society is a nonprofit friends group supporting the refuge’s conservation, wildlife and habitat protection, research and environmental education programs.

For more information including other photo specifications and an entry form, visit DingDarlingSociety.org/photo-contests. Entries must be emailed to [email protected]. The $25 fee for entering that includes DDWS membership can be paid by sending a check to the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society (P.O. Box 565, Sanibel, Fl. 33957) with a memo “for photo contest” or at tinyurl.com/dingphotofee.