The 3rd Annual Laguna del Lagarto Eco-Lodge Nature Photography Tournament is a fundraising and conservation event created by Images for Conservation Fund and the Laguna del Lagarto Eco-Lodge to communicate the great diversity and majesty of wildlife living on the 665 acres of virgin tropical rainforest in Northern Costa Rica. The Tournament is open to all photographers who would like to participate knowing that their images and fees will be used to help preserve one of the most biodiverse tracts of habitat in Costa Rica. Conservation efforts will be made through native habitat restoration and environmental education through youth photography workshops in the Lagarto Eco-Lodge area.
The Tournament will begin on November 1, 2019 and end at midnight on May 31, 2021.
Due to the impact of the COVID-19 global pandemic we have extended the Tournament Deadline to May 31, 2021. Additionally, we have designated that conservation proceeds from the Tournament will now go to assist the Lagarto Eco-Lodge staff to help with the disruptions caused by the global pandemic. These are unprecedented times for both eco-lodges and their employees throughout Costa Rica (and the rest of the world). Your participation in the Tournament will directly help those impacted by the effects of the global pandemic in the Boca Tapada community.
Overview:
The Tournament is open to all photographers (both professional and amateur) who visit the Laguna del Lagarto Eco-Lodge anytime during the Tournament Period (November 1, 2019 thru May 31, 2021). All images submitted to the Tournament must have been taken on the Laguna del Lagarto Eco-Lodge Property during the official Tournament Period. Photographers may enter as many images as they like at a cost of $10 per image.
How to Register:
1. All registrations will be completed through the Images for Conservation Fund (ICF) Website at www.imagesforconservation.org.
2. Photographers may submit images, via www.imagesforconservation.org, any time during the Tournament, but no later than midnight, June 30, 2021.
Camera | Image Capture Requirements:
All cameras must be digital. Images must be created in RAW format when available. If the camera does not offer RAW format, the camera must be set on the highest quality JPEG offered. [We recommend that you set your camera’s image capture format to RAW + HiRes JPEG to ensure the most compatibility with your image processing software.]
All images submitted to the tournament must include metadata that has the date and time of image capture. [Remember to ensure that your camera’s date and time is current and accurate prior to your arrival at the Lagarto Eco-Lodge.] This will allow the judges to ensure the images were taken during the official Tournament period. Images without proper metadata may be disqualified.
Main Divisions | Competition Categories: All Images must be composed of wildlife, plants, and/or landscapes found on the Lagarto Eco-Lodge Property represented by the following 5 Divisions:
- Birds
- Mammals
- Reptiles, Amphibians & Fish
- Invertebrates such as Insects, Arachnids & Arthropods
- Landscapes, Plants & Flowers
Special Divisions | Competition Categories:
- Rarest Image – The “rarest” image captured during the Tournament. This might be a rare or secretive mammal (such as a jaguar or ocelot) or an uncommon bird species, etc. Judges will place more emphasis on the rarity of species than image aesthetics. One overall winning image will be selected for this category from all Main Division Tournament entries and the photographer will receive a $75 cash prize. No additional entry fee is required for this category.
- Most Unusual Behavior Image – The “most unusual behavior” image taken during the Tournament. This might be an image of a common (or rare) species displaying unusual behavior (such as feeding, displaying, courtship, etc.) Judges will place more emphasis on image’s story and aesthetics. One overall winning image will be selected for this category from all Main Divisions Tournament entries and the photographer will receive a $75 cash prize. No additional entry fee is required for this category.
Treatment of Animals: ICF requires all Participants to use extreme caution to protect the health and survival of the subjects being photographed.
- Any images of wildlife species that all three judges agree look stressed will be disqualified.
- Images of animals subjected to restraint of any kind shall be labeled as controlled subjects as part of the submission. This will not reduce any scores unless the subject is obviously stressed.
- No Mammals may be captured or physically restrained in any form or fashion.
- No artificial freezing or cooling of any animal is allowed.
- If a restrained subject is dangerous to humans, it must be released where the risk to humans is minimized.
- All Images submitted must be of living animals; no stuffed animals or artificial plants.
Image Processing: Color images only. No digital composites, or black and white conversions, or panoramic composite photos are allowed. Digital manipulation is only acceptable if limited to cleaning (dust spots), levels, curves, color, saturation and contrast work. Compositing and multiple exposures are not allowed. As part of this event is creating (and documenting) a visual inventory of the biodiversity of Lagarto Eco-Lodge, all images should accurately reflect the subject matter or scene as it appeared.
Other than by cropping (see below) no element (aside from dust spots mentioned above) may be removed from an image (for example: you may not remove a misplaced tree branch, or an inconveniently placed rock). No images may be altered. All decisions made by the Judges and Tournament organizers regarding the acceptability of an image are final.
Cropping shall not exceed more than 30% of the width and height of the original RAW or high resolution JPEG file while maintaining the camera’s original image proportion or aspect ratio (generally 2:3 for most DSLRs). Cropping must be done IN RATIO. For instance, do not crop a horizontal image into a square format. If the Judges deem that an image has been cropped too significantly or that the final image quality or resolution has been compromised, the image may be disqualified.
Cropping Example: Let’s assume the camera’s original RAW file (or high resolution JPEG) dimensions are 12 inches by 18 inches at 300 dpi. To calculate the maximum crop allowed for this image multiply both the length and width of your image by 0.70. For instance, 12 x 0.70 (equals 8.4) and 18 x 0.70 (equals 12.6), thus the smallest size you can crop your original image to is 8.4 inches by 12.6 inches at 300 dpi. Note by multiplying both the length and width by 0.70, you’ve maintained the original aspect ratio of your image. Also note that this is the maximum crop allowed. You are not required to crop the full 30%, you are welcome to crop less (or not at all) as long as you maintain the original aspect ratio.
Submitting Images:
-Each photographer may enter as many images as they like at a cost of $10 per image.
-And/Or a group(s) of 15 images at a reduced cost of $100.
Important Note: To compete for the Grand Prize – Laguna del Lagarto Eco-Lodge Nature Photographer of the Year a photographer must submit a portfolio of at least 15 images.
Special Incentive for group submissions received by June 30, 2020 – Anyone who submits a group of 15 images prior to original June 30, 2020 deadline will receive a special 50% discount on a second portfolio submission (thus $50 for 15 images) that can be used at any time prior to the June 30, 2021 deadline. This means you can submit a second set of images from any visit to the Lagarto Eco-Lodge between November 1, 2019 and the new May 31, 2021 deadline at the discounted price.
How to Submit Images:
- All images submitted for judging must be received through the ICF website: org
- By entering the Tournament, each photographer accepts the rules as stated and guarantees that all the information provided is correct and truthful. Entries not accurately represented or not abiding by Tournament rules will be disqualified. Refunds will not be given in case of disqualification.
- All image submissions uploaded to the website must be JPEG files sized to 1024 pixels on the longest side (For example: 683 pixels high by 1024 pixels wide if the camera has a standard DSLR 2:3 aspect ratio.) JPEGs should be around 1MB in file size. (Files larger than 3MB will not be accepted. If necessary, please reduce JPEG quality so file size closer is closer to 1MB.)
- Tournament officials will request original RAW files (or original high resolution JPEG files) and processed (edited) high resolution JPEGs for all images that make the final round of judging. When requested, the source images must be provided within 7 days of notification or the contending image may be disqualified. Details on how to submit original source files online will be provided at time of request.
- To ensure anonymity in judging, images may not contain watermarks, logos, text, or identifying marks of the photographer. Please do NOT include your name in the filenames of images you submit for judging. (Note: Your name or copyright in image metadata is fine.)
- All images submitted to the Tournament must have been taken on the Laguna del Lagarto Eco-Lodge Property during the official tournament period (November 1, 2019 thru May 31, 2021). The Lagarto Eco-Lodge Property includes: Lagarto Eco-Lodge grounds, rainforest and lagoon areas, the frontage road, all photo blinds, Aldolfo’s Garden and Henry’s Garden. Any ruling by Tournament officials on what constitutes Lagarto Eco-Lodge Property will be final.
- You may submit images any time during the Tournament, but no later than midnight, June 30, 2021.
Copyright:
Tournament entrant must be the creator of the submitted image, and owner of the copyright for every image submitted. Copyright remains with the photographer. By submitting images for judging, photographers agree to grant Images for Conservation Fund, Laguna del Lagarto Eco-Lodge, the Tournament, and its Sponsors an irrevocable, perpetual, worldwide non-exclusive license to use, publish, and reproduce their images for promotion, sale and display purposes including, but not limited to:
- Promotion of future tournaments at Laguna del Lagarto Eco-Lodge
- Fundraising for native habitat restoration and reforestation at the Laguna del Lagarto Eco-Lodge and surrounding areas.
- Creation of Lagarto Eco-Lodge Photography Exhibits, Books, Apps, Calendars or other publications
Every effort will be made to give the photographer appropriate photo credit when an image is used.
Releases:
If applicable, photographers are responsible for obtaining model releases from any individual who appears in a submitted photo (or if the individual is under age 18 from their parent/legal guardian). Images without proper release may be disqualified.
Judging:
Images will be judged anonymously by judges experienced in the field of nature and wildlife photography. Scores are based on originality, composition, technical quality, and overall impact. All decisions made by the Judges and Tournament officials are final.
Entry Fee Allocations:
Entry fee proceeds will be distributed as follows:
- 25% will be paid out in prizes.
- 25% will go toward conservation efforts in the Laguna del Lagarto Eco-Lodge area.
- 50% will go to Images for Conservation Fund
Main Divisions Prize Categories:
Grand Prize Winner: The Laguna del Lagarto Eco-Lodge Nature Photographer of the Year. The Grand Prize winner will be determined based on the best total score for a given portfolio of 15 images or more. For portfolios over 15 images, the portfolio’s score will be calculated based on each photographer’s highest scoring 15 images.
First, Second & Third Place Winners will also be awarded in each of the 5 Main Divisions based on the highest scoring individual images per category. If there is a tie, prize money will be divided equally among the participants with the same final scores.
Main Division Prize Money Allocation:
- (One) Grand Prize: Laguna del Lagarto Eco-Lodge Nature Photographer of the Year will receive $1,000 USD, their name engraved on the commemorative Bronze Toucan Trophy AND a free 3-night stay at Laguna del Lagarto Eco-Lodge (for two, double occupancy) including meals and photo settings. Does not include airfare, transportation to Eco-Lodge, beverages, tips, or other incidentals. Dates subject to availability.
- (Five) 1st Place Division Winners will share 50% of the Prize Money
- (Five) 2nd Place Division Winners will share 30% of the Prize Money
- (Five) 3rd Place Division Winners will share 20% of the Prize Money
Special Division Prize Categories:
- Rarest Image: (One) Overall winner will receive $75
- Most Unusual Behavior Image: (One) Overall winner will receive $75
Selected winning images will be featured in a gallery on the Images for Conservation Fund website and in various social media outlets. An exhibition of winning images will also be planned in Costa Rica (location TBD) and at the Laguna del Lagarto Eco-Lodge.
Additionally, selected winning images will also be featured in Wildlife Photographic magazine. Wildlife Photographic is a magazine dedicated to wildlife photography and is distributed internationally in Apple’s Newsstand (http://bit.ly/1aKP3qR) and in the Google Play Marketplace (http://bit.ly/1JOhMcW).
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Special Monthly Winner Competition:
The Special Monthly Competition will be extended through May 31, 2021 on account of the COVID-19 global pandemic. Additionally, please note that monthly winners will be selected through May 2020 and then will resume again for November 2020 through May 2021.
Each photographer who visits the Laguna del Lagarto Eco-Lodge during the Tournament Period may submit up to two images per month (free) in the Monthly Winner Competition. Winners will be announced for each month that more than two participants have submitted images. One winning image will be selected each month and the winner will receive a free entry into the main Tournament for their Monthly Winner (or an image of their choice). The winning images will also be shared through various social media outlets. Important Note: Entering an image in the Monthly Winner Competition does NOT enter your image in the main Tournament. This is a totally separate contest. If you want to include your Monthly Winner submissions in the main Tournament you will have to re-submit with your final Tournament portfolio.
Copyright:
Monthly Winner Competition entrants must be the creator of the submitted image, and owner of the copyright for every image submitted. Copyright remains with the photographer. By submitting images for judging, photographers agree to grant Images for Conservation Fund, Laguna del Lagarto Eco-Lodge, the Tournament, and its Sponsors an irrevocable, perpetual, worldwide non-exclusive license to use, publish, and reproduce their images for promotion, sale and display purposes including, but not limited to:
- Promotion of future tournaments at Laguna del Lagarto Eco-Lodge
- Fundraising for native habitat restoration and reforestation at the Laguna del Lagarto Eco-Lodge and surrounding areas.
- Creation of Lagarto Eco-Lodge Photography Exhibits, Books, Apps, Calendars or other publications
Every effort will be made to give the photographer appropriate photo credit when an image is used.
Releases:
If applicable, photographers are responsible for obtaining model releases from any individual who appears in a submitted photo (or if the individual is under age 18 from their parent/legal guardian). Images without proper release may be disqualified.
Judging:
Images will be judged anonymously by a judge(s) experienced in the field of nature and wildlife photography. Scores are based on originality, composition, technical quality, and overall impact. All decisions made by the Judge(s) and Tournament officials are final.
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For Questions on Tournament Rules: Contact Bill Gozansky, Tournament Director, at [email protected] or John Martin, Tournament Chairman, at [email protected].
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