Every year, we invite you to share your best photos of nature in Wisconsin with us: the landscapes you’ve explored, the wildlife you’ve spotted, and the outdoor adventures you’ve had. There are five categories for photo submissions, with one winner from each category including the grand prize winner. There is also a People’s Choice Award where — you guessed it — the public gets to decide the winner. The 2026 Photo Contest categories are:

1) Landscapes
2) Birds
3) Flora & Fungi
4) Insects, Amphibians, & Reptiles
5) People & Other Mammals

The Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin is dedicated to protecting our state’s lands, waters, and wildlife and connecting all people with nature. Thank you for being a part of our mission and letting us see our work through your lens.

Dark Skies Webinar – Photography and Conservation

What happens in Wisconsin after dark? Aurora paint the night. The Milky Way arcs above our heads. Once-in-a-lifetime comets and meteors streak through the sky.

Join Midwest born award-winning photographer Jeff Pfaller as he tells the story of his 5-year journey exploring America’s public lands at night. You’ll hear about rare dark sky phenomena, making space in your life to witness miracles, and tips for experiencing these bucket-list items for yourself.

When: Tuesday, September 22nd from 12 to 1pm CST

Where: Zoom Webinar

Cost: Free

We award prizes for the Grand Prize Winner, 4 additional Category Winners, and People’s Choice!

Grand Prize: $250 REI gift card and your photo on the cover of NRF’s membership magazine, Bridges

Category Prizes: $100 REI gift card

People’s Choice: NRF swag bag with hat, t-shirt/sweatshirt, & more

In addition, all winners receive a complimentary NRF membership, Foundation t-shirt, and their photo featured inside our newsletter, Bridges. 

People’s Choice is determined by popular vote from a selection of finalists.

Submit up to four of your best Wisconsin nature photos to the Photo Contest via our online portal. If submitting multiple photos, please submit each one separately. NRF staff, judges, and the immediate family of judges are not eligible to win prizes.

DEADLINE: November 1st, 2026 at 11:59 pm

PHOTO REQUIREMENTS: Photos must be submitted as high resolution JPEG files (200+ dpi). Maximum file size 20 MB. Minimum file size 2 MB. Minimum image size 2048 pixels (tall or wide). Vertical or horizontal in orientation (Note: some images may be cropped to fit format). Photo cannot be over three years old. You cannot submit the same photo to multiple categories. No watermarks please. Photos must be authentic photographs and may not include AI-generated or AI-altered content. Images created or significantly modified using generative artificial intelligence tools are not eligible. Photos that fit these requirements will be eligible for prizes.

We prefer photos which:

• Highlight species that are native to Wisconsin
• Are natural-looking (photos that are heavily edited or photoshopped will be at a disadvantage, including black and white or under/oversaturated colors)
  

PHOTO RIGHTS: Entrant must hold all rights to the photograph and must receive permission from any people featured in the photo prior to submitting.

NOTE: By submitting your photos, you give the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin permission to use them in publications, promotions, and on social media (we always credit the photographer), and to share them with news media as appropriate.

You do not need to be an NRF member to submit a photo.

Winner of NRF’s 2025 Photo Contest

Explore more of Bill’s photography

Co-founder of BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin, author, podcast host and member of NRF’s Great Wisconsin Birdathon committee.

Explore more of Dexter’s work