The 2025 Photography Contest is Now Closed

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roseate spoonbill bird

"Pretty in Pink," Hilton Head Island by Mary Alice Tartler | 2024 Winner

Who can enter?

Photographers of all degrees of expertise are invited to participate in the annual photography contest sponsored by the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services.

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Garris Landing
Garris Landing by Ben Sumrell 2014 Winner
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New Moon Over Hobcaw Beach
New Moon Over Hobcaw Beach by Donald Withers 2013 Winner

What kind of photos should I submit?

We are looking for coastal South Carolina scenes including marshes, beaches, or wildlife.

What are the rules?

  • Pictures must be the original work of the photographer
  • Horizontal/landscape orientation is required
  • Digital photos are accepted with a limit of three (3) pictures per contestant
  • Individual photos should not exceed a file size of 65 megabytes
  • All entries must be submitted between August 1 and September 15, 2024

What do I win?

The winning photo will appear on SCDES's 2025 Tide Table Poster. 

How do I submit entries?

The submission portal for 2025 is now closed. 

Who do I contact with contest questions?

For questions about the contest, contact Kelly Harris, Outreach Project Manager, at kelly.harris@des.sc.gov or (843) 953-0233.

Contestant Release

I authorize the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) to use any image(s) I submit of coastal South Carolina scenes on the 2025 Tide Tables, if my photograph is chosen as the winner of the SCDES Coastal Photography Contest.

I understand and agree, even if the image(s) I submit are not chosen as the winner of the SCDES Coastal Photography Contest, any/all image(s) I submit may be used in other SCDES publications, website, videos, or film for promotional purposes with attribution. I understand and agree any/all image(s) I submit, without personal identifying information or metadata other than photographer's name, may be disclosed to the news media and/or the public in an effort to promote environmental protection and conservation efforts.  I also understand any/all image(s) I submit will be in the public domain, and may be used for purposes other than intended or identified in this document. I understand and agree that SCDES will have no control over the re-release and use of these images by any media outlets, and cannot be responsible for their reuse and publication.

I understand that agreeing to these terms is a condition precedent to my participation in the SCDES Coastal Photography Contest.

I understand I am not required to participate in this contest.

By submitting an image for the purpose of entering the SCDES Coastal Photography Contest, I certify that I am 18 years of age or older and I grant SCDES permission to use or disclose the image(s) as previously specified.