Caw Caw Interpretive Center Amateur Photo Contest

Photo contest has ended, and winners will be announced January 30, 2026.


Caw Caw Interpretive Center invites amateur photographers of all ages to capture the breathtaking beauty, history, and wildlife of this unique Lowcountry treasure! From the ancient live oaks and historic rice fields to a fleeting glimpse of a blue-headed vireo or river otter, Caw Caw is a sanctuary for both nature and the lens. This is your chance to explore its diverse habitats, capture a stunning image, and share your photo with the community. This contest is exclusively for amateur photographers and is a celebration of local talent and a love for the Lowcountry.

Prizes

  • First prize: one-year Gold Pass membership
  • Second prize: two tickets to the March 21, 2026 Birds of a Feather event
  • Third prize: private tour of Caw Caw Interpretive Center with the park manager
  • The top 10 photos will be displayed at Caw Caw Interpretive Center and on the Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission website.

Judges

  • Colin Hocking, nature and wildlife photographer specializing in bird photography
  • Judith Kramer, environmental designer and lecturer on wildlife garden design 
  • Dennis Burgart, Caw Caw Interpretive Center manager

Rules

  • All facility rules apply. Please do not wander off trails to get a good shot.
  • Limit one entry per person.
  • Entry must be your original work and captured at Caw Caw Interpretive Center property between September 1, 2023 and December 31, 2025.  
  • Entries will only be accepted via the official online entry form through December 31, 2025.
  • Only digital images will be accepted. Feel free to use any camera you have—from a high-end DSLR to your smartphone.
  • Entry must be submitted as high-resolution JPEG file with a minimum resolution of 3000 x 2400 pixels. This ensures the quality necessary for both judging and potential print display.
  • Panoramic photos are not allowed.
  • Standard adjustments like cropping, color correction, tone adjustments, and basic cleanup (dust removal) are permitted. Judges, at their discretion, may disqualify images that appear to be heavily manipulated, including composite photos, AI-generated, or images with digitally added or removed elements. The goal is to capture the scene as genuinely as possible, rewarding good photography, not digital artistry. 
  • No bird feeders in the image. 
  • No watermarks or logos. 
  • No people in the pictures. 
  • Judges will consider composition, the rule of thirds, overall lighting, and color in their criteria for choosing winning photos.
  • By participating in this contest, you agree to grant Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission license to display your entry on ccprc.com and on Charleston County Parks and Caw Caw Interpretive Center social media channels.
  • Winners will be announced January 30, 2026.