Rules

Copyright:
You must be the sole author and owner of the copyright in all pictures entered.

Manipulation:
Photographs must accurately reflect the subject matter as it appeared in the viewfinder. Photos that have been digitally altered beyond standard optimization (including but not limited to removal of dust, cropping, and/or adjustments to color and contrast) will be disqualified. Normal processing of RAW image files or minor adjustments to color and contrast are acceptable, as is minimal cropping.

Usage Rights:
Unless otherwise stated, submission of images to this contest grants the San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory a nonexclusive, worldwide, perpetual, fully-paid, royalty-free license to use the photographs in any manner related to the contest and or its conservation work.

Impactful imagery helps the San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory deliver on its mission to promote the conservation of birds and their habitat in the Bay Area. The San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory frequently uses images on it’s web site, newsletters, and various publications to help communicate its mission of avian conservation.  These images are donated to San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory by members interested in sharing their photography to help the San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory achieve it’s goals.

Opt Out Clause:
If you do not agree to the usage rights terms and conditions when you submit your photos you will be given the option to check an "Opt Out" box. By checking this box, you are indicating to the San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory that you do not want your images submitted to be used in the manner stated above i.e., to use the photographs in any manner related to the contest and or its conservation works. Category winning images are excluded from this condition.
  
Entrance Fee/Donation:
A $25 donation is required to submit images into this competition. This donation entitles you to enter up to five images into the competition. There is no limit to the number of donations/submission you may enter into the competition. 

Submission Period:
Participants can begin submitting images to the San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory on June 1st, 2011. Submission must be received before September 1st, 2011. (More info provided soon!)

Geographic Location:
Except for the Birds of the World Category, in making awards, judges will prioritize images that are photographed in the San Francisco Bay Area.

File Formats:
Photographs must not exceed 500KB at 72 dpi (or 1000 on the longest side). Save files as jpg at their highest quality. Use the RGB color space.