Call for Nominations: NPRB Photography Awards (US)

Deadline: 01-Dec-2026

The North Pacific Research Board (NPRB) Photography Awards support photographers of all skill levels, including youth, who capture Alaska’s marine ecosystems and the ways people connect with its waters. Cash awards of up to $1,000 are available for the Best Photo Story, along with awards for individual photographs and youth entries.

About the NPRB Photography Awards

The NPRB Photography Awards celebrate photography that highlights Alaska’s marine ecosystems and human connections to its waters. The competition welcomes photographs from coastal and offshore environments, showcasing Alaska’s diverse marine life and the different ways people interact with marine waters. The awards aim to highlight both the natural richness of Alaska’s marine ecosystems and the relationships between people and the marine environment. What Types of Photography Are Encouraged? NPRB is particularly interested in photographs that capture Alaska’s marine environments and the people who depend on, study, and interact with them.

Relevant subjects include:

- Alaska’s marine ecosystems. - Marine wildlife. - Coastal environments. - Offshore environments. - Marine research. - Diving. - Commercial fishing. - Subsistence activities. - Other human connections to Alaska’s marine waters. Human Connections to Alaska’s Marine Waters A key focus of the competition is showing how people interact with and depend on Alaska’s marine waters. NPRB particularly seeks images depicting people involved in: - Marine research. - Diving. - Fishing. - Subsistence activities. - Other activities connected to Alaska’s marine environment. These photographs can help illustrate the relationship between Alaska’s communities, industries, researchers, and marine ecosystems. Best Photo Story The competition also encourages photographers to combine photography and writing to tell a collective story about Alaska’s marine waters. Each entrant can submit one photo story consisting of: - Up to five images. - Up to 1,000 words. The Best Photo Story receives a $1,000 cash award. Photography Award Categories The competition includes several categories recognising different aspects of Alaska’s marine environment. Seascapes This category focuses on photographs depicting Alaska’s coastal and offshore marine environments and landscapes. Marine Life This category highlights Alaska’s diverse marine wildlife and ecosystems. Human Connections This category focuses on the ways people interact with Alaska’s marine waters through activities such as research, fishing, diving, and subsistence. How Much Are the Cash Awards? The competition offers the following awards:

- Best Photo Story: $1,000.

- Best Seascapes Photograph: $700.

- Best Marine Life Photograph: $700.

- Best Human Connections Photograph: $700.

- Youth first place: $300.

- Youth second place: $100.

The awards provide recognition for both individual photographs and broader visual storytelling. Who Can Enter? The competition is open to photographers of all skill levels who are residents of the United States. Youth photographers can also participate in the youth categories. Photographers who are not U.S. residents and federal employees may submit photographs, but they are not eligible for cash awards. Youth Eligibility To qualify for the youth categories, photographers must be 18 years old or younger at the time of submission.

Youth participants can compete for:

- First-place award of $300. - Second-place award of $100. Submission Limits Each entrant may submit a maximum of five images across all categories. In addition, each entrant may submit one photo story. The photo story can contain up to five images and 1,000 words. Photo Submission Requirements For each submitted photograph, entrants must provide: - The appropriate image category. - A photo caption. - The location where the photograph was taken. - The date when the photograph was taken. Applicants should ensure that all required information is included with each submission. Prohibited Images and Practices The competition has specific restrictions designed to protect wildlife, photographers, people, and the environment.

The following are not allowed:

- Images of captive animals photographed in zoos. - Images of captive animals photographed in aquariums. - Photographs of pets. - Photographs of domestic animals. - Images that infringe on another photographer’s rights. - Images that infringe on another person’s rights. - Images involving the willful harassment of wildlife. - Images involving damage to the environment. Entrants are responsible for ensuring that their photographs comply with these requirements. Marine Mammal Research Permit Requirements Photographs obtained under a marine mammal research permit require authorization from the Office of Protected Resources. The relevant permit number must be included directly on the photograph. Entrants using images obtained through permitted marine mammal research should therefore ensure that the required authorization and permit information are provided. Respect for Wildlife and the Environment The awards emphasize responsible photography of Alaska’s marine ecosystems. Photographers must not intentionally harass wildlife or damage the environment in order to obtain an image. Submissions should reflect responsible engagement with Alaska’s marine ecosystems and respect for wildlife and environmental protection. How to Prepare a Strong Submission Photographers should choose images that clearly communicate the character of Alaska’s marine environments or the relationship between people and the waters.

A strong submission should:

- Clearly fit one of the competition categories. - Showcase Alaska’s marine ecosystems or human connections to them. - Provide an informative caption. - Include the photograph’s location and date. - Follow all wildlife and environmental requirements. - Respect the rights of other photographers and individuals. - Avoid prohibited subjects such as pets and captive anima