Hans F. Koenig Memorial Award for Excellence in Herpetological Photography

In January of each year, the SWCHR calls for entries into the Hans F. Koenig Award for Excellence in Herpetological Photography competition. Two awards are given each year – one for Adult participants and one for Junior participants under the age of 18 years. This competition is open only to SWCHR Members. Non-members may enter the competition upon receipt of their membership application and dues.

COMPETITION FORMAT & RULES

Winner in the Adult category will receive a $100 cash prize and their photo will be featured on the cover of our electronically-published quarterly SWCHR Bulletin for the year

Winner in the Junior category will receive a $50 cash prize and their photo will be featured as the cover photo on our SWCHR Facebook page for the year

Entrants may enter up to 3 photos

Photos must be emailed to info@southwesternherp.com. A confirmation email will be sent when photos are successfully received.

Each photo entered must include the species name, county and state where the photo was taken, and the date the photo was taken. Preference is given to photos taken within the past year of the competition.

The subject species of the photo must be an animal occurring naturally in the six-state SWCHR region of interest (AZ, CA, NM, NV, TX, UT). While we do support research on introduced species, the intent of this award is to showcase native species.

Captive specimens may be used as subjects but must be photographed in a natural setting.

Criteria for the judging include the following:
> Choice of subject matter
> Originality and creativity
> Viewer impact and appeal
> Composition
> Appropriate use / control of light and shadow
> Overall sharpness of the image and appropriate use of depth-of-field

The deadline for submissions will be announced (usually in February) and the winners will be determined and announced the following month.

The winners agree to the use of their winning photo on the SWCHR website, and in the SWCHR Bulletins and Newsletters which are emailed to SWCHR Members and university partners.