The following are examples of the content categories and/or themes that we are interested in. Regardless of category, please let us know if a photo was taken at a Barnstable Land Trust Property or a related conservation location in the Town of Barnstable. Our goal is to showcase the natural wonders of our local community in every season and at all times of day.

People in Nature: There is nothing better than seeing people enjoying the outdoors. Close-ups, group shots, and action photos are always fun. And we don’t always need to see just the backsides of hikers! Note: A signed release from any recognizable people in your images is required, and you must be able to provide copies of those releases to BLT upon request; a BLT release form can be accessed here.

Birds: We want you to feel ‘free as a bird’ if you can capture our winged friends flying, perching, standing, swimming, or just hanging out.

Mammals: Go wild - we love to see great wildlife photos including otters, foxes, deer, and other local creatures.

Other Animals: Got photos of amphibians, reptiles, arachnids, insects, and beyond who make Barnstable their home? They deserve the spotlight too!

Landscapes: Show us how varied the conservation landscape in Barnstable can be, from wildflower meadows to sandy beaches to dense forests and pristine ponds (and everything in between). Every season, every time of day, every angle – we want to showcase that there is beauty everywhere.

Plants and Fungi: We are not going to beat about the bush here - shots of wild, non-invasive flowers, plants, trees, and fungi that are native to Cape Cod are just naturally beautiful.

Cultural and Heritage Significance: Nature and history go hand-in-hand and if you have an image/short video that helps folks to rediscover our natural roots, send them our way!

Sometimes, you see something that is so moving that you actually capture it in a video clip. If you can keep it short (10-60 seconds), you just might be eligible for the Oscars! Share your movie-madness with info@blt.org if the big/small screen beckons!

Screen Captures: Please submit the original photo. Any screen captures of images will not be accepted, including screen captures of images from social media platforms.

Digital Alterations: All photographs should accurately reflect the subject matter and the scene as it appeared. Photos that have been digitally altered beyond standard optimization may not be entered. Standard optimization is defined as removal of dust, cropping, minor adjustments to color and contrast, etc.

Image Size and Quantity: Because we’d love to feature your photos and videos across our platforms, please use the highest setting on your camera. The higher the resolution the better - of at least 2272 x 1704 pixels (i.e. 4 megapixels or greater) but no larger than 15 MB. Also, remember to select only your best photos – too much of a good thing isn’t always good!

File Type: Entries must be in JPEG format and submitted electronically to info@blt.org and named as naming format: Last_First_Location_Description_MonthTaken. Also include a note about how you would like to be tagged on social media or if you are affiliated with the Cape Cod Art Center!

Previously Published Material: Previously published material of which non-exclusive rights were granted may be entered as long as you still maintain the right to grant us a license (see “Rights” below). You must be able to disclose to BLT when and where the photo appeared previously upon request.

Looking for some special places to focus your creative efforts?  You might explore BLT’s Conservation Center (W. Barnstable on Route 6A), Fuller Farm (Marston Mills), Eagle Pond/Little River (Cotuit), Lowell Park Woodlands (Cotuit), Bansfield Meadow (Osterville), Shaws Lane (W. Barnstable), Hathaways Pond (Hyannis), Cape Cod Community College trails (W. Barnstable), Andrews Property and Coombs Bog (Centerville), and Ropes Field (Cotuit).