1. A Natural Moment --- Herpetofauna in its natural habitat, i.e. photographed where it lives.  This category may include shots of herps that were manipulated / posed in the field, and 'studio' shots that simulate herps in their natural habitats so well that they look authentic.  Although posed and studio shots may be entered, note that the judges will be instructed to give the highest scores to shots they believe were taken completely as they were found in nature, 100% in-situ.
2. Life Begins --- Herpetofauna at birth or hatching, or in the reproductive act.  This can involve wild or captive animals.
3. Abstract --- An interesting portion / view of a herp scalation, coloration, etc.; it need not be the whole animal. 
4. Going, Going, Gone... --- Depicting threatened or endangered species.
5. Ooops! --- A humorous photo goof or other funny situation involving herps or herping.
6. In Captivity --- Illustrating an aspect of husbandry and / or herpetoculture, like handling, feeding, breeding, collecting, aberrant morphs, etc.
7. Watch Out! --- Subjects or situations depicting potential danger from things that bite, scratch, tail-lash, are venomous, etc.
8. Digital Wizardry --- Use your best skills in Photoshop, in the darkroom, or whatever to touch up, enhance, alter or re-create a herp image that wows everyone.  

BEST of SHOW - Awarded for the single photo that is most original, exciting, and memorable.  This will be the 'Eyedazzler' of the show, and will be chosen by the popular vote of all registered attendees.   

• Only images that have NOT already been published in any printed books, magazines, calendars, advertising, etc., and that have not won any category at an I.H.S. contest before, are eligible.  Images that have appeared ONLY on the Web, without any reimbursement paid to the photographer, are eligible for the contest.
• Up to three photos may be submitted for each of the eight categories.
• Images may be color or black & white.  There will not be separate categories for these two formats.
• Digital manipulation of images in the first 7 categories is not allowed.  If it's spotted by any judges, those images will be ineligible to win prizes.  Only category #8 may feature digitally altered images. * Minor lightening / darkening/ cropping is OK.
• You may bring photos to 'Display Only ' and not compete in the actual photo contest.  There's no charge to do this, and we welcome your images just as exhibits.  The same sizing and framing requirements apply as for contestants.  Display-only photos must be clearly marked as such; they will not be judged in the contest.
• Photo entries must be no smaller than 11" x 14" ( =  20.3 x 25.4 cm) in size.  Horizontal or vertical format is fine.  Each print must be mounted on a stiff backing (e.g. foam core or quality cardboard), with NO matting, frames, or borders of any kind.  Small plastic mounts will hold each picture vertically on tables around the conference room perimeter, or they may be laid flat on tables, or mounted vertically on a wall if the hotel situation permits those methods.
• PHOTOGRAPHER'S  NAME  /  CONTACT:  A label must be on the back of each photo stating your name, full contact info, and in which of the eight categories you would like your photo to be judged; this may be a standard business card.  This label or business card may be moved to a front edge of the photo after the judging.
• PHOTO  CAPTIONS:  A brief explanation of the image [e.g. common & Latin name(s), locality where the image was taken, and any special circumstances / action depicted, etc.] should be displayed attached to the front edge of each of your entries.  The total size for the information is 2" x 3.5" (the size of a standard business card).  
• Participants (or stand-ins) must be registered I.H.S. attendees and bring their photo entries to the IHS conference.  They must be received at the registration table by noon at the start of the symposium.

• Contestants must pay an entry fee of $10 for each print entered in the contest that is NOT donated for the auction on banquet night.  This can be paid to the photo contest coordinator when you bring your entries, or sent with them if you prefer to mail your entries.  If you donate your photo, no entry fee is required.

A panel of judges with herp photography experience will choose the winners in each of the 8 categories.  Winning entries will be judged on multiple points such as: composition, sharpness of image, lighting, difficulty of the shot, and overall "attention-grabbing passion".  The Best of Show winner will be chosen by popular vote (ballot box) in the contest display room.

In 2007 the I.H.S. awarded $1000 in cash and prizes to the 8 category winners ($50 each) and the grand prize winner ($600), thanks to Kingsnake.com and ECO, and great new herp books from Eagle Mountain Publishing and Zoo Book Sales.  Prizes will be awarded at the I.H.S. banquet Saturday evening to the winner (or to his / her stand-in) in each category, and for Best of Show.  

Bill Love will be the I.H.S. Herp Photo Contest coordinator again this year and will not compete in or judge the contest.  Please contact Bill Love with any questions at:  bill@bluechameleon.org  (< please put "I.H.S. Herp Photo Contest" in the subject line.)   Telephone: (239) 691-4414.