Calling all photography enthusiasts! We’re excited to bring back our annual photo contest, and we want YOU to be a part of it! Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or a passionate hobbyist, this is your chance to showcase your skills and have your work featured in our 2027 Potter Park Zoo calendar.
Contest Details:
- Submission Period: June through August. 9, 2026
- Winner Announcement: September 2026.
How to Enter:
To participate, simply submit your photos to Heath Thurman at hthurman@ingham.org. Make sure to include “Photo Contest” in the subject line. Along with your submission, please provide:
- The category you’re entering
- Your contact information
- Signed release form, which can be downloaded here.
Rules:
- Eligibility: Open to everyone! Participants under 18 will need to have a parent/guardian sign the photo release.
- Photo Requirements: Photos must be taken in 2025-2026 at Potter Park Zoo, in landscape orientation, and submitted as high-resolution JPG files.
- Winning Limit: Each photographer can win in up to two categories.
- Judging: Photos will be evaluated and voted on by the Potter Park Zoo team.
Categories:
Below are a few category ideas to get you started, but feel free to submit photos for other categories as well:
- Birds
- Cats
- Red Panda
- Otters
- Rhino
- Okapi
- Reptiles
- Mammals
- Farmyard
- Guests
- Seasonal: Winter, Summer, Fall, Spring
Prizes:
Winners will enjoy:
- Recognition: Your winning photos will be showcased on our social media channels.
- Featured Spot: Your photo(s) will be included in the 2027 Potter Park Zoo calendar.
- Special Bonus: The photographer of the cover photo will be awarded a zoo membership!
Ready to Capture the Magic?
Grab your cameras and visit Potter Park Zoo to snap some stunning shots. Whether it’s the majestic rhino, the playful otters, or the stoic snow leopard, we can’t wait to see the zoo through your lens.
Submit your entries by Aug. 9, and stay tuned for the announcement of our winners in September. Happy shooting, and good luck to all our participants!
