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The Cayuga Naturally Photo Contest celebrates the natural beauty of Cayuga County. The contest is free and open to the public.

Contest Rules

• All photos must be taken within Cayuga County.

• Photos should feature nature-related subjects.

• Domesticated animals or gardens may not be the main subject of the photo.

• Photos must have been taken between October 1, 2025 and September 30, 2026.

• Please be aware that most of the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge is not located within Cayuga County.

• There is a limit of three photos per person.

• All entries must be received at the Sterling Nature Center or postmarked by October 7, 2026.

Photo Requirements

Photos must be:

• Unframed

• Mounted on a firm backing

• No smaller than 3 x 5 inches and no larger than 8 x 10 inches

• Color or black and white

The back of each photo must include:

• Your name and address

• The date and location where the photo was taken

• The title of the photo

Photographers retain the copyright to their photographs. The Sterling Nature Center retains the right to publish any or all photographs submitted to the contest. Credit will be given to the photographer.

The Sterling Nature Center reserves the right to refuse any photograph deemed inappropriate and is not responsible for late, lost, or damaged photograph

All photographs entered in the Cayuga Naturally Photo Contest will be included in an exhibition at the Sterling Nature Center from November 8, 2026 through January 8, 2027.

By entering the contest, you agree to have your photograph(s) available for the full exhibition. Photographs may be picked up after January 8, 2027.

An awards reception will be held on November 8, 2026 to announce the winners and present prizes and certificates.

Prizes

• 1st Place: $100 — one awarded

• 2nd Place: $50 each — two awarded

• 3rd Place: $25 each — three award

The 2026 Cayuga Naturally Entry Form can be downloaded from this page.

Downloading the entry form online does not change how photographs are submitted. Photos and the completed entry form must still be submitted according to the contest rules above.

Mail entries to:

SNC Photo Contest
PO Box 216
Sterling, NY 13156

For more information, call 315-253-1100 or email snc@cayugacounty.us.