The Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance (CBA) launched its 2025 Amateur Photo Contest on Tuesday, coinciding with Earth Day celebrations.

• The contest, part of the Mattie Kelly Environmental Initiative, invites amateur photographers to submit images showcasing the natural beauty of the Choctawhatchee Bay and surrounding Northwest Florida areas.

“We want photographers to capture what they love about nature in and around the Choctawhatchee Bay,” said a CBA representative.

The competition serves a dual purpose — celebrating the region’s natural heritage while raising awareness about environmental preservation efforts throughout the watershed, which spans multiple counties in Northwest Florida.

Winners will receive cash awards of $250 for first place, $150 for second place, and $100 for third place. Selected photographers will be featured prominently in the 2025 Mattie Kelly Environmental Institute calendar, providing year-round visibility for the winning entries. 

• The submission deadline is July 4, 2025. Photos must be high quality, original and taken within the Northwest Florida region. 

The Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance, headquartered at Northwest Florida State College, focuses on sustaining “swimmable, fishable, liveable waterways” through monitoring, restoration, education and research efforts throughout the watershed.

Last year’s contest drew more than 100 submissions from across the region, with winning entries featuring dramatic sunset scenes over Western Lake, underwater photography of seagrass restoration sites, and wildlife encounters along tributary streams. 

Complete contest rules and submission guidelines are available here. Questions can be directed to CBA@nwfsc.edu.