EEGS Geology & Geophysics Photo Contest

Welcome to EEGS' Geology and Geophysics Photo Contest!

This summer, you packed the rock hammer, the notebook, and the camera. Now show us the epic Earth science shots you captured along the way! EEGS invites you to submit your best shots of field work, outdoor research, or vacation geology highlights to show the world what you discovered! If you're a student, you can participate in the special Student Competition. Below are the guidelines and rules for participating. If you have any questions, just email staff@EEGS.org. The submission period is September 1 to 30 and there is no fee to participate.

EEGS Photo Contest Rules

Part 1: 

1. Eligibility

• The contest is open to all amateur and professional photographers.
• Students: Indicate your status as a student when submitting photos and entries will be judged in the Student Photo competition.
• Direct contest judges are not eligible to participate in the category they submit photos under (categories are provided below). 
• Minors (under 18) must have a parent or legal guardian's permission to submit.

2. Theme & Categories

• Photos must clearly relate to geology and/or geophysics/engineering.
• Categories and a brief description of each are provided in Part 2.

3. Safety & Compliance Mandate (OSHA)

• All entries must demonstrate safe practices in compliance with OSHA Standards.
• Photos depicting practices that are not aligned with OSHA Standards, illegal trespassing, or a lack of required Personal Protective Equipment (e.g., hard hats, safety glasses, proper footwear at field/drill sites) will be disqualified.

4. Submission Guidelines

• Limit of 3 entries per person per category.
• Photos must be submitted as high-resolution JPEG or PNG files (minimum 300 dpi).
• Each photo must be accompanied by a caption stating the location, date, and a brief description of the geological/geophysical context.
• Do not include watermarks or names on the photos themselves. Date/time stamps should not be added if not part of the original photo.

5. Image Manipulation

• Standard digital adjustments or enhancements (cropping, color correction, contrast) are allowed, but composite images, heavy manipulation, or added/removed objects are prohibited.

6. Rights & Permissions

• Entrants retain the copyright to their images. However, by entering, participants grant EEGS a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, publish, and display submitted photos for promotional, educational, and fundraising purposes, including on social media platforms.
• Entrants are solely responsible for ensuring their participation complies with all local, state, and federal laws, as well as their employer's media, ethics, and security policies. DoD personnel and government employees must obtain and confirm prior authorization from their chain of command or local Public Affairs Office (PAO) before submitting any entry. By entering, participants certify they have secured all necessary approvals and release the contest sponsor from any liability regarding employer-related compliance.

7. Content & Ethical Standards

• Photos must be the original work of the entrant, or, if submitted on behalf of another party, their express permission must be provided in writing. 
• Photos must not infringe on the trademark, privacy, or intellectual rights of any person or entity.
• If recognizable people are featured in the photo, the entrant must have explicit permission and be able to provide a signed model release to EEGS upon request.

8.Judging & Prizes

• Public & Panel Review: Photos undergo public voting first. The top five most popular photos in each category then move to a panel to be judged on creativity, quality, originality, and adherence to the theme. 
• Backup Judging: If there are not enough public votes, a panel will judge all entries using those same criteria.
• Winners & Categories: There will be one student winner and one non-student winner in each category.
• Prizes: Student winners receive a year's membership to EEGS which includes free access to GAINS. Non-student winners receive a free registration to SAGEEP 2027.
• Finality & Claiming: The decisions of the judging panel are final. Prizes are transferable based on the review and approval of EEGS and must be claimed within 30 days of the winner’s notification.

Part 2: Photo Contest Categories

1. Geophysics in Action: Scientists at work, fieldwork in extreme environments, and instrument and technology. Examples: Field teams laying seismic cables, close-up shots of sensors, drones flying over survey areas, researchers working in remote areas, running computer models in a lab, marine surveys, EMI in the desert, etc.
2. Geophysics/Geology in the Landscape: Surface expressions of deep Earth processes. Examples: Fault lines visible from above, volcanic features, or folded rock strata, vertical spires and columns, water and wind carved wonders, etc.
3. Scientific Bloopers and Humor: Showcase the funny side of science. Examples: Capture field-site fails, tangled cables, broken boots, or geophysicists trying to nap on rock piles.

Part 3: Photo Submission and Voting

1. Upload Location: All photos must be submitted through the official EEGS-hosted website.
2. Information Collection: Required participant and photo details will be gathered during the upload process.
3. To enter the Student Photo competition, please type the word "Student" after your name when you submit your photo. Instructions: Type your name first, type the word Student right after your name.
4. Submission Dates: Entries are open from September 1 through September 30, 2026.
5. Public Voting: Visitors can view and vote for their favorite photos directly on the EEGS website.
6. Voting Deadline: Public voting closes on October 9, 2026.
7. Results: EEGS will announce the winners for each category the week of October 15, 2026. Winning photos and runners up will be displayed at SAGEEP 2027.