Photography Contest

Showcase Your Best Shot

Calling all photographers! Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, our Nature & Bird Photography Contest is your chance to share your perspective of the Rio Grande Valley’s beauty. 

The Nature & Bird Photography Contest celebrates the breathtaking wildlife and landscapes of the Rio Grande Valley. We invite photographers of all skill levels to share original images that highlight the region’s birds, natural environments, and outdoor beauty.

Whether it’s a striking bird in flight, a quiet sunrise over native habitat, or a rare wildlife moment—your perspective matters.

Contest Divisions

Adult Division Contest

For participants 18 years and older.

Youth Division Contest

For participants younger than 18 years.

silhouette of man holding camera during sunset

Prizes

Winners will receive unique prizes

Winning photographers will gain visibility within the community and have their work showcased to a wide audience.

🏆 1st Place (each division)

• 2-Night Stay at South Padre Island. 

• $100–$150 gift card to a local outdoor/nature store.

• Featured spotlight on festival website & social media.

🥈 2nd Place (each division)

• 1-Night Stay at South Padre Island.

• $50–$75 gift card.

• Festival merchandise bundle (shirt, cap, tote).

🥉 3rd Place (each division)

• $25 gift card.

• Festival t-shirt or hat.

⭐️ Honorable Mentions

• Certificate of recognition.

• Photo showcased online and at the festival exhibit 

Prizes

Winners will receive unique prizes

Winning photographers will gain visibility within the community and have their work showcased to a wide audience.

🏆 1st Place (each division)

• 2-Night Stay at South Padre Island. 

• $100–$150 gift card to a local outdoor/nature store.

• Featured spotlight on festival website & social media.

🥈 2nd Place (each division)

• 1-Night Stay at South Padre Island.

• $50–$75 gift card.

• Festival merchandise bundle (shirt, cap, tote).

🥉 3rd Place (each division)

• $25 gift card.

• Festival t-shirt or hat.

⭐️ Honorable Mentions

• Certificate of recognition.

• Photo showcased online and at the festival exhibit 

Prizes

Winners will receive unique prizes

Winning photographers will gain visibility within the community and have their work showcased to a wide audience.

🏆 1st Place (each division)

• 2-Night Stay at South Padre Island. 

• $100–$150 gift card to a local outdoor/nature store.

• Featured spotlight on festival website & social media.

🥈 2nd Place (each division)

• 1-Night Stay at South Padre Island.

• $50–$75 gift card.

• Festival merchandise bundle (shirt, cap, tote).

🥉 3rd Place (each division)

• $25 gift card.

• Festival t-shirt or hat.

⭐️ Honorable Mentions

• Certificate of recognition.

• Photo showcased online and at the festival exhibit 

How To Enter

Simple Submission Process

Select up to three of your best photos.

Ensure they meet the contest guidelines.

Submit them using our online entry form.

Submission Deadline: March 31, 2026

Late submissions will not be accepted.

Guidelines & Rules

These are some of the rules for the contest. Deadline for submissions is March 31, 2026.

RGV Relevant

Photos must feature birds or nature taken in the Rio Grande Valley region.

No more than 3 Photos

Each participant may submit up to a maximum of 3 entries.

Original works only

Photos must be the photographer’s original work.

No AI-Generated Work

Digital edits (cropping, light/color correction) are allowed, but no AI-generated or heavily altered images will be accepted.

High-Res Digital Files

Images should be submitted in high-resolution JPEG or PNG format. 

Festival Marketing Use

By entering, participants grant permission for their photos to be displayed at the festival and used in promotional materials (with credit). 

Ready to get started?

Ready to share your vision?

This is your chance to showcase the natural beauty of the Rio Grande Valley and gain recognition for your work.

Submit your entry before March 31, 2026.

© 2026 Brownsville Conventions & Visitors Bureau. All rights reserved.

Designed & Developed In-house

© 2026 Brownsville Conventions & Visitors Bureau. All rights reserved.

Designed & Developed In-house

© 2026 Brownsville Conventions & Visitors Bureau. All rights reserved.

Designed & Developed In-house

Create a free website with Framer, the website builder loved by startups, designers and agencies.