1 Grand Prize of $1000

4 First Prizes of $250 (one in each category)

8 Second Prizes of $125 (two in each category)

8 Special Awards of $250 each for specific subjects

All entries fall into one of the following four categories. Select the appropriate category when submitting each photo.

Mammals: Includes land and sea mammals

Birds: All birds (sponsored by Bird Conservancy of the Rockies)

Scapes: Includes all scenics including landscape, seascape, and atmosphere

Macro and all other wildlife: Includes close-ups of any subject as well as any wildlife that's not a bird or mammal

Special Awards:

Prizes will also be awarded for the following seven subjects. Select the appropriate subject(s) when submitting photos. See the Special Awards page for details on what subject matter these encompass.

Colorado Nature and Wildlife - $250: Sponsored by Colorado Life Magazine
Migratory Birds - $250: Sponsored by Cloud Ridge Naturalists
National Parks and Wildlife Refuges - $250: Sponsored by The NANPA Foundation (North American Nature Photography Assn.)
Ocean Life - $250: Sponsored by Cloud Ridge Naturalists
Sense of Place - $250: Sponsored by Mile High Wildlife Photo Club
Urban Wildlife - $250: Sponsored by Colorado Urban Wildlife Photo Club
Humor in Nature, the Marilyn Rhodes Award - $250: Sponsored by The Share the View Team
Closeup Perspectives - $250 (new this year!): Sponsored by Anonymous Donor

Other benefits for the top 250 images:

- Daily features on the contest home page throughout 2026
- Top prize winners featured on the winners' page throughout 2026
- Displayed in image gallery on the contest website throughout 2026
- Posting on various Share the View social media outlets throughout 2026

In addition to the Prize Winners and Top 250, the judges may also note Honorable Mentions among the special award entries within the Top 250. These are images that prompted judges to acknowledge their merit.