Tropical Paradise: Take the Winning Shot

Posted in Exhibitions, Photography on January 13 2014, by Matt Newman

Around this time of year, right when winter digs in ahead of the spring thaw, we like to pack up the model trains and some of the holiday lights to focus on what can only be called island escapism. Of course, we’re not expecting anyone to shell out a huge sum of cash for a red-eye to the Caribbean! Instead, we’re bringing the warm weather to New York City. Though I suppose you could say we’ve always had it. Beginning Saturday, January 18, the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory‘s permanent collection of tropical plants becomes an even bigger Garden highlight during Tropical Paradise, with special events and activities planned to help you ditch the galoshes and scarves for some time in the rain forest. And the photographers among you—novice and veteran alike—should take note!

The past few years have seen a number of rising stars among local photographers taking part in our annual Tropical Paradise photography contest, but there’s always room for a new face on the winner’s podium. And if you’re thinking of taking part, don’t worry—there’s more than just street cred’ up for grabs. We’re offering each of the two grand prize winners a seat in an Adult Education photography course of their choice. And, yes, I did say two winners. The only motivation you need is to find paradise in the natural beauty of the Conservatory, and share that vision with the community of fellow photographers.

Looking for more? Keep your eye out for winning photographs from the International Garden Photographer of the Year contest as you make your way through our Conservatory collections.

Beginning January 18 and running through February 28, you’ll be invited to submit your photos in one of two categories: Macro and Sense of Place. Submission is as easy as joining our Flickr Group Pool and tagging the photos you submit with #tropicalparadise. Each week for six weeks we’ll judge your contributions and decide on weekly winners, which will later face off in the finals to decide the photo in each category that reigns supreme. Submit as many photos as you’d like! However, keep in mind that we’re looking for quality and composition here. We urge you to pick the best handful from your batch for submission, as we’re only so many judges and will have heaps of images to look over.

We’re also format friendly on all fronts, so don’t worry about having a top-of-the-line DSLR. Use your film cameras, iPads, smartphones—whatever you feel comfortable with! As long as you can post it to Flickr, we’ll be happy to accept it. There are some additional rules, of course. Submitted photos must be taken during this year’s Tropical Paradise exhibition, and must be taken inside the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory. Check out the official photography contest info page for the full rundown of rules and allowances, as well as important dates and deadlines.

There’s less than a week until we kick off this competition, so dust off your lenses and we’ll see you in the Conservatory!