Earth Science Week Photography Contest

Capture the beauty and complexity of Earth science in a single shot. Celebrate Earth Science Week 2026 with the photography contest theme: “Reimagining Resources.”

 

Contest Guidelines

Who can enter?

The photography contest is open to individuals of any age from anywhere in the world.

Your photograph should focus on the topic “Reimagining Resources.”

Recycling and reuse of minerals is becoming increasingly important, especially for critical minerals and ensuring the future of their supply. Capture an image that showcase electronics recycling, repair, material recovery, or the creative repurposing of products and materials to highlight how valuable mineral resources can be recovered and reused.

Must be original, unpublished work

Entries must be the original, unpublished work of the entrant. Photographs must be taken by the entrant and must not have been previously submitted to another contest. Published material includes photographs that have appeared online, including personal websites, blogs, Facebook, Instagram, or any other social media platform.

The Earth Science Week Photography Contest celebrates authentic photography. Entrants should submit a photograph they captured—not an image created electronically. Images must accurately represent the original scene as photographed.

The following are not permitted:

  • AI-generated or AI-assisted images.
  • AI-enhanced or AI-manipulated photographs.
  • Composite images created by combining multiple photographs.
  • Digitally created or synthetic imagery.
  • Heavy digital manipulation that materially alters the content of the original photograph.
  • Filters or effects that substantially change the appearance, content, or authenticity of the image.

Entries containing AI-generated or AI-altered elements may be disqualified.

While copyright remains with the photographer, submission to the contest grants the American Geosciences Institute (AGI) permission to display the photograph online and in public or private educational, promotional, or exhibition settings without restriction.

What do I need to submit?

Each entrant may submit one photograph. A complete submission will contain the following information:

  1. A completed Microsoft Form found here
  2. One original photograph focusing on the topic “Reimagining Resources.”
  3. For entrants under the age of 18 years old, a release form signed by a parent or guardian will also be required. Click here to download the photography contest release form.

NOTE: If anyone under the age of 18 appears in the photograph, a release form signed by that individual’s parent or legal guardian is also required.

When is the deadline?

All eligible submissions must be received electronically by 8:00 PM ET, Friday, October 16, 2026. A submission is not considered complete until all required materials have been received.

If you experience any problems submitting your entry, please contact the Earth Science Week staff at contests@americangeosciences.org.