Our Three Photo Categories
1. Wildlife Photography
If you're into capturing animals in their natural element, this category is totally for you! The Wildlife category is all about showing us untamed animals—think birds, squirrels, foxes, or even a cool insect doing its thing out in the wild. We want to see genuine, wild moments. Also, remember to be a responsible photographer! Our entries need to be 100% ethical, which means no stressing out or disturbing the wildlife just for the perfect shot. This category takes patience and sometimes a really long telephoto lens, but the reward is capturing a truly epic, once-in-a-lifetime moment that shows the raw beauty of Michigan's or the world's creatures
2. Sports Photography
The Sports category is all about capturing movement, energy, and the drama of athletic competition! We're looking for dynamic shots that freeze the action—or maybe even use motion blur creatively—to show the peak moment of a game. This could be anything from a hockey player scoring a goal to a simple candid shot of a runner crossing the finish line on campus. Technical skills like setting super-fast shutter speeds to eliminate blur or using a wide aperture for that nice, blurry background separation are totally key here. Remember, your image needs to clearly convey a sense of athleticism or competitive spirit. Photos taken at any level—from professional games to our own Macomb campus teams—are welcome, as long as the focus is sharp and the moment is powerful. Go team!
3. Food Photography
Okay, who doesn't love taking pictures of their food? The Food category is where we judge whether that burger or those perfectly plated tacos are actually ready for a magazine cover! This category focuses on food and beverages. We're looking for great styling, awesome use of light and close attention to detail, like steam, texture, and color. You can show the full table spread or get in super tight on a single slice of pizza. The main challenge is making the food look absolutely delicious and irresistible! So next time you cook something amazing or hit up a cool restaurant, grab your camera and submit your best appetizing shot!