Competition Rules

Competition Rules

The Bondar Challenge is open to all schools across Canada, free of charge. The competition is open to entrants in three categories: ages 6-10, ages 11-14, and ages 15-18.

Acceptance Criteria

A student may submit one (1) entry to the competition.

An eligible submission to the contest consists of two elements: a photograph or video, and a written component, both of which can be sent via the online submission form. Each photograph must be an original taken by the students themselves. The requirements for the photograph, video and artist’s statement submission are described below.

Photograph Submission Guidelines

  • The photograph must be sent in .JPEG or .PNG format with a resolution of no less than 150-300 DPI.
  • Editorial alterations to the photo (e.g.  colour, contrast, definition, shadows, highlights, cropping, levelling, etc.) are permissible, as long as these alterations do NOT alter the reality of the subject or object of the photo.
  • Students may use digital cameras or the in-built camera on a smartphone.
  • Photographs must be taken in Canada, in the current school year (normally September – June).

Video Submission Guidelines

Participants may submit one (1) entry containing both:

  • A storyboard containing at least 6 shots with at least 3 types of shots/angles

  • If changes were made to the storyboard plan while filming, include notes about what changed either on the storyboard or in the optional “In The Field” videographer’s notes at the end of the film.
  • Participants can include notes here about the type of camera they used, camera settings, ecozone, Indigenous land, etc. if they choose not to make an “In the Field” section.
  • Once a title for the submission is decided, write it on the storyboard

  • A 2-3 min video (+ optional “In the Field” section)

  • The subject of the video must relate to nature and habitat. The Bondar video challenge is specifically focused on birds and bird habitats, but participants are free to choose other habitat topics as available.
  • Films must include a title and date (year and month of submission)
  • Avoid including human-made surroundings (i.e., the built environment) in your content. If it adds to the story you are trying to tell, you may include a small portion. Keep your focus on elements of the natural environment.
  • Submit your video through the submission form in an MP4 format with a resolution of no less than 720p.
  • Please ensure that participants use the following naming convention for submission files: SchoolSmithLV(S)
  • This will be the short hand of the name of the school, participant’s last name, first letter of participant’s first name, and the whether it is the video “V” or storyboard “S”.

Written Submission Guidelines

The written submission can be filled in via the online submission form, and consists of an artist’s statement and photographic notes. See below for an outline of expectations: 

  • Name of the photographer/videographer making the submission (surname and first name).
  • Date and time the photograph/video was taken.
  • A title for the photograph.
  • Weather at the time the photograph or video was taken e.g. sunny, overcast, partial cloud, rain, mist; and approximate temperature.
  • Type of camera used.
  • Camera settings e.g., auto; shutter priority; macro setting.
  • Place where the photo was taken; in what traditional territory did you take this photo?
  • Artist’s Statement: Provide a description of no more than 200 words authored by the student submitting the photograph or the video, containing the following:

  • The goal of the photograph: what the entrant had in mind when the photograph was taken and whether or not the goal was achieved.
  • The emotional connection the entrant has with the photograph.
  • The artistic aspect of the photo: how the composition makes it an appealing image to the student (e.g., lines, colours, textures)
  • The scientific aspect of the environment shown in the photo or the video: what fact, natural process or principle that is included or at work in the image; the Biome and/or Ecozone presented in the photo or video.
  • Artist’s Critique: how the photograph video could be improved, e.g. with a different point of view, by getting closer or farther away, through a different time of day or type of sky, in a different season

Recognition

Be recognized for your nature photography or videography by participating in the Bondar Challenge!

  • All students who enter receive recognition of their participation in the Bondar Challenge

  • Winners will receive a certificate of achievement signed by Dr. Bondar herself

  • Winning submissions will also be recognized on EcoSchools Canada’s website at ecoschools.ca/bondarchallenge

For more details on the competition, please see Judging Criteria.

The deadline to submit your entry to the Bondar Challenge is Friday, May 9, 2025.