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 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 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).

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 making the submission (surname and first name).
  • Date and time the photograph was taken.
  • A title for the photograph.
  • Weather at the time the photograph 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, 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: what fact, natural process or principle that is included or at work in the image; the Biome and/or Ecozone presented in the photo
  • Artist’s Critique: how the photograph 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 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 10, 2024.

Submit your entry!

Click here to fill out the submission form