Competition Rules

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.

• 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).

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.
• 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

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

• First Place (per category): Go Pro and a headstrap
• Second Place (per category): Binoculars
• Third Place (per category): Field Magnifier & Tree Guide
• Winners will also be awarded a Certificate of Achievement signed by Dr. Roberta Bondar herself.
• Winning submissions will be showcased nationally on EcoSchools Canada’s website, social media and newsletter
• All students who enter will receive a Certificate of Recognition for their participation.

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