Photographers of all degrees of expertise are invited to participate in the annual photography contest sponsored by the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services.
We are looking for coastal South Carolina scenes including marshes, beaches, or wildlife.
The winning photo will appear on SCDES's 2026 Tide Table Poster.
The submission portal for 2026 will open on Aug. 1, 2025.
For questions about the contest, contact Liz Hartje, Project Manager, at liz.hartje@des.sc.gov or (843) 953-9237.
Contestant Release
I authorize the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) to use any image(s) I submit of coastal South Carolina scenes on the 2026 Tide Tables, if my photograph is chosen as the winner of the SCDES Coastal Photography Contest.
I understand and agree, even if the image(s) I submit are not chosen as the winner of the SCDES Coastal Photography Contest, any/all image(s) I submit may be used in other SCDES publications, website, videos, or film for promotional purposes with attribution. I understand and agree any/all image(s) I submit, without personal identifying information or metadata other than photographer's name, may be disclosed to the news media and/or the public in an effort to promote environmental protection and conservation efforts. I also understand any/all image(s) I submit will be in the public domain, and may be used for purposes other than intended or identified in this document. I understand and agree that SCDES will have no control over the re-release and use of these images by any media outlets, and cannot be responsible for their reuse and publication.
I understand that agreeing to these terms is a condition precedent to my participation in the SCDES Coastal Photography Contest.
I understand I am not required to participate in this contest.
By submitting an image for the purpose of entering the SCDES Coastal Photography Contest, I certify that I am 18 years of age or older and I grant SCDES permission to use or disclose the image(s) as previously specified.
