2026 FCNP PHOTO CONTEST

• Submission Window: September 1, 2026 through November 30, 2026

• Eligibility: Photos must be submitted during the entry window; images may be taken at any time.

• Include: Name, Email, Phone, and one sentence describing the photo (online form)

• Number of Entries: Up to five (5) photos per participant.

• Photos submitted should be made available as high-resolution digital images in one of the following formats: JPEG, PNG, or TIFF. 

• Photo Dimensions:

  • Landscape oriented.

  • Minimum of 300 DPI

• Panoramic Photos: Not permissible for Grand Prize. 

• File Size Limit: Photos should not exceed 40 megapixels (MP) in size.

• Reproduction: Top photos may be exhibited and reproduced by Friends Charleston National Parks and/or National Park Service (NPS).

• Narrative: Include a brief narrative to accompany the submission that describes the artist’s interpretation of the image(s) in the context of the contest theme. (online form) 

• Subject: All submitted photos must prominently feature elements of the Fort Moultrie site, natural or cultural features of the fort, surrounding grounds or support structures that fall within the site boundaries. its surroundings or any element within the fort. 

• ​Permissions: Entrants must ensure they have necessary permissions for any recognizable individuals or property depicted in their photos.

• Guarantee: Entries must be the original work of the photographer.

• Resolution: High resolution digital images only accepted. 

Winning Photos: The winning photos will receive special recognition:

• Grand Prize – Fort Moultrie Site Pass 

• Second Place

• Third Place

• Honorable Mention
   

National Park Service’s Fort Moultrie Site Pass: One winning photo will appear on the official Fort Moultrie Site Pass, creating a lasting connection to this historic site.  This photo must be horizontal. 

Display: The Fort Moultrie Site Pass winning photo will be prominently displayed in the Fort Moultrie Visitor’s Center, with proper credit to the photographer.

Digital Recognition: All winning photos will be recognized on NPS and FCNP social media channels, websites, and press releases.  

Special Exhibit: Select submissions and all prize-winning photos may be exhibited at a future date to be determined at the Fort Moultrie Visitors Center for public viewing.  

• By submitting an entry, photographers grant Friends of Charleston National Parks and the National Park Service the right to use their photos for promotional (including by not limited to the promotion of educations programming, development and philanthropic projects occurring in/for park purposes.

• The contest organizers will respect the intellectual property rights of the photographers.

• By submitting the photo, you agree to retain all rights to any photo you submit.

• ​You grant Friends of Charleston National Parks and National Park Service a royalty-free, non-exclusive right, in perpetuity to use the photograph physically and digitally in support of the park’s mission.

• ​Photos may be cropped as needed.  FCNP and NPS will credit all photographs to the photographer when possible.  Your personal and company data are protected. 

• The judging committee comprises: 

  • NPS Superintendent

  • 2 Volunteers from FCNP

• The judging committee will carefully evaluate all submissions.

• The winning photograph will be announced by December 31, 2026

• The winner will be notified via email and publicly celebrated on the FCNP and NPS websites and social media channels.

• The use of drones is strictly prohibited over National Park properties, including Fort Moultrie.

• Photographers are responsible for their own admission fees to Fort Moultrie.

• Photos depicting illegal, unauthorized, or unsafe activities will be disqualified.