SALT LAKE CITY — Photographers who love to capture “dark sky” images are encouraged to participate in the Dark-Sky Association’s third annual Capture the Dark Sky Photography Contest.
Sponsored by the Utah Office of Tourism in concert with the International Dark-Sky Association, the contest is open through July 21.
“Growing up in Utah, I always looked up at the dark skies in wonder and awe,” International Dark-Sky Association Director of Engagement Bettymaya Foott said in a news release. “It’s an honor now for IDA to partner with Visit Utah to promote the amazing dark skies there and support their incredible efforts to protect the stunning beauty for future generations.”
Utah has the highest concentration of designated Dark Sky Places in the world. The International Dark-Sky Association, an award-winning conservation program that recognizes communities that strive to preserve the beauty of the night, has designated 24 Dark Sky Places in the state. In addition, Utah Gov. Spencer J. Cox has twice declared April as Utah Dark Skies Month, the news release said.
Astrotourism and dark sky messaging complement the tourism Red Emerald Strategic Plan, which aims to elevate life in Utah through responsible tourism stewardship.
“Utah State Parks, our national parks and community partners have shown tremendous leadership and vision in preserving the night sky throughout the state,” Bianca Lyon, Community and Partner Relations director for the Utah Office of Tourism, said in the press release. “This is a unique opportunity to invite photographers of all ages and skill levels to come to Utah to capture the beauty of the night sky.”
Of the nine categories open for submission, one has been designated specifically as “Utah Dark Skies.” Other categories to be judged by a panel of world-class astrophotographers include:
- Connecting to the Dark – Experiencing a natural night provides perspective, inspiration and leads to a reflection on humanity and one’s place in the universe.
- International Dark Sky Place – Over 170 protected lands and municipalities around the world have been certified by IDA as an International Dark Sky Place creating havens for astrophotographers.
- The Impact of Light Pollution – Light pollution can have significant impacts on the environment, human health and access to the night sky. This category also includes images of terrible lighting, glare bombs, etc.
- The Bright Side of Lighting – Light pollution can give artificial lighting a bad reputation, but lighting that follows IDA’s Principles for Responsible Outdoor Light can be beautiful, healthy and functional.
- Creatures of the Night – Light pollution doesn’t only erase one’s view of the stars, scientific evidence suggests that artificial light at night has negative and deadly effects on wildlife including amphibians, birds, insects and mammals.
- Deep Sky – For thousands of years, humans have looked to the night sky and wondered what is out there. Today, many can take photos of deep space objects from their own backyards. Share a photo of an object(s) such as nebulae, galaxies and star clusters.
- The Mobile Photographer – No big camera? No problem. Share a shot from any of the above categories taken with a cell phone, tablet or GoPro. No DSLR, mirrorless camera or drone shots.
- Youth – Share a shot for any of the above categories taken by someone 17 years old or younger.
Winners of each category will receive a prize package that includes a feature in International Dark-Sky Association’s “Nightscape” publication, blog and social media, an I membership, IDA and Visit Utah swag and a Peak Design Field Pouch. Additionally, one photograph will be presented with a “People’s Choice Award” based on votes by the public.
This winner will receive a prize package that includes a $250 gift card to B&H, a feature in IDA’s “Nightscape” publication, the IDA blog and social media, an IDA membership and IDA and Visit Utah swag.
For additional information, click on the links below:
- Official contest rules and eligible photographs
- Utah’s Dark Sky Places website
- Official website for the photography contest