2024 Whale Watching Photography Contest Rules
1. Eligibility
- This contest is open to all passengers of the boat “Jersey Girl” during the 2024 whale watching season.
- Participants must have a valid ticket from any trip during the specified season.
2. Submission Guidelines
- To enter the contest, submit your photographs through the designated link on our website. Ensure you fill out all required fields and adhere to the submission format specified.
- Photos must be taken on the boat “Jersey Girl” during the 2024 whale watching season.
- Each participant may submit up to three (3) photos.
3. Photo Criteria
- We are seeking photographs that capture:
- Majestic whales or playful dolphins in their natural habitat.
- Memorable family or group experiences aboard the “Jersey Girl.”
- Any moment that uniquely showcases the joy of our whale watching trips.
- Photos can be judged based on their creativity, quality, and relevance to the theme of enjoying whale watching.
4. Contest Period
- The contest begins on the first day of the 2024 whale watching season and ends on the last day of the season. Exact dates will be announced on our website and other official communication channels.
5. Judging and Winners
- A panel of judges will review all entries and select up to twelve (12) winners based on the criteria mentioned above.
- Decisions by the judges are final and binding.
6. Prizes
- Winners will receive exclusive prizes which may include free tickets for future trips, merchandise, or other incentives. Detailed information about prizes will be provided closer to the contest date.
7. Rights and Permissions
- By entering the contest, participants grant non-exclusive rights to the organizers to use the submitted photographs in promotional materials, publications, or for any other non-commercial purposes.
- Participants must ensure that all individuals depicted in the photographs have given their consent for the photograph to be used in the contest.
8. Additional Terms
- The organizers reserve the right to change the contest rules or cancel the contest due to unforeseen circumstances.
- Participants are responsible for ensuring that their entries comply with all legal requirements and do not infringe on any rights.
For further details and to submit your photographs, please use the contest entry link provided on our website. We look forward to seeing your amazing moments captured aboard “Jersey Girl”!
### Use of Photos and Contest Highlights
– The photographs submitted will be featured in our 2024 Jersey Shore Whale Watch Calendar.
– The best image, as judged by our panel, will be honored by being placed on the cover of the 2025 Jersey Shore Whale Watch Calendar.
### Photography Tips for Capturing Winning Whale Photos on “Jersey Girl”
Here are some tips to help you take stunning whale photos during your trip:
1. **Check Lighting and Weather:** Good lighting is crucial for capturing great photos. Try to shoot early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the light is softer.
2. **Steady Hands:** The movement of the boat can make photography challenging. Use a fast shutter speed to help capture sharp images, and consider using image stabilization features if your camera has them.
3. **Be Patient and Ready:** Whales can be unpredictable. Keep your camera ready at all times, as you never know when a whale will breach or display interesting behaviors.
4. **Focus on Composition:** Include elements of the landscape, like the horizon or coast, to add depth to your shots. Play with angles and perspectives for more dynamic compositions.
5. **Respect Wildlife:** Maintain a respectful distance to avoid disturbing the whales and dolphins. Use your zoom for close-ups without getting too close.
We can’t wait to see the incredible moments you capture on your whale watching adventure aboard the “Jersey Girl”!
