The public is invited to participate in the Friends of Black Bayou annual Photo Contest. 2022's contest objectives are the same as always: to encourage protection of wildlife and conservation of natural resources through photographic skills and an appreciation of natural settings on the Refuge. 

The categories include micro/macro, landscape, animals, birds, people on refuge, or plants. 

Ribbons will be awarded for the Charles Heck Memorial Grand Prize (best in show) as well as 1st, 2nd, 3rd place, and Honorable Mention in each category.

Each person may submit up to three (3) photos in each category, but each person may win only one “place” ribbon per category (except Honorable Mentions, which are unlimited, and Grand Prize, which may be awarded in addition to a “place” ribbon). 

Photos will be judged anonymously.
Judging criteria:
• Technical excellence (sharpness, lighting, composition, exposure)
• Originality/creativity
• Interest/Refuge appreciation
• Only minor manipulation should be used to create natural-looking photographs.

The Charles Heck Memorial Grand Prize photo and all first-place photos will be printed and displayed in the Refuge Visitor Center at the October 15, 2022, FoBB Fall Celebration, while all ribboned photos will be displayed online at www.friendsofblackbayou.org and on the FoBB Facebook group page.

For complete rules>>. 

FoBB is currently unable to rent canoes and kayaks to the public, due to a shortage of staff.  We appologize for any inconvenience.  The boat launch is still available for you to bring your own watercraft and enjoy the lake.  The trails are still open, and we encourage all to be safe, respect the wildlife, and enjoy your time in nature!

On February 1, 2021, the winners of the 2020 Friends of Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge PHOTO CONTEST are announced.  Ribboned photographs are:
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• Best of Show-Adult Division, Kimmie Paxton, “Ardea Alba Angling”
• Adult, 2nd place: Doug Moon, “Barred Owl”
• Adult, 3rd place: Charles Paxton, “American Alligator and Amber Wings”
• Adult, Honorable Mention: Doug Moon, “This Is My Spot”; Anirudh Girey, “Lightning Strike by the Lake”; Tim Spillers, “Early Morning Playing.”
  
  
• Youth, 1st place: Lexi Harper, “Purple Beauty”
• Youth, 2nd place: Marirose Spillers, “Standing Out”
• Youth, Honorable Mention: Lexi Harper, “I See You”; Tyler Byrd, “Cypress Balls”; Lexi Harper, “Another Day Gone.”

See all winning photos>>

See All winning photos>

​2020 Friends of Black Bayou Photo Contest is different from previous years’ contests, but the objectives are the same: to encourage protection of wildlife and conservation of natural resources through photographic skills and an appreciation of natural settings on the Refuge.  

In 2020 no print photographs will be accepted--only emailed electronic entries, and only two categories of entrants:  Youth (under 17 years of age) and Adult (17 years and above). Both amateur and professional photographers are eligible to enter.  

Details and Rules>>