2026 Annual Waterlily Photo Contest Guidelines

McKee Botanical Garden will hold its Annual Waterlily Photo Contest to coincide with the 21^st Annual Waterlily Celebration on June 13.  The contest is free to enter and open to McKee members as well as the public.

GUIDELINES and REQUIREMENTS

1. All entries must be submitted beginning May 26 through June 9 to the Administrative Office building, in the south parking lot, at McKee. One “entry” requires one labeled photograph, a completed online registration, and submission of the photo via email.  Photos will not be accepted without all requirements.
2. All entries must be of waterlilies photographed at McKee Botanical Garden in 2025 or 2026 with film or digital cameras.
3. Submitted photos must be 8” x 10”, mounted on foam board, and matted on a white mat. Size, including matting material, must be 11” x 14”.
4. Each photo entry must be legibly labeled on the back with the category, title of photograph, name of applicant, and their contact information (address, email, and phone number). Photos must not include any names, initials, or watermarks on the front of the photo.
5. Categories include Color, Black and White, and Manipulated*. Photographers may submit ONE entry in EACH category.  Photos submitted in the Manipulated category must have a copy of the original photo attached to the back of the entry. Entries will not be accepted without them.

Any photographs not complying with these guidelines will not be accepted or exhibited during the Waterlily Celebration.  Entries may be picked up after 9:00 am on Thursday, June 18, in the Administrative Office.  McKee is not responsible for loss or damage to any photographs.  Any photos not picked up by Tuesday, June 30, will be disposed of.

All participants must email their photos to [email protected] by Tuesday, June 9, and allow McKee Botanical Garden to use the photo for publicity purposes.