Blow the dust off your camera lens and lace up your hiking boots — it’s time to start taking pictures for our annual wildlife photo contest. Your best images could win a coveted spot in the 2010 Arizona Wildlife Calendar.

Creating a top-quality image of a wild animal is a tough assignment. One way to assure your entries make the grade is to take them with a digital camera that is 6 megapixels or larger. Set your camera at the highest level of quality possible; on some cameras, this setting is called “super fine.” We suggest you dig into the owner’s manual for instructions. This setting will create big files (meaning fewer pictures will fit on each memory card), but the payoff is worth it: a high-quality image that will make you proud.

New this year: Contestants are allowed to enter only three (3) photographs. Also, a slideshow highlighting honorable mention photographs will be displayed on this page.

The deadline for submissions to this year’s wildlife photo contest is July 6 at 5 p.m. MST. Download the contest rules and your entry form today!

Where to Find Wildlife

How do successful wildlife photographers find wildlife? Many rely on the “Arizona Wildlife Viewing Guide.” With maps and descriptions of more than 128 sites across Arizona, this guidebook is an essential resource. The guide costs $14.95 if you purchase it at a bookstore. But right now, for just a nickel more, you can bundle your purchase with a subscription to Arizona Wildlife Views magazine. When you use our special order form, visit any Game and Fish Department office or call (602) 942-3000, just $15 gets you one year (6 issues) of our award-winning wildlife magazine, plus your very own viewing guide! We’re sorry, but this offer is not available for orders placed online.

10 Tips for Better Wildlife Photography

1. Read the camera manual and set your camera at the highest level of quality possible.

2. Take advantage of the years of experience others have to offer: Read photography books, talk to other photographers, or take a photo course.

3. Photograph wildlife when they are most active. If you get up late, forget taking great photos of birds. If you go to bed early, forget frogs, toads and owls.

4. Shoot the light. Early-morning and late-afternoon light is soft and colorful, while the light from midday sun is cold and harsh.

5. The best photos are taken when the light is on your back and reflecting off the animal, so have your shadow pointed at your photographic subject.

6. For sharp images, use a tripod, especially when using telephoto lenses.

7. Take photos of wildlife at their eye level.

8. When taking action shots, use a fast shutter speed and open aperture.

9. Get out in the field with an experienced photographer.

10. Practice, practice, practice!

For more hints on taking excellent wildlife photographs, read "The Making of a Wildlife Photographer," reprinted from Arizona Wildlife Views magazine.