Utica Zoo Calendar Photo Submissions (2026)
Help us showcase the beauty of wildlife at the Utica Zoo! We’re curating images for next year’s Utica Zoo Calendar, sold in our gift shop. Share your best shots of animals in their naturalistic habitats across all seasons.
What we’re looking for
Photographers: we’re seeking images that highlight animals in their naturalistic settings within the Utica Zoo. Please aim to:
- Emphasize the animal in its habitat, minimizing visible fencing, netting, and other man-made elements.
- Include seasonal variety (different light, foliage, and atmosphere if possible).
- Capture moments that convey behavior, mood, and environment.
You can submit as many surveys as you wish.
How to submit
- Click the survey link and complete the form.
- Upload your photo(s) and add a short caption or context (optional).
- Submit as many times as you’d like—one survey per batch is perfect.
Recommended Image Guidelines
Resolution: At least 3000 px on the long edge (higher is even better for calendar print).
Format: JPG or PNG.
Color: sRGB.
Edits: Global, natural-looking edits are fine; avoid heavy filters or watermarks.
Orientation: Landscape and portrait welcome.
File naming (optional):
Lastname_Firstname_Subject_Season.jpg(e.g.,Smith_Jordan_RedPanda_Autumn.jpg)
Helpful shooting tips
- Shoot through openings or change angles to reduce fencing/netting in frame.
- Use a wider aperture to blur background elements.
- Visit at different times of day/season to capture varied light and behavior.
- Wait for moments that show natural behaviors (grooming, foraging, interaction).
Selection & calendar info
Selected images will appear in the Utica Zoo Calendar, available in our gift shop next year.
- Photographers of selected images will be contacted via the email provided in the survey.
- Photo credit will be displayed whenever possible and as space allows (see disclaimer).
Disclaimer
Utica Zoo Photo Submission & Marketing Use Disclaimer
By submitting your photos to the Utica Zoo, you grant the Zoo permission to use, reproduce, and publish the images, in whole or in part, for marketing, educational, and promotional purposes. This may include use on social media, the Zoo’s website, printed materials, advertising, and other public communications.
You retain full ownership and copyright of your photographs. Credit will be given to the photographer whenever possible and as space allows. Please indicate with your submission if you wish to be publicly recognized for your work (for example, “Photo by [Your Name]”).
By submitting, you confirm that all photos are your original work and that you have obtained consent from any identifiable individuals pictured. The Utica Zoo assumes no responsibility for copyright, privacy, or usage disputes that may arise from submitted content.
Thank you for helping us showcase the beauty of wildlife and the wonder of the Utica Zoo through your lens!
FAQs
You can submit as many surveys as you wish.
Yes—please submit images taken at the Utica Zoo that highlight animals in naturalistic habitats.
Yes. Credit will be given whenever possible and as space allows. You can indicate how you’d like to be recognized in the survey.
If a person is identifiable, you must have their consent before submitting. (See disclaimer.)
Please minimize it as much as possible through composition and depth-of-field.
