Cuba | Birds in Flight Photography Contest

Overview

Please join us for the "Birds in Flight" International Photography Contest, held in Cuba's Zapata Swamp. This event has taken place annually since 2014 and is back in 2023 as Cuba has re-opened for tourism. At more than 1 million acres, the Zapata Swamp is one of the most extensive remnants of coastal Caribbean biodiversity left in the region. The area encompasses blue-water beaches, forests, rivers, lakes, flooded caverns, ponds, and swamp prairies.

This is an exciting opportunity to connect with resident photographers, learn about the country's fascinating natural areas, and join like-minded people from all over the world who are as enthusiastic about nature and photography as you are! Typically it is a small event that allows for a great deal of contact with local people.

NOTE: This event is sponsored and organized by a Cuban tourism operation and is different from our other programs. All activities, contest rules, guiding, etc., are established by the Cuban organizing entity. This is not an itinerary with a comprehensive series of sites and points of interest. Holbrook cannot make modifications to the program, as it is an event organized by an outside entity.

NOTE: This program is in compliance with US Treasury Department regulations and is designed to adhere to the Support for the Cuban People license. This program supports the Cuban people by using private homes for the accommodation and by promoting sustainable tourism, which benefits the natural resources and the people of Cuba including naturalists, photographers, and local community members.

Contest Highlights

• Contestants may submit photos in the following categories: birds in flight; endemic birds; birds in their natural habitat.
• Photographers may submit up to five images in each category, with works made in the Zapata Swamp during the event. 
• Images should be submitted in JPEG format (300 dpi resolution). 
• Full computer stations will be provided for editing. Minor corrections may be made for color, definition, contrast, etc. Photomontages and manipulated images will not be accepted.
• The jury will include noted Cuban and international photographers, who will judge photos on content as well as artistic and technical quality.
• Past contest winners and honorees have included several Holbrook travelers!