Don't Be Afraid of the Dark

PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST

THE SUBMISSION PERIOD HAS CLOSED.

In partnership with the County of Nevada, and the Cities of Grass Valley and Nevada City, we invite you to participate in a new photography contest called Don't be Afraid of the Dark.

We believe that photography has the power to transport us, and inspire us to connect with and ultimately protect the night. Light pollution is on the increase, with many in pursuit of the beauty and bliss of our night skies. Rural spaces and protected wild lands are perfect for discovering what is hidden during daylight hours, or by the artificial lighting that crowds California’s growing communities.

Through Don't be Afraid of the Dark, help us celebrate the dark skies of Nevada County and submit your best attempt at capturing the naturally dark sky and its beauty; or, conversely, images that portray the impact of light pollution. Official rules of the competition can be found here.

Entry Period: April 22- June 17, 2024
Judging period: June 27 - July 15, 2024
Winners Announced: July 23, 2024
Exhibit: July 31-September 18 at the Eric Rood Administration Center
Opening Reception: July 31, 4:30-6:30 pm at the Eric Rood Administration Center

• Don't be Afraid of the Dark is free to enter

• Submissions must be an original work of art created by the submitter

• Photos must be taken from a location within Nevada County, California

• We invite up to three submission per photographer

1. Youth (ages 13 to 18)

2. Emerging/Amateur

3. Professional

Prizes

Winning photographs will be digitally displayed in City and / or County offices, and in an online gallery on at nevadacountyarts.org.

The County of Nevada and Grass Valley-Nevada City Cultural District partners believe in the beauty of our unpolluted skies, and invite you to join the Dark Skies movement by turning off any unnecessary lights at night.

Why Dark Skies Are Important

Dark Skies are about more than just enjoying a beautiful celestial display. Light pollution disrupts the natural ecosystems of plants, animals and insects. Birds need starry skies to navigate during their migration. Animals need the dark to hide from predators at night. Insect populations can be heavily impacted by artificial light. Their fatal attraction to nighttime light can impact the entire ecosystem. Humans also need darkness at night to stay healthy. Artificial light exposure at night disrupts sleep patterns, can lead to impaired daytime function and obesity.   

How You Can Embrace the Night 

The first and most simple step – turn off your lights at night. Outdoor lighting is the primary cause of light pollution. Make sure your outdoor lights are off by 10pm and turn off any unnecessary indoor lights. You can also make your outdoor lighting more dark skies friendly by positioning the light beam downward and adding motion sensors. You will not only be helping your own health and the health of the environment, but you’ll also be saving some money. Researchers estimate that 30% of outdoor lighting in the U.S. is wasted by lights that aren’t shielded, costing consumers $3.3 billion in excess energy charges. 

Watch our short video, in English or in Spanish: