If you enjoy the outdoors and appreciate awesome imagery, you are a natural fit for the “Share the Experience” photo contest.  The official federal recreation photo contest, “Share the Experience” invites people ages 13 and above to submit photos of the outdoors to be featured on the America the Beautiful Pass – an annual pass that covers entrance fees at over 2,000 federal recreation sites, including national parks, forests, and wildlife refuges.

Can you top this action shot from the 2012 Share the Experience photo contest? (Credit: Heather Garrison)

This year, the federal land management agencies and their partners are making a special effort to promote healthy, active lifestyles through a new, Let’s Move Outside! photo category.  The contest begins today and runs through December 31, 2013. In addition to being featured on the America the Beautiful Pass (which is distributed to more than 500,000 people each year), all contest entrants will be eligible for a series of prizes. To get started, follow these easy steps:

• Visit the Let’s Move Outside! page on Recreation.gov for a list of free, outdoor events and activities taking place in 2013. Also use this page for ideas of where to go and what to do near you.
• Take your family out to a participating federal site and choose an activity that allows everyone to get moving.
• Click away!  Follow these simple guidelines to submit up to 2 photos per week.
• For inspiration, check out the winning shots from the 2012 contest.

Short on time? Remember that there are federal recreation sites in or near cities and towns across the country.  All you need to get started is a camera (on your phone is fine) and an adventurous spirit!