“Ticos stellar horizons” is the theme that frames the launch of the call for photography enthusiasts, both national and foreign, to participate in the fourth edition of the National Night Photography Contest, with the purpose of encouraging tourism in rural areas that present favorable conditions for capturing spectacular images and living the experience of astrotourism or observation of skies and stars.
The contest is a joint effort of the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT), the Federated College of Engineers and Architects, FotoClub de Costa Rica and the Foundation for the National Center for Science and Technology (CIENTEC).
"The Costa Rican Tourism Institute invites all Costa Ricans and national tourists who enjoy photography, as well as observing the night sky, to participate in the fourth Astrotourism photography contest. This year, the theme is "Ticos Stellar Horizons" and without a doubt, it is a unique opportunity to tour the length and breadth of the country, especially in rural destinations that allow you to capture unparalleled nighttime images in nature and thus live unique experiences in this new innovative product of astrotourism that is increasingly gaining more attention from national and international travelers who explore Costa Rica," said Alberto López, General Manager of the Costa Rican Tourism Institute.
In addition to being an excellent opportunity to explore various points and viewpoints in the national territory, it is an activity that encourages responsible tourism, as it stimulates the appreciation and protection of dark skies, raises awareness about light pollution and promotes the design of spaces with intelligent lighting and infrastructure that enhance astronomical observation.
The executive director of the Cientec Foundation, Alejandra León-Castella, highlighted the joint effort of the organizations involved and urged “to know these sites and make those observations that can be made from remote regions, where the skies are dark, from special sites, we hope that they send us photographs from all regions of the country so that we can promote it as an astrotourism destination in the world.”
Astrotourism photographic captures
The period for receiving photographs is open until July 31. To involve the general public, there will also be a popular vote, to choose 12 finalists during the month of August. As a recognition, the winners will be invited to an awards event in September, their photographs will be part of the annual 2025 Astrotourism calendar, promoted nationally and internationally, and different exhibitions of their photographs will be held in the country.
A maximum of two photographs will be accepted per participant. Participants may be national or foreign, amateur and professional photographers. Additionally, images captured from 2019 to July 30, 2024 will be accepted, which means that the photographs must have been taken within a period of no more than five years. The images may have been taken in any region of the country and the location where the photograph was taken must be indicated.
Interested participants must comply with technical guidelines: a) Only color photographs will be accepted in the contest, b) Digital manipulation of photographs is not accepted, except for basic adjustments for image optimization, c) Graphic elements from the original file may not be removed or added, d) Images must be accompanied by a description, in addition to specifications for exposure time, number of shots, type of camera and filter or telescope, and processing software.
Finally, all photographs submitted must be the property of the contestant, not have been published prior to the contest (not including posts on social networks and blogs) and not have a commitment to publish.