One of my favorite places on earth, the California Academy of Science has launched its 2012 Love Life Photo Competition.

This photo competition is close to my heart, as I won in two categories last year. I’m not an editorial photographer, nor do I specialize in science – but I happened to have a ton of photos at the Academy because my two sons love hanging out there. When the contest was launched last year, I joined on a whim at the last minute. And I’m so happy I did because winning the contest paved the way for me to be hired by the Academy’s Marketing and Education department! I love sharing this story because #1) it’s such a honor to shoot for the Academy and #2) it’s a great example of how doing something you love leads to greater opportunities.

So, anyway….the LoveLife photo competition returns for a second year. There are more categories, including Mobile Phone photography. So – you really have no excuse about not having a fancy camera. Deadline for submissions is February 1, 2012. More contest rules can be found here.

Get to it, people! Visit the Academy and snap away!  And while you are there, check out last year’s winners in the Children’s Gallery.