The Town of Cobourg's Community Services Division thanks everyone who participated in the past year's Seasonal Photography Contest – and invites submissions for the spring and summer 2021 intake.
With gift cards worth $200 for any local business as prizes, photographers of all skill levels are invited to share unpublished original work offering a season perspective in one of three categories.
Distinctly Local – Document your enjoyment and interaction with local shops, businesses, landmarks, historic buildings, arts and cultural experiences.
Health and Fitness – Show how you will be taking advantage of Cobourg's many outdoor fitness amenities by walking, biking, hiking various trails, canoeing, kayaking or what-have-you.
Food and Drink – Spotlight local restaurants, pubs and chef creations.
The Town of Cobourg also is once again offering residents the opportunity to vote on their favourite image on social media, with a $50 gift card for any local business as the prize for the photo with the most likes.
These contests provide some great opportunities to get people outside during the pandemic to enjoy our beautiful town, Councillor Adam Bureau said in the announcement.
“We have certainly enjoyed reviewing all of the fantastic submissions that have come in from our talented residents,” he added.
At the end of both seasons, a jury panel – consisting of Bureau, Art Gallery of Northumberland Executive Director Olinda Casimiro, Ted Amsden of Ted Amsden Photography, Project Lola owner Jason Robinson and staff from the town's Marketing and Events Department - will evaluate the photographs. Criteria they will take into account include creativity and originality, clarity and quality, composition, colour, lighting, exposure and focus, and overall impression, impact and inspirational power.
The panel shared several tips in the press release.
Make sure your horizon lines are straight
Include people enjoying Cobourg, if possible
Pay close attention to each category and theme, aiming for a photograph that tells a story
Submissions can be e-mailed to Community Events Co-ordinator Jackie Chapman-Davis at jchapmandavis@cobourg.ca no later than Sept. 22.
No more than two entries per person
Both colour and black-and-white photography is welcome
All entries must be original, photographed by the individual or organization submitting them
All entries must be unpublished
All entries must be suitable for public viewing
Submissions must be high-resolution digital photography
“Your images have helped us share Cobourg's unique story through marketing materials that have been developed, using user-generated photos,” Manager of Marketing and Events Kara Euale said.
“Most recently, images from the Seasonal Photography Contest were used in the 2021 Cobourg Leisure Guide, including the cover photo by Kiera McKinley.”
All entries will be added to the town's photography database, and photographers may be given credit in future Experience Cobourg marketing materials. Photos will also be shared on the Experience Cobourg website and social-media pages, and all winning images will be printed and put on display at the Cobourg Community Centre.