1 Mississippi Photo Contest Ends Sunday

Submit up to three of your best photos of the Mississippi River to 1 Mississippi's photo contest by Sunday, August 8. Photo: © Andrew Jalbert - Fotolia.com

The Mississippi River has long been memorialized in song, story, and legend for its beauty and the spirit of adventure it inspires. Uniting 31 states in its watershed, the river is a part of our culture and our heritage as Americans. And it serves as a superhighway for goods that flow north and south, connecting communities along the way. This valuable asset deserves our protection and our respect.

To honor the river that unites our nation and to inspire us to protect it, a group called 1 Mississippi has invited both amateur and professional photographers to submit photos of this diverse and important waterway. But hurry! The contest ends Sunday.

1 Mississippi is actively seeking photographs “that exemplify the unique landscape of the mighty Mississippi and the communities that populate its banks. We hope to see the diverse wildlife and natural areas, cities and cultures that make the Mississippi River unique,” says the website.

The deadline is August 8, but there’s still time to send in your best photos for consideration. Contest winners will earn prizes for the first, second, and third place in each category (professional and amateur). But the most exciting prize — to my way of thinking — is this: “First place winners will also have their photographs and names printed on 8 ft.-tall banners used at Mississippi River festivals, fairs and farmers markets throughout the region!”

Guidelines

Submit up to 3 photos

Deadline: August 8, 2010.

Judging Criteria: “originality, technical excellence, composition, overall impact and artistic merit.”

How to Submit: Submit online, email, or snail mail (though there’s no time left for that)

Download the contest rules at the 1 Mississippi website.

Prizes

The following prizes (as described on the 1 Mississippi website) will be awarded in both the amateur and the professional categories:

• 1st place: Exploring the River Package. Light to carry, take-it-with-you-everywhere camera backpack, ultra-handy flexible tripod and a waterproof camera bag that lets you take pictures in the water!
• 2nd place: Relaxing on the River Package. Easy to set-up, light to carry comfort hammock and life-saving solar powered radio with weather/alert functions!
• 3rd place: Dining Along the River Package. A picnic backpack that converts into a comfy seat and all the necessary picnic supplies!
• “Power of the Mighty Mississippi” honorable mention prize provided by Brookfield Renewable Power

So, what are you waiting for? Time’s running out. As 1 Mississippi says, “Let the River inspire you. Let’s get clicking!”

Julia Wasson

Blue Planet Green Living (Home Page)