Calling all photographers: Hocking Hills contest to take place in May

LOGAN – Amateur and professional photographers alike are encouraged to visit southeast Ohio’s spectacular Hocking Hills to capture and share its captivating essence May 17-19 during a photo contest.

Photos must be taken between 2 p.m. Friday, May 17 and 2 p.m. Saturday, May 18, with all submissions uploaded as via JPEG files. An awards ceremony will take place Sunday, May 19 at 2 p.m. in the historic Logan Theater. Only contestants and one guest will be admitted. Wi-Fi and staff assistance will be available at the Logan Theater Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for those who need that support in uploading images.

This is a fun and light-hearted contest and photographers seeking an intense competition may find this is not the right event for then. Prizes are $100 for the best photo in each category for each division. The Grand Prize of $500 for the Best in Show overall photo in the competition. Limited to 70 total photographer entrants, registration is required at explorehockinghills.com/picture-hocking-hills and is available first-come, first-served basis for $50 per entrant, due at the time of registration.

Each photographer may submit a total of three photos in whichever category they wish to submit. Expert judges will choose both an amateur and a professional photographer winner in each of the four categories: Landscape, People, Flora and Fauna and Wild Card, which is defined as a photo that does not specifically fit into any one category.

A panel of local photographer judges will score each photo based on how well it captures the essence of the Hocking Hills, its emotional appeal/impact, composition, originality and technical quality. Light editing is permitted, but the original character of the image must be retained. Images that are obviously edited or clearly exaggerated will be disqualified. A decision by the judges to disqualify any submission is final. Complete contest details and rules are available at the registration website site as well.

Capturing photos of hikers, walkers and all kinds of people enjoying the Hocking Hills region is a goal, and a signed photo release form is required for each photo that includes people who can be easily identified. If the form is not included with submission, the photo will be immediately disqualified. Photos may be taken in Hocking and contiguous counties, including Athens, Perry, Vinton and Fairfield. Photographers are reminded to stay on all trails, to leave no trace and not pick or damage wild plants, which are strictly prohibited. Photographing wildlife requires care and must be done at a safe and respectful distance. Accommodations are not provided, so photographers are encouraged to book their lodging early, as accommodations often sell out early. For more info on cabins, glamping, camping, and more explorehockinghills.com/places-to-stay.

Complete traveler information, including lodging, is available at www.ExploreHockingHills.com or 1-800-Hocking (800-462-5464).