Washington Trails Association hosts Northwest Exposure Photo Contest
Backpacks all over Washington are weighing in a little heavier these days as hikers gear up with camera equipment for Northwest Exposure, the new photo contest hosted by Earth Share of Washington member Washington Trails Association. The contest seeks to exhibit the splendor of Washington's wild areas and provide a forum for both aspiring and experienced nature photographers. "With stunning pictures from Washington's wilderness, we hope to encourage both exploration and preservation of our state's natural areas," said Lauren Braden, Communications Director for Washington Trails Association. "If people appreciate the beauty of Washington, they may take action to protect its natural treasures." Washington's natural treasures bring lush images to mind: enormous old-growth cedars that pierce the sky, fallen logs engulfed in chartreuse moss, mountain streams racing over cliffs to the ocean, hanging glaciers, and seas of sage brush. From sweeping panoramas of the rugged North Cascades to up-close glimpses of rare alpine wildflowers, hiking in Washington provides infinite opportunities for sensational nature photography. Northwest Exposure will showcase the best of these backcountry photographs.
The contest features three photography categories:
- People in the Wild
Photographs of hikers, backpackers, trail maintenance crews, cross-country skiers, and other photos of people enjoying the great outdoors of Washington. - Washington Landscapes
Photographs of beautiful landscapes anywhere in Washington: mountains, beaches, rivers... wherever you like to explore in the wild. - Flora & Fauna
Photographs featuring Washington wildlife or plants: wildflowers, birds, trees, butterflies, and the like.
Photographers may submit only one photo in each of three categories, for a total of three photos per photographer. The deadline for photo submissions is October 10th. An official entry form must be completed for each photograph submitted. One grand prize and nine other category prizes will be awarded to the contest winners. Winning photographs will be displayed in the January/February 2004 issue of Washington Trails magazine and at www.wta.org.
A panel of professional and widely published photographers will select the Northwest Exposure contest winners. Judges are: Jock Bradley, Alan Bauer, Bors Vesterby, John Marshall, and Pete Saloutos. "Washington Trails Association has long promoted the nature photography talents of hikers," said Andrew Engelson, Editor of Washington Trails magazine. "Many of the photographs featured in our magazine are submitted by WTA members, and our website features a monthly photo gallery. Many of these photos are truly exceptional glimpses into pristine wilderness." Companies and organizations wishing to sponsor Washington Trails Association's Northwest Exposure contest will enjoy publicity to an active crowd of outdoor photographers while making a tax-deductible contribution to an organization devoted to trail preservation.
For information on the contest or to signup, please contact Lace Thornberg at (206) 625-1367 or visit their website at www.wta.org.