40th Annual Photo Contest
Update: Our 2019 Photo Contest has ended.
Thank you to this year’s participants. Please follow us on Facebook to stay tuned for next year’s contest!
Calling all photographers! Have you taken pictures in the Elkhart County Parks this year? We want to see! Whether it’s a landscape, a wildlife pic, or a great family moment in the park, send it our way.
Eligibility
Any photographer may submit pictures for display; however, Elkhart County Parks personnel, their immediate family, and professionals may not compete for awards. Elkhart County Parks reserves the right to reject entries which might be judged in poor taste. All entries must be accompanied by a digital version.
Entries
Forms are available at the Elkhart County Parks administration office and must accompany each picture attached to the back. Entries may be color or black and white. 5” x 7” minimum to 11” x 14” maximum, and mounted flush or matted (no glass frames or picture hooks). Three entries in each category are allowed per person.
HOW TO ENTER:
Attach entry form and deliver photo to one of the locations listed below:
Elkhart County Parks Administrative Office
211 West Lincoln Ave. Goshen, IN 46526
Elkhart County Historical Museum
304 W. Vistula St. Bristol, IN 46507
TO SUBMIT DIGITAL FILES:
Email digital files to: cfranke@elkhartcounty.com
Submission Deadline
Photo entries must be submitted by 4 p.m. on Friday, January 24, 2020. Digital copies of all entries must also be submitted before the entry deadline via email to: cfranke@elkhartcounty.com.
For additional information, contact the parks administration office at 574-535-6458.
Photo Contest Categories
A) Rural Life in Elkhart County
Rural life is alive and well in Elkhart County, Indiana. This year, Category A will focus on capturing the rural aspects of life within our county. Photos in this category should maintain a “rural life” theme and must be taken within Elkhart County, Indiana.
B) Nature of the Photo
Inspire with photos showcasing the wild beauty of Michiana flora and fauna. Entries in this category do not have to be taken within the Elkhart County Parks.
C) Activities in the Parks
Share your favorite adventures in the Elkhart County Parks. For this category, photos must be taken within the Elkhart County Parks and can feature visitors, staff, facilities, or landscapes. Eligible properties include:
- Ox Bow County Park
- Bonneyville Mill County Park
- River Preserve County Park
- Boot Lake Nature Preserve
- Cobus Creek County Park
- Elkhart County Historical Museum
- Treasure Island
- Wolf Lake
- Turkey Creek
- Pumpkinvine Nature Trail
- Six-Span Bridge Boat Launch
Youth
Youth entries will be selected from all three existing categories. Photographers must be 16 years of age or younger to be considered. Please enter your photograph in category A, B, or C, and indicate your age on the entry slip. Photos will be judged in their respective category, then separated for judging in the Youth Category.
Judging & Awards
Three independent judges will pick winners and award ribbons for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners in each category, including Youth entries. Special ribbons will also be given to the Best of Show and Best Black & White winners.
Photo Display
All entries will be displayed as a special two-week exhibit at the Elkhart County Historical Museum Saturday, February 1 through Sunday, February 16, 2020.
Photo Pickup
After the display, entries and awards will be available for pickup at the Elkhart County Parks Administration Office beginning Monday, March 2, 2020. Photos MUST be picked up by 4 p.m. on Tuesday, March 31, 2020, or they will become property of the Elkhart County Parks. Elkhart County Parks will not be responsible for damaged or stolen photos.
Important Dates
- JAN 24 – Photo Entry Deadline
- JAN 30 – Photo Judging
- FEB 1 – Photo Contest Reception
10 am–12 pm at Elkhart County Historical Museum - FEB 1–16 – Photo Contest Exhibition
(Regular Hours at Elkhart County Historical Museum) - MAR 2 – Photo Pick-up Begins
- MAR 31 – Pick-up Deadline
