A picture is worth a thousand words, the old saying goes. You could even say that the very best images go beyond words.
For proof in the pudding, just take a look at the East Idaho Community Photo Contest, presented by Idaho Falls Magazine.
Now in its 12th rotation, the contest has corralled some of the finest photography from around the region. It receives upward of 1,500 entries in categories ranging from portraits to scenics, sports, recreation, events and wildlife. In 2015, the magazine also added a category for birds, and tentative plans are in the works to add new categories for monochrome (just one color or black and white), buildings and closeups.
Eligibility includes local and visiting photographers of any age and level of ability, although participation by full-time media and commercial photographers is discouraged.
Thanks to its popularity with local residents, the contest has also drawn the support of key sponsors whose cash and promotional contributions ensure a healthy lineup of prizes. This not only beefs up the competition, but also keeps the contest itself free to enter. Recurring supporters include Willow Tree Gallery, Grand Targhee Resort, Eagle Rock Indian Motorcycle, Bank of Commerce, Avcenter and Sportsman’s Warehouse, among others.
Each entry is judged for overall appeal in its designated category, as well as for its technical merits. Judges include area media, photography and design professionals—including staff from the magazine’s parent company, Harris Publishing.
Each cycle of the contest culminates in a presentation of the winning entries. That includes the top five pictures in each category, the top-3 overall winners and a special nod to 20-plus entries that didn’t quite make the winners’ circle, deemed “Editor’s Picks.”
To enter images (up to three in each category), check out the contest rules or view a 12-minute summary of last year’s award presentation, click the Contests tab on the magazine’s homepage at www.idahofallsmagazine.com. You can also enter images as attachments via email to photocontest@idahofallsmagazine.com.
Any entry that misses the annual deadline gets slotted into the following year’s contest. The next deadline is set for March 1, 2022.
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