The next time you visit one of America's parks, forests, fishing holes or monuments, be sure to bring your camera. Thanks to an annual photo contest, your picture could end up gracing the 2008 America the Beautiful-The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass.
America's federal recreational lands are exciting places to visit-daily, for a weekend, or for an entire vacation. They include beautiful lakes, rivers and seashores; bird and wildlife refuges; outstanding cultural and historic sites; and some of the world's most magnificent forests, parks and monuments. They also make fantastic settings for photography.
Shutterbugs can submit photos in two categories. The first is for the front of the Federal Recreational Lands Pass and will be judged on creativity, visual appeal and ability to show the diversity and richness of America's federal lands, among other things. The second category, Family Fun, will award photos that show families enjoying the federal recreational sites, have visual appeal and include an unexpected perspective. No matter what level your photographic skills are, anyone can enter for a chance to win.
Winners will be selected by a panel of judges from the benefiting agencies, the National Park Foundation and Casio. Prizes include Casio Exilim Zoom cameras, a Ford Escape Hybrid and vacations to federal recreational areas. The grand prize-winning image will grace the front of the 2008 Federal Recreational Lands Pass.
"Casio is proud to bring this contest to the American people on behalf of the special places in America they love-and we acknowledge that with today's technology, you do not need to be a pro to take great pictures," said Bill Heuer, senior vice president of Casio's Digital Imaging Division. "The natural scenery and American historical sites provide the perfect backdrop for memory-making. For most people we know it won't be a question of which shots to take, but which shots to enter in the contest."
"Americans have been enjoying and supporting protected lands for more than a century," said Jessica Murphey, vice president of development at the National Park Foundation. "Sharing the experience through the photo contest and gallery means that we can continue to chronicle the important role these places play in the present and evolving history of America."
A complete list of contest rules and official entry forms are available at all participating federal recreational lands and online at www.sharetheexperience.org. A gallery of entries is available online.
Pictures taken at any of America's federal recreational lands can now be submitted for a national photo contest. |
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