Experience Cobourg’s Seasonal Photography Contest Well Under Way

The Town of Cobourg’s Seasonal Photography Contest is well underway with the first season (summer) coming to an end on September 4.

Manager of Marketing and Events, Kara Euale said the contest is open to residents and visitors who submit original photographs for a chance to win great prizes.

“We have so many talented people in Cobourg and the surrounding area. We are really looking forward to seeing what people submit as well as providing an opportunity to promote their art.”

“This year’s been difficult on everyone with people not being able to get together like we have every other year.”

Euale says the contest is something for individuals and families to enjoy while being outdoors in Cobourg.

“We are hoping to inspire creativity in our residents and guests to go and capture photos that tell Cobourg’s unique story.”

With the first part of the contest focused on summer there is only one week left to submit photos.

“We’re hoping people can get out this weekend and get creative.”

Every season of the contest they are changing categories for photos to capture a wide variety of what Cobourg has to offer as captured by residents and visitors.

Eaule also said unpublished photos from previous years/festivals can also be included.

One category is called, #InThisTogether because Euale says, “we want to tell the story of how our community came together during these difficult times due to COVID-19.”

With the technology of cell phones, Euale says professional cameras are not necessary to capture that special moment.

“We want people to go out and just have fun.  The image quality you can take on your cell phone is just fine – crisp and clear.  Don’t be afraid to snap that photo.”

“We’re looking for first hand looks of Cobourg told by the people who live here or visit here and love our community.”

In support of local businesses, each winner of the four seasons will receive a gift card valued at $200, to a local business of their choosing.

“We have an amazing community with beautiful parks and trails, trees and flowers.  There is lots to see and do.  We’re keeping our distance, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get out and enjoy the environment you’re in.”

Criteria and Categories

Photographs may be black and white or colour and must be submitted with the entry application found on experiencecobourg.ca. Entries will be on public display at the Cobourg Community Centre.

Summer Photography Contest Categories

Please note that the below categories are subject to change based on the season.

· Distinctly Local: For example local shops, businesses, landmarks, arts and culture, etc.

· Health and Fitness: For example walking/biking/hiking trails, canoe, kayak, SOP, etc.

· #InThisTogether: In the wake of COVID-19, show us how the community has come together.

Photographs will be juried at the end of each season by a panel consisting of Councillor Adam Bureau, Coordinator of Arts, Culture and Tourism, Olinda Casimiro, Executive Director of the Art Gallery of Northumberland, Ted Amsden, Ted Amsden Photography, Jason Robinson, Project Lola and staff from the Town of Cobourg’s Marketing and Events Department and Recreation and Culture Department.

Photographs will be juried based on the following criteria:

· Creativity/Originality

· Clarity and quality

· Composition

· Colour, lighting, exposure and focus

· Overall impression/impact/inspirational power

How to Enter

Submissions can be emailed to Jackie Chapman-Davis, Community Events Coordinator at jchapmandavis@cobourg.ca.

Entry Format and Contest Rules

Maximum two (2) entries per person

All works entered must be original and photographed by the individual or organization

All entries must be unpublished

All entries must be suitable for public viewing

Submissions must be high resolution digital photographs

Submission Schedule

• Summer: Submissions due September 4, 2020
  Winners announced September 14, 2020
• Fall: Submissions due November 6, 2020
  Winners announced November 16, 2020
• Winter: Submissions due February 26, 2021
  Winners announced March 8, 2021
• Spring: Submissions due May 28, 2021
  Winners announced June 7, 2021

Please note that all photos received will be added to the Town of Cobourg’s photography database and photographers may be given credit in future Experience Cobourg marketing materials.

Photographs will also be shared on the Experience Cobourg website and social media pages.