Westmoreland holds photo contest to mark county's 250th anniversary

Westmoreland County is inviting amateur photographers to focus on images that help tell the county’s story as Westmoreland celebrates its 250th anniversary this year.

Oct. 27 is the deadline for submitting entries in the county’s anniversary photo contest, which offers cash prizes for the top three images in each of three categories.

It’s a chance for participants to “share a phenomenal image you snagged that’s sitting in a digital album somewhere,” said county officials. “What better way to tell the story of a community than through the eyes of its members?”

The contest is open to those 18 or older who earn less than 50% of their annual income through photography.

Only color images taken in Westmoreland County and suitable for viewing by all ages will be accepted. Image manipulation is limited to cropping and minor color and contrast adjustments.

Submissions are limited to three per person in any of the categories: nature (plants and animals); places (cities, architecture, landscapes); people (individuals or groups). Individuals shown in a submitted photo must give consent for the photographer and the county to reproduce the image and use it in promotions.

Photos will be judged on the basis of impact, creativity and image quality.

Respective prizes of $250, $150 and $75 will be awarded on Nov. 27 for first, second and third place. Winners will be notified via phone or email.

Wellness prizes will be awarded in a separate photo contest that county employees may enter.

Photos must be submitted in landscape format. Visit co.westmoreland.pa.us/photocontest for the complete rules and the official online submission form.