Background:
In 2018, Allegany County Tourism developed the inaugural Mountain Maryland Photo Contest as a way to build tourism’s photo inventory from the unique perspective of our community and visitors. To align with tourism’s branding and messaging, the contest’s categories reflect Allegany County Tourism’s four pillars of destination - Natural and Scenic Beauty, Outdoor Recreation, History and Heritage, and Arts and Entertainment. Over the past three years, the Mountain Maryland Photo Contest has received more than 1,200 images from 150 resident and visiting photographers. The images have appeared on our social media channels, our website, in our Visit Mountain Maryland Destination Guide, and in marketing campaigns. Allegany County Tourism has also used this opportunity to form partnerships with local photographers for additional projects.
Jury:
The competition will be judged by a five-person panel comprised of regional leading professionals in marketing, photography, design, and/or arts administration. The jury will make selections of their top ten photos in each category, based on quality, composition, content, originality, creativity, and mass appeal. Decisions are final. The jury reserves the right to not present an award in any category if insufficient quantity or quality is determined.
Photo Categories:
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Arts and Culture: Allegany County boasts a lively arts and culture scene with two state-designated Arts and Entertainment and Maryland Main Street districts in Cumberland and Frostburg, a thriving small business community, and generations of tradition in food and culture. This category serves to document food, culture, arts, activities, events, nightlife, music, and entertainment in Allegany County.
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History and Heritage: Where the C&O Canal, the Western Potomac, major roads and railroads converged, Allegany County owes its history and heritage to early American transportation milestones and the movement of people and resources. This category serves to document Allegany County’s rich history told in our rivers, rails, trails, mountains, and towns.
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Outdoor Recreation: From cycling the Great Allegheny Passage or C&O Canal Towpath and hiking in one of our parks or forests to canoeing and kayaking Lake Habeeb or the Potomac River, Allegany County has plenty of opportunities to play in the outdoors. This category serves to capture people in motion, action shots of hiking, cycling, paddling, and exploring the trails, waterways, parks, and outdoor spaces in Mountain Maryland.
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Scenic Landscapes: It’s no secret that one of Allegany County’s greatest assets is the scenic beauty. Everywhere you look, you’re sure to find scenic vistas, historic architecture, streetscapes, overlooks, and waterways. This category serves to document the scenic landscapes that serve as Allegany County’s backdrop.
Awards:
Arts and Culture Category:
1st Place: $225
2nd Place: $125
3rd Place: $75
History and Heritage Category:
1st Place: $225
2nd Place: $125
3rd Place: $75
Outdoor Recreation Category:
1st Place: $225
2nd Place: $125
3rd Place: $75
Scenic Landscapes Category:
1st Place: $225
2nd Place: $125
3rd Place: $75
Important Dates:
October 31, 2022 | 11:59 PM - Entry deadline.
December 15, 2022 - Last possible day to receive notification of award.
February 2023 - Exhibition and Reception at the Allegany County Arts Council.
Funding for this project was provided in part by the Passages of the Western Potomac Heritage Area.
