Cover of annual report prize in photo contest

PARIS — In an effort to spice things up and include the community while doing so, Jean Federico in her new position as administrative assistant to the Oxford County Soil & Water Conservation District (OCSWCD) is launching a photo contest open to the community.

For years, the covers have been fairly ordinary, according to Federico, who thought a contest might provide something new and, in doing so, make it aware of what the OCSWCD does. The Oxford County Soil & Water Conservation District (OCSWCD) is one of 16 districts in Maine that help people conserve land, water, and forests.

Federico is looking for a conservation photo for the cover of the OCSWCD annual report. Photos must fall under the category of conservation and may be about agriculture, forestry or soil and water.

One winner will be selected. In addition to being on the cover, first prize is an agricultural package of items provided by Aubuchon Hardware, Paris Farmers Union and Tractor Supply. There will also be three honorable mention winners selected. All winning photos will be published in the Advertiser Democrat and will be framed and displayed at the annual meeting.

All ages are encouraged to submit photos, noted Federico. Photos will be judged on technical merit and composition. Technical merit inlcudes framing, exposure, sharpness and clarity. Composition includes a recognizable center of interest, action, imagination and creativity.

Photos must be in electronic format. Deadline for entries is March 15. Entry forms and details can be found at www.oxfordswcd.net.

Previously published photos are not eligible for entry. For further information go to www.oxfordswcd.net  or contact Federico at jean.federico@me.nacdnet.net.