Images of Illinois 2016 Photography Contest

Images of Illinois 2016 is a photography contest celebrating the wonders of Illinois. Photographers are invited to submit their best shots taken anywhere in Illinois between February 1, 2015 and March 12, 2016. The winning photos will be featured in Illinois Times and displayed at the H.D. Smith Gallery in the Hoogland from March 31 to April 21, 2016. Contest proceeds benefit the operations of the H.D. Smith Gallery of the Springfield Art Association, a nonprofit visual arts organization.

The contest is open to four classes: Professional Adult, Amateur Adult, Youth (13-17), and Youth (12 and under). Two categories are available: People and Places/Things. Entry fees are $30 for Professional, $20 for Amateur Adult (use ADULTAM coupon code), and $10 for Youth (use YOUTH coupon code). Additional entries cost $10 for Professional and Amateur, and $5 for Youth. Photographs must be submitted in high-resolution digital format (.jpg, minimum 1920 pixels on longest side, not exceeding 5 MB). Watermarks, dates, signatures, and copyright marks are not permitted. Nude or inappropriate photography will not be accepted.

Judging will award 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places in each category within each class, with possible honorable mentions. One "Best in Show" will be chosen from all submissions. Best in Show receives $300 cash. Professional 1st place winners in each category receive $100 cash. Amateur 1st place winners receive $50 cash. Youth 1st place winners receive gift certificates to local retailers. Winners will be announced March 31, 2016 in Illinois Times. A public reception and awards ceremony will be held March 31, 2016 from 5:30-7:00 p.m. at the H.D. Smith Gallery. Entries must be submitted and paid by March 12, 2016 via www.prairieart.org. For full contest rules, visit www.prairieart.org.