Territory: North America
Theme: Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
Eligibility: Open to all, photos must be of the Columbia River Gorge area (not a general scenic photos contest)
Entry Fees: Free
Friends of the Columbia Gorge-a Portland-based conservation organization dedicated to protecting the scenic, natural, cultural, and recreational resources of the Columbia Gorge-is now accepting submissions for its sixth annual photo contest. The 2020 contest is entitled Picturing Protection.
Friends' photo contest gives photography enthusiasts the opportunity to close out a difficult, change-filled year by capturing something that is dependable and comforting: the beautiful and inspiring sights of the Columbia Gorge. The contest also provides an opportunity for Friends to partner with the Pacific NW photography community and help illustrate the ongoing need to ensure that the Gorge's wild, beautiful landscape is preserved for future generations.
The theme of this year's contest, Picturing Protection, recognizes that the Gorge's stunning and largely unspoiled views are in large part due to the passionate advocacy of those who for decades have put in the hard work of protecting the Gorge, be it through activism, stewardship, and other acts of conservation.
"Living in the Gorge, I have the privilege of being inspired by these beautiful landscapes every day, but humans have a responsibility to care for this special place" said Paloma Ayala, a professional photographer and Hood River, Oregon, resident who has contributed her skills to activism and environmental causes, including taking aerial shots of the 2016 derailment and fire of a Union Pacific unit oil train in Mosier, Oregon. "So much valuable work is done behind the scenes for us to enjoy later. These are not efforts of self-interest but of sacrifice."
Ayala served on the judging panel for Friends' 2019 photo contest and will do so again this year. In addition to her judging duties, on Thursday, Nov. 12 Ayala and acclaimed photographer and author Peter Marbach will join a live webinar (starting at 5:30 p.m.) presented by Friends about photography and storytelling.
This year Friends will honor winners in seven categories in addition to the grand prize winner. The categories are: Gorge Community Life, Human Works, Scenic-Eastern Gorge, Scenic-Western Gorge, Wildflowers, Wildlife, and Youth Photographer (age 17 and under). The grand prize winner will be chosen from all of the submissions and can come from any category. This year's contest sponsor is Pro Photo Supply of Portland, which also sponsored last year's contest.
"It's beneficial to occasionally pause and appreciate what we don't see in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area: sprawl, pollution, and scenic blight," said Kevin Gorman, Friends' executive director. "Instead, you and your camera find wondrous landscapes where nature takes precedence and thriving human communities enjoy the benefits of these federally protected ecosystems."