CARP – Hey shutterbug, get out your camera, head to the Carp Hills and take a prize-winning photo of one of West Carleton’s best winter hiking spots.

The Friends of the Carp Hills (FCH) is hosting a photography competition this winter and you have about a month to get your entry in.

“We are holding a Love the Hills in Winter photography contest to celebrate the beauty of the Carp Hills in our coldest season,” FCH chair Janet Mason released in a statement Jan. 17. “The contest runs from now until Feb. 18. Along with public glory, the winner receives a one-year new membership or membership renewal to the Friends of the Carp Hills.”

Not only that, the winner will get a chance at, brace for photography humour, increased exposure.

“If the format is suitable, the winning photo will also be used as our Facebook banner for one month and as one of our rotating banners on our website,” Mason said. “For more information see our Winter Photography Contest post on our website.”

The photo contest judge will be FCH board member Christopher Busby.  

“Chris has 49 years of experience in every facet of photography,” Mason said. “From darkroom manager to professional portraitist to newspaper photographer and three of his pictures were selected by National Geographic photo editors for publication in Your Shot.”

Photographs submitted for the contest will be judged on creative use of composition, lighting, focus, point of view and “that indefinable quality of a compelling photograph that captivates the viewer.”  

You don’t need fancy camera gear to take a great photo: used skillfully and artistically, a smartphone will produce fabulous photos.

The winner will be announced on our Facebook site and website on March 1.