Photographers wanted for showcase of Manatee County's 'natural beauty'

Is there an eye-catching view of nature you see on your daily commute home from work?

Manatee County wants to see it, too.

Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department is sponsoring a new local photography contest for veteran or amateur photographers to showcase the area's natural beauty.

Now through Feb. 28, participants can mail or email images to Education and Volunteer Specialist Cary Cats, at 5502 33rd Ave. Dr. W. or [email protected].

Photographers may send up to 10 photos in the three contest categories: landscape, wildlife and people.

Landscape photos must show habitats found within the county's natural preserves. Wildlife photos should include a particular plant or animal found within local preserves and people shots should reflect individuals at a county preserve.

The department will select the best photos, which will be featured in a gallery presentation in April at the Valentine House located at Robinson Preserve. The photos will also be used on the county's website and social media pages.

Some photos may also be considered for the county's annual calendar.

Catts said the contest would be held annually now, after much interest from the public leading up to the inaugural event.

"Local photographers constantly send in beautiful images of our parks and preserves," Catts said. "We thought a photo contest would be a great way to display some of the best of the best."

For more information on the contest, visit mymanatee.org/photocontest.

Contact Amanda Sebastiano at [email protected].