All around Hawaii Island, a walk in the park, beachside stroll, mountain hike or random wander through town can reveal serene, spectacular and surprising images. In the fast-paced age of selfies and instant sharing, the “Big Island On Foot” 2015 Photo Contest invites amateur photographers of all ages islandwide to slow down, walk around, and see what there is to capture with the camera.
The “Big Island on Foot: Amazing Things You See When You Are Walking About” is an opportunity for amateur photographers presented by nonprofit Waimea Alive! Submissions for the contest opened Tuesday.
Photos will be reviewed anonymously by a panel of expert judges, and evaluated as to appropriateness to theme, creativity, and quality. Winners will be announced during a photo gallery exhibit at the Historic Spencer House Nov. 12 in Waimea.
“The photo contest is something we do for the community, just for fun. And we thought the ‘on foot’ concept worked really well,” said Waimea Alive! Board Member Paul Johnston. “It’s a way to encourage people to step out of bounds a little. Don’t just drive around in your car looking for photo ops; get out in nature or go to town and find something that catches your attention. And don’t worry if you’re not a walker — we completely welcome the unique perspective of folks who travel by wheelchair or scooter.”
Last year’s contest yielded more than 150 entries from 55 amateur photographers. Elin Kalaniopio took first place with her joyful black and white portrait of a child trying to climb aboard a pony. Second place went to Michael Varney for a stunning surf shot, and third to Pablo McLoud for his sweeping Waimea landscape.
Honorable mentions went to Christian Enns (2), James (J.J.) Higgenson, Elin Kalaniopio, Malia McKendry, Pablo McLoud, Kathryn Rawle, Anthony Roberts, Nancy Carr Smith, Rosary K., DS. Souza, Jordan Vedelli, Mahealani Winters and Titus Winters.
Partner company Waimea Instant Printing will be accepting photo entries, printed on paper (with completed entry form and fee), through Nov. 4. The company has also offered to provide color prints on quality photocopy paper at a discounted price.
Anyone who routinely sells images in any market in not eligible.
Deadline to enter is Nov. 4. Entry fee is $15 for up to three images for those age 18 and older; $10 for entrants under 18. For rules, entry forms and more information, visit www.waimeaalive.org or www.Facebook.com/HistoricSpencerHouse.