Photo contest opens with changes

MSNHA is accepting entries for our annual photo contest — and this year we’ve added a few twists. 

“We’ve had so many great entries in past years that we wanted to offer our local photographers something new,” said MSNHA Interim Director Terrence Johnson. “We’ve made some changes in the contest — adding a theme, emphasizing creativity and giving photographers a long window of opportunity — that we hope will get our entrants excited about going in a different direction. We can’t wait to see the results!”

Here are the 2024-25 photo contest guidelines:

• “Intersections” is the theme of this contest — we’re looking for stories about places of transition. “We’re busy and always have been. Things move at a fast pace — people go to work, come home, go to the store, come back and so the cycle goes. It’s nothing new. Those who came before us did the same in their own ways and according to their own schedule,” said MSNHA historic preservationist Clayton Davis.  “One constant in our busy lives is places of transition. Bridges, roads, streets, nature trails, sidewalks, hallways— these are all places where we cross paths, exchange words, meet and depart. Different people at different times have all moved through these temporary spaces that connect one point to another.”

  “This year’s photo contest explores these abstract areas,” he added. “Your submission should examine an aspect of a transitionary place — maybe imagine long-forgotten conversations or momentary pauses enroute to another destination. Think creatively about the seemingly mundane places that surround us.”  

• Submit each entry via this form. It asks for contact info, where and when the photo was taken and — new this year — an explanation of how your entry interprets the theme. What does it say about places of transition in northwest Alabama? What does “Intersections” mean to you? What drew you to this image?
• After you’ve submitted the form, feel free to post your entry on social media — use #msnhaphotocontest25 so we can give you a like.
• Judging criteria are 50% creativity, 30% quality and 20% relevance. Creativity is weighted the most in order to inspire and challenge you. Entries should be in high-resolution with clarity and color adjusted accordingly and should reflect MSNHA’s mission of protecting and promoting the Tennessee River, Native American culture and music in our six-county region of Colbert, Franklin, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone and Morgan. Learn more about the MSNHA here.
• Deadline to enter is 5 p.m., Friday, April 18, 2025, giving you the chance to shoot in multiple seasons.
• Submit as many pics as you like as long as you include the required form with each entry.
• Photos must be taken within our six-county area.
• You must have written permission if you’re shooting on private land and/or people in your image are recognizable.
• MSNHA staff and consultants will judge the entries and we’ll contact the winners. We’re not sure about the prizes yet, but we promise you’ll like them!

Questions? Email msnha@una.edu
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