The organization formed to encourage visitation to Western New York’s Southtowns communities has announced the second annual photo contest for shutterbugs. The WNY Southtowns Scenic Byway (WNYSSB) is asking the public to submit pictures they take of the area for judging and eventual display during the 2023 holiday season.
“We promote and encourage people to explore our many terrific communities and decided that the public is the best source for examples of what the Southtowns offers,” said Byway President Robert J. Lennartz.
Photos can be submitted through the website WNYSSB.org. Rules and other information are also available at this web address.
This year’s contest has two different categories for entry. The “standalone camera” category is for those who use a dedicated camera (non-cellphone or non-tablet-type), and the “cellphone/tablet” camera category. Prizes have been enhanced for this second year of the contest. For each category mentioned above, the first place prize will be $150 cash and a copy of the book Nostalgic Buffalo by William C. Even. The second place prize will be $100 cash and the third place prize will be $50 cash.
In addition, the finalists for the contest will get their photos displayed on the silver screen at the Aurora Theatre in East Aurora and the Joylan Theatre in Springville.
The deadline for entries will be Nov. 30, 2023. The Byway Group is engaging newspaper photographers from publications in the Southtowns to be the judges.
Only those photos that are taken in these communities will be accepted:
• Town of Ashford
• Town of Aurora
• Town of Boston
• Town of Colden
• Town of Concord
• Town of Ellicottville
• Village of Ellicottville
• Village of East Aurora
• Town of Orchard Park
• Village of Orchard Park
• Village of Springville
Both professional and amateur photographers are encouraged to submit their best works. The only other stipulations are that the photos be their own, non-copyrighted creations and that they are limited to five total submissions for this contest.
