By the editors
Admit it: You love Up Here for its stunning photos more than its award- winning writing. We're fine with that. In fact, we like to celebrate it -- and our 10th reader photo contest is proof. We know you, our readers, have captured the North with your camera. Here's your chance to show everyone else your skills behind the lens.
First, some blunt advice. No sunset shots. Thanks, but we've got plenty of 'em -- and they're not likely going to win. Also, we like pictures that are in focus and high-resolution. This is especially important: we need them to be large files (at least 8x10 inches at 300dpi). We don't publish Facebook quality images in our magazine, after all.
Second, let's talk about the contest categories. Here's a quick explanation of what we're looking for.
People & History
The key in this category is people. Last year, our winner was a candid moment between an elder and a visitor at a muskrat festival in Inuvik. The category is open to historical shots as well, so if you've got a dusty but poignant Northern moment in a shoebox, dig it out and submit it.
Science & Nature
Animals or natural phenomena are a good bet for this category. Last year's winner was (cue photo editor's cringing) a shot of the aurora playing over Pangnirtung, Nunavut. It won because it had depth: a clear foreground shot from a unique perspective. It was more an example of a great landscape shot than an aurora shot. Beautiful and candid shots of animals, or stunning, colourful landscapes always catch our eye.
Travel & Adventure
Images tell a story. So, to best tell a story of Northern travel or adventure, think combining people in beautiful landscapes. Our winner last year did just that -- a shot of the silhouettes of hikers in the mountains in the Yukon.
Arts & Culture
This one should be easy -- the North is filled with stunning culture. People are at the root of culture, so it's best to submit shots with people practicing something cultural rather than an inanimate cultural object.
Of course, rules are sometimes meant to be broken. If you have a stunning Northern shot that doesn't quite fit, submit it anyway. Who knows what will happen. Maybe you'll win the sweet Nikon D5000 DSLR that the grand prize winner takes home.
The contest deadline: September 1, 2010
To submit an entry, mail it to patrick@uphere.ca.
Oh, one last thing. There is a clause in our contest that says we can use your images in promotional material for Up Here. Some people out there think we are trying to scam you out of your creative property rights. Don't worry - we're not out to steal your photos. In practice, all this clause means is that we can use your photo in an ad to promote next year's contest. We never use material from photo contest entrants for anything but that reason.
So now that that's settled, send in your photos and see if you win! All the best!
