BLM and TravelNevada launch summer photo contest

Get your cameras ready and in focus, as a pair of organizations are hosting a summer photo contest.

The Bureau of Land Management and TravelNevada are accepting submissions now through Aug.31, for their annual photo contest, which includes prizes to be given out to the top three finishers.

The prizes that will be awarded are travel and destination events located in Nevada.

“This will be a big year to submit photos in the contest,” said, Barb Keleher, Outdoor Recreation planner. “TravelNevada has been so generous to award grand prizes to first and second place winners.”

First place will win admission to the Nevada Northern Railway Steam Spectacular, held annually in Ely each January. Second place winner will receive two VIP pit passes to the Reno Air Races, held annually in Reno in September. Third place will win a Nevada swag bag, which includes a one-year subscription to Nevada Magazine, Historical Nevada book, and a Geko Garmin GPS device, among other travel knick-knacks.

“TravelNevada is excited to offer prizes that will give photographers new, visually striking photo opportunities and provide them with unforgettable stories to share with their friends.”

Although prizes are good, Claudia Vecchio, director of the Nevada Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, explained the journey to gather those photos is as good as anything anyone can win.

“When you travel to a new place, it’s the experiences that make the best souvenirs,” Vecchio said. “In Nevada, you can have unforgettable experiences, whether you’re adventuring in the vast public lands or partaking in one of the state’s multitude of events.”

Submissions are asked to highlight the best of BLM Nevada’s lands and historical sites.

People Exploring Nevada - Share photos of your favorite activities and adventures on BLM lands across Nevada – volunteering, working, camping, hiking, biking, boating, fishing, kayaking, skiing, climbing or riding… name your adventure! Don’t forget new people you may come across while exploring; capturing true Nevada characters in their own element will be considered as well.

Weird and Wild - Take a walk on the wild side with photos of Wildlife, Wilderness, Wildflowers!

Employee – BLM/TravelNevada employees can submit their photos for a special employee category.

Also, this year entrants are asked to share their journey to capture the photo they’re submitting. In 250 words, contestants can explain their travels to be considered in the top 20.

For more information on the contest, contact Rita Ayers by phone at 775-861-6471, or email at rayers@blm.gov.

Photographs can also be shared on Facebook and Twitter using #MyPublicLands. The winning photographs from the 2016 contest can be viewed at http://bit.ly/1WMUMXp.

Contact reporter Mick Akers at makers@pvtimes.com. Follow @mickakers on Twitter.