The Eatonton-Putnam Arts Alliance will begin taking entries for the 2nd Annual Amateur Photography Contest and Show in January for local area hobbyist photographers.

The contest, which will be open for entries from Jan. 24 through Feb. 7, will offer hobbyist photographers in the local area an opportunity to enter photographs into a myriad categories for competitive purposes.

Photographs can be entered into several different categories for the competition including landscape, flowers, architecture, birds, wildlife, people, digital darkroom, perfectly Putnam, pets, black and white, Lake Country, humorous, creative, sports, holidaze, smorgasbord and even a Junior Class category.

The contest, which was held last year for the first time, is only open to amateur photographers who are defined as photographers who “have not sold photos or are not currently marketing his or her photos or photographic skills,” a press release from the Eatonton-Putnam Arts Alliance states.

Past winners in the contest were elated with the opportunity to be recognized for their hobby, a press release from EPAF states.

“Part of the fun was the anticipation of the judge’s decision,” said 2010 contest participant Jane Cartmill. “I even won a ribbon.”

Additionally, Russ Cartmill, another 2010 photography show participant, also enjoyed the experience of competing in the contest.

“The participation by the community was outstanding.  I was amazed at the quality and originality of the photos,” he said.  “Bring on the next contest.”

Photographers will compete for the $250 cash prize for the Best in Show category and first, second and third place ribbons will be awarded for each category.

Additionally, an entry fee of $10 per photo, $50 for six photos or $100 for 12 photos will benefit the Eatonton-Putnam Arts Foundation’s PutnamARTS program and checks for the entry fee may be made out to EPAF.  

Following the initial judging of the competition, photographs will be available for viewing to the public on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and Sundays from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. at the Eatonton Plaza-Arts Center beginning Feb. 19.

Photos will remain on display at the Eatonton-Plaza Arts Center through March 6.  

To submit photographs for the contest, interested individuals must enter both the original photograph in electronic form, as well as in printed form to be displayed during the exhibit.  

Digital image submissions must include the photographer’s name and the title of the photo and each entry must be e-mailed to putnamsnapper@theplazaartscenter.com.

Additionally, printed photographs for entry into the contest may be mailed to EPAF, P.O. Box 4878, Eatonton, GA 31024 or hand delivered to the Chamber of Commerce office at the Eatonton-Plaza Arts Center, located at 305 N. Madison Avenue, Eatonton, GA 31024.

Printed photos in the contest must be matted and must not measure greater than 11×14 inches including both the photo and mat.

Winners in each category will be informed via e-mail or telephone on or about February 18 and a preview reception will be held on February 18 for photographers and their families to view the photos and see who the winners are.

According to the press release, photographers entering photos in the contest should be aware that a contest for more advanced photographers will be held in September.

The winning Best in Show photograph will be framed and displayed at the Plaza Arts Center during the 2011 year.

For more information including contest rules and entry details, please visit www.theplazaartscenter.com.