This photography contest is open to all photographers residing or studying within a 50-mile radius of any First Columbia Bank & Trust branch. Reflecting First Columbia Bank & Trust’s dedication to inclusivity and artistic development, entry to the competition is completely free, encouraging participation from both amateur and professional photographers. Students from local universities are also warmly invited to showcase their skills. For participants under the age of 18, a parental consent form is required to ensure compliance and safety.
Entry packets, containing all necessary information and forms, are readily available for pickup at any First Columbia Bank & Trust location starting August 1st, 2023. Alternatively, for convenient access, these packets can be downloaded directly from the First Columbia Bank & Trust website at https://www.firstcolumbiabank.com/contest-rules. Completed submission packets should be dropped off at any First Columbia Bank & Trust branch location. It is important to note that the deadline for all submissions is Friday, September 29th, 2023. Late entries will not be accepted, so participants are encouraged to submit their work well in advance of the deadline.
The photography competition includes a diverse range of categories designed to celebrate various photographic interests. Participants can submit their work in the following categories: Animals/Wildlife, Flowers, Close Up/Macro, Nature/Landscape, and Black & White. To ensure a broad and fair competition, photographers may enter a maximum of three (3) photographs per category. All submitted photographs must be the original work of the photographer and must have been captured within the last three years to maintain the freshness and relevance of the entries. It is important to note that employees of First Columbia Bank & Trust Co., and any family members living within their households, are not eligible to participate in the competition to maintain impartiality and fairness. For digital image submissions or any inquiries regarding the competition, interested individuals are encouraged to reach out via email at [email protected].
AWARDS & Recognition
First Columbia Bank & Trust believes in recognizing and rewarding artistic excellence. Awards will be presented at 5:00 PM on Sunday, October 15th, 2023, celebrating the achievements of the talented photographers. The awards include:
- Overall Best in Show: A grand prize of $125 will be awarded to the photographer whose work is judged to be the most outstanding across all categories.
- First Place in each category: Winners in each of the five categories will receive $100, acknowledging their exceptional talent within their chosen genre.
- Second Place in each category: Second-place winners in each category will be awarded $50, recognizing their commendable photographic skills.
- Third Place in each category: Third-place winners in each category will receive $25, celebrating their notable contributions.
- Honorable Mention: Photographers receiving an Honorable Mention will be awarded a ribbon, acknowledging their noteworthy entries.
- People’s Choice: A special People’s Choice award, also recognized with a ribbon, will allow community members to vote for their favorite photograph, adding a popular vote aspect to the competition.
First Columbia Bank & Trust is excited to host this event and encourages all eligible photographers to participate in this celebration of local talent and artistry.
