Arts Council’s Summer Photo Contest Inspires Smiles

What makes you smile? Perhaps it is the sight of your children at play, or a beautiful sunset, or a family of ducks waddling across the street. Whatever it is, snap a picture and enter it in the Arts Council of Greater Weston’s 4th annual Summer Instagram Photo Contest. With cash prizes at stake, it’s sure to make any amateur photographer smile. 

“Make Me Smile!” is this year’s contest theme and participants are invited to submit an original photograph of a person, place or thing that makes them smile. 

“A picture is worth a thousand words. One that makes us smile is priceless,” states Arts Council of Greater Weston President Jami Nix Rahn, adding that it is amazing to see the excitement and interest the summer photo contest draws, attracting more submissions each year. 

Arts Council Vice President Carol Lema says she is continually impressed by the talent exhibited by local photographers of all ages. “Our Summer Instagram Contest is a great way for non-professional area photographers to build their portfolios by going out and finding subjects which express the theme. We’ve had adult, college age and student winners in the past.”

The contest is open to all amateur photographers in the greater Weston area, ages 13 and up. To enter, simply post a picture depicting the “Make Me Smile!” theme to Instagram using #acgwsmile. You can submit one photo per day. The contest ends Monday, August 12th. 

A panel of local professional photographers and artists will serve as contest judges. Pictures will be evaluated based on originality, composition, artistic merit and the overall impact the image has on the viewer. Cash prizes will be awarded, with $100 for first place, $75 for second place, and $50 for third place. There is a special $25 prize for the photograph that receives the most likes on Instagram. Select photos from the contest will be on exhibit at the Weston Branch Library in September.