DAPHNE, Ala.— Local photographers had a chance this week to enter a judged art competition sponsored by the Bay Rivers Art Guild.

The entries were accepted March 15-17. Each photographer was allowed to submit three photographs for consideration in the contest.

Lynn Rios, office manager for the Bay Rivers Art Guild, said there were 58 entries submitted for the contest.

The photographs will be judged by award-winning bird photographer Terry Hartley. Hartley, a Mobile native has won awards from the statewide Outdoor Alabama photo contest and was the recipient of the Mobile Press Club Award in 2004.

The top photographers will be honored at an awards reception March 19 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The awards will be presented between 6 and 6:30 p.m. The awards ceremony is open to the public, Rios said.

“Anyone can come. We hope everybody will come,” she said.

The photographer who wins best of show will receive $300, second place will receive $100 and third place will receive $50. Three honorable mention entries will receive recognition as well. An award worth $100 will be given to the best special effects entry and $25 will be awarded to the people’s choice award.

Many of the entries will remain on display at the Bay Rivers Art Guild until April 7. Some of the photographs will be for sale as well. The Bay Rivers Art Guild will receive a 25 percent commission on all work sold through the contest.

Rios said the photography submitted for the contest is superb.

“It is beautiful artwork just like a painting,” she said. “Some of them were extremely creative using color and effects, but others who used black and white are extremely impressive as well.”

The Bay Rivers Art Guild has hosted a photography contest in years past, but Rios said there was not a photography contest last year.

The Bay Rivers Art Guild is located at 1704 Sixth St. For more information call 251-621-0659.

Map:

View Larger Map