Penticton London Drugs and the Penticton Western News are looking for your best shot, asking amateur photographers to submit their pictures to the Peach City Beach Cruise Amateur Photo Contest.
“We want photos from the Peach City Beach Cruise because there are so many beautiful cars, so anything on that theme makes for amazing pictures,” said Cathy Pires, manager of the Penticton London Drugs Photo Lab.
“There is tons of opportunity for photos at the event because it really lends itself to photography I think.
“People can get creative with it.
“They don’t just have to shoot cars but they can look for the abstract stuff. Anything goes.”
Pires said having a fancy camera to take part in the contest isn’t necessary.
“There are a lot of good cameras out there that aren’t expensive,” said Pires.
“In fact a lot of people are using their cell phones now, and because the cameras on them keep getting better and better, they are producing high quality images.
“We actually offer cell phone camera classes in the store for people looking to learn more about how to take great shots with their cell phones.”
Pires has been working at London Drugs for 28 years, the past nine in Penticton, and said she has seen a number of different photography markets in her career. Penticton is one of the best, she said.
“The work that people bring to our store is amazing. I love it and it makes me love my job even more,” said Pires.
“We have a pretty active photography community here and even myself I have taken more photos here than anywhere else I have lived. There is so much to inspire you here.”
Contestants may enter a maximum of five photographs and images are to be from the Peach City Beach Cruise.
It is recommended photos be less than five megabytes in size, they must be the property of the contestant and taken within the last 12 months. Photos can be submitted at the Penticton London Drugs or online at www.pentictonwesternnews.com/contests.
Deadline for entries are midnight July 4. Results will be released to finalists prior to July 14. The contest is not open to professional or licensed photographers. Contestants have a chance to win one of four prizes. First prize is a London Drugs canvas gallery wrap up to 40 by 60 inches of the print of their choice, second prize is a metal print up to 16 by 20 inches and a $50 London Drugs gift card, third prize and fourth prizes are a $25 London Drugs gift card.
“Canvas gallery wraps are a great way to showcase your art and the 40 by 60 inch size has a huge impact making your image even more beautiful. The metal prints are also really cool and something new to our store,” said Pires.
For a complete list of the official rules visit Penticton London Drugs.