Organizations on aging partner on statewide photography contest

AUGUSTA — The Maine Gerontological Society, UMaine Center on Aging, Maine Community Foundation and the Elder Abuse Institute of Maine have teamed up on a state-wide photography contest, Focus on Real Aging in Maine.
All photographers — professionals and amateurs of all ages — are invited to submit images for consideration to help celebrate and promote positive and realistic images of the diversity of aging experiences in Maine.
A webinar to help those who may want to participate hone their photography skills will be held Wednesday, March 10. Professional photographer Jason Paige Smith will be the instructor and organizers will also discuss details of the terms and conditions of the contest.
The session for amateur photographers is 10 to 11:30 a.m. bit.ly/FRAMEam”>Click here to register.
The session for professional photographers is noon to 1:30 p.m. bit.ly/FRAMEpro”>Click here to register.
The submission period is from March 10 to May 9.
The only criteria is that the picture has to include at least one person 50 or older. Judging for the contest will be provided by an array of Maine professional and amateur photographers. Seven prize packages will be awarded, including three for professional photographers, three for amateur photographers and one people’s choice award.
Prizes include contributions to winner’s charity or nonprofit of choice, cash awards and gifts from Maine businesses.
1st Place: $1,000 donation, a Maine State Vehicle Park Pass (value: $105) and $200 cash.
2nd Place: $500 donation, Box of Maine gift box (value: $65) and $150 cash.
3rd Place: $250 donation, Ragged Coast Chocolate, 18-piece Farmers Market Collection (value: $49.50) and $100 cash.
People’s Choice: $250 donation, Lobster Buoy Birdhouse Co. Suet Feeder (value: $44) and $100 cash.
In addition to highlighting and celebrating the real lives of older Mainers, Maine Gerontological Society will create a library of new, relevant and age-friendly pictures with qualifying entries that will be available free of charge for limited noncommercial use on websites and in other publications by individuals and organizations.
For information visit mainecenteronaging.umaine.edu/f-r-a-m-e/”>F.R.A.M.E. – UMaine Center on Aging – University of Maine.