The Oct. 16 deadline is nearly here for the City of East Lansing’s annual community photo contest. A portfolio of five phots taken around East Lansing can win gift cards good at East Lansing businesses. Photographers, merchants and the city all win.
City staffers with arts backgrounds will judge.
Communications administrator Mikell Frey said, “This year’s winners will be featured in our 2022 Annual Report & 2023 Community Calendar, on the City of East Lansing’s social media accounts and in other print/digital marketing pieces,” Frey said. “We provide photo credit to the winners in all instances where their photos are used.”
The East Lansing Downtown Development Authority is sponsoring this year’s contest to further the City’s economic development and highlight local businesses and artists.
Downtown Development Authority, Community & Economic Development Administrator Adam Cummins said “The DDA supports the City’s efforts to meet these goals through its various programs and projects. The photo contest helps foster a sense of community, provides an opportunity for community members – artists and/or entrepreneurs – to highlight their photography skills.”
The authority sponsors other contests such as the Battle of the Business Bracket, Show us Your Pot of Gold, and various TikTok challenges.
Besides a chance to be featured in various promotional and city promotions, winners receive an eGift Card that can be used at 42 local businesses.
Michigan State senior Samantha Sebestyen, a media photography student, decided to participate in last year’s contest to practice her photography skills and earn extra credit.
“I decided to participate in the photo contest to get more familiar with my camera and wanted to get some more experience in photography around East Lansing,” Sebestyen said. “I think it helped me for sure to get a better understanding of my visual style and it was cool to be able to submit it for a contest, even if I was just an amateur.”
Contest information is on the Downtown East Lansing Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter accounts, as well as through the City of East Lansing website.