20th Annual Gordon Parks International Photo Competition now accepting entries

Fort Scott Community College officials have recently announced that they have begun accepting entries for the 20th Annual Gordon Parks International Photo Competition.

The photography contest will be part of the Fifth Annual Gordon Parks Celebration of Culture and Diversity Oct. 1-4 at FSCC. The contest was conceived 20 years ago by retired FSCC instructor John Bennett, and it is now traditionally a part of the annual four-day celebration that honors Parks, the late famed photographer, author, filmmaker, artist and musician who grew up in Fort Scott.

The photo competition involves photographers of all types -- including amateur photographers -- who may submit photographs that reflect the important themes of culture and diversity upon which Parks centered his work. Parks, who died in March 2006, is considered to be one of the world's most famous photographers.

A total of $1,400 in prize money will be awarded to the top three photographs chosen at the conclusion of the Gordon Parks celebration. Up to three photographs in the honorable mention category will receive $100 each for a total of $1,700 in prize money that will be awarded. Each photographer may submit up to four photographs, which must have been taken within the last five years.

Contestants should submit original works that are not copies of any work done by Parks. Submitted entries should instead capture the essence and style of his work, but remain original to the photographer. Photos typically vary in quality and theme, but should follow themes that Parks emphasized in his work, FSCC officials said.

There were more than 130 entries in last year's contest. The first place winner will receive $800; second place will be awarded $400; and the third place entrant will receive $200. Finalists' photos will be exhibited free of charge at FSCC throughout September and October, and may also travel to other exhibit sites during the year.

Local residents and aspiring photographers are also encouraged to participate in the contest. Last year, one person did just that. Local photographer Kenny Felt entered his photo titled "Mom and Me" that depicted a mother and daughter on the mother's wedding day last summer. Felt's photo, the first entry by a local photographer since 1989, received an honorable mention in the contest and Felt won $100.

More than 3,500 people from across the globe have participated in the annual contest.

The last day that photographs and entry fees will be accepted is June 30. Photos should include captions and must be submitted on a computer disc or via e-mail. There is a $15 fee per entry, and finalists will be notified by e-mail. Entries are typically judged each year by Parks' family members and other photography professionals.

For more information on how to enter the contest or for detailed contest rules, visit www.gordonparkscenter.org on the Internet, or e-mail photocontest@fortscott.edu.