OCALA, FL (352today.com) – The College of Central Florida (CF) is hosting a photography contest to highlight all of the beauty that Florida’s natural springs have to offer.

College officials announced that the Appleton Museum of Art at CF and the Silver Springs State Park have partnered to organize the “Florida SpringsFest Photography Contest.”

The photography contest is open to all ages. CF says prizes will be awarded by two age groups: youth (17 and under) and adult (18 and older). Courtesy: Dave Miller

“We’re pleased to partner with our friend and neighbor, Silver Springs State Park,” said Appleton Director Jason Steuber. “The photography contest is a wonderful opportunity to engage the community and highlight the beautiful wonder of the springs and park, which we are so fortunate to have in Marion County.

If you have photos of Silver Springs State Park or plan to take any photos on your camera or mobile device, you can submit them to the contest from January 8 to February 5.

There are three categories:

  • Color
  • Flora and Fauna
  • People

It is open to all ages, and you can submit one photo for each category.

Submissions will be judged by Appleton Museum of Art and Silver Springs State Park staff and there will be two overall prizes. Those prizes will be awarded by two age groups: youth (17 and under) and adult (18 and older). CF officials say there will be additional prizes awarded in each category.

To enter the contest, you must submit your photos by emailing AppletonEducation@cf.edu. CF officials say any submissions made via Facebook or any other forms of social media will not be accepted. In your email, make sure you include the category and your full name in the subject line. If you are submitting for youth, be sure to include your age.

The entries will also be on display at the Silver Springs State Park from March 2 to April 30. You will have to pay the regular park admission fee to see the display.

Submit your best photos of Silver Springs State Park between January 8 and February 5 for the chance to win a prize. Courtesy: Florida State Parks

More Details/Rules

  • Photos must be your own and taken by you. Parents/guardians may submit photos on behalf of children under 18.
  • Photos must have been taken at Silver Springs State Park (no specific timeframe).
  • Entries will be juried and selected based on creativity, quality and overall impact.
  • Winners will be notified before they are announced on social media.
  • The first 500 entries received as well as the winning photos will be printed. The rest will be virtually displayed.
  • Photos will be cropped in 4 x 4 or 4 x6 inches for printing purposes.
  • Your photos must be ‘tasteful’ and represent the park in a positive way. Any photos or emails that do not follow the guidelines may be disqualified.
  • Prizes can be shipped or picked up at the museum. If you win, you must provide a U.S. shipping address to request your prize by mail. International shipping is not available.

“This contest coincides with several special exhibitions opening in early 2024 at the Appleton that feature artwork focused on Florida’s springs and waterways. We look forward to celebrating this unique and revered feature of the Sunshine State’s ecosystem,” stated Steuber.

For any additional information or to learn more about the Appleton Museum, click here.