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By Blair Braitenbach
Staff reporter
The definition of rural character is in the eye of the beholder.
What that beholder sees and can visually capture through a photograph tells a story about the nature and framework of the world around us. The MD of Foothills’ inaugural Rural Character photo contest, running for a full year from June 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009, will be accepting photo submissions in an effort to bridge the gap between residents and visitors of the MD with the governing body itself.
“Part of it will become a documentation of the MD as it looks now because things are changing around us,” said Leslie Lambert, corporate communications for the MD of Foothills.
Lambert noted that ‘rural character’ can be defined in a variety of ways, by each individual’s perception. The photos submitted may include people, places and things, and represent all attributes of the MD through the environment, economy and society in a visual manner.
“What will really count in the photograph is how they have taken photos that demonstrate the character, rather than just another pretty photograph,” Lambert said.
Lambert described the diversity that exists in the MD, from the urban characteristics of Heritage Pointe, to the outlying prairies in the southeast highlighted by ranching and farming, to the rolling foothills that lead to the Rocky Mountains. It is these varying environments that make and define the people and cultures of the MD, Lambert explained.
“The MD is unique because of how it’s formed by the people who are living there and the type of work that they’re doing in the landscape they are in,” Lambert said.
There will be two categories in the contest – one for youth 17 and under and one for adults 18 and over – and is open to both residents and visitors and professionals and amateurs alike. Lambert said that although the winners won’t be announced until the contest is over in 2009, the MD will showcase top photos periodically throughout the year. Award-winning photos will be placed in the municipality’s head office lobby in High River, placed online, and will likely be used in various MD events like open houses.
“It will be more than just a contest,” Lambert said, adding the municipality is considering publishing a photo book of the unique and winning photos.
The MD will only accept submissions that have not been previously published. Further details of the contest will be released in the coming months. More information and entry forms are available at the MD of Foothills head office in High River, and can be found online at www.mdfoothills.com |
