Our Mission: To conserve the natural resources and protect the environmental quality of the Jordan River Watershed.
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  • The competition is open to all photographers with the exception of the members of the judging committee.
  • Photos must be taken by the entrant and within the boundaries of the Jordan River Watershed area and may depict any aspect of the environment, plants, animals, scenery, activities, any season. 
  • Enter an unmatted 8x10 print. Paper may be up to 8.5x11 inches.
  • A $5.00 Entry fee and completed entry form must accompany each entry. Under age 18 may enter up to 2 photographs for free.  There is no limit to the number of entries you may submit.  All proceeds will be used to support the activities of the organization.
  • Entries must be received by (to be announced at a later date)
  • Awards will be presented at an event generally scheduled for the 3rd Saturday in September at the Jordan River Watershed Center 101 Union St.  East Jordan.
- Prizes will be awarded -
Click here for Entry form
Proceeds support activities of The Friends of the Jordan River Watershed, Inc.
Contributions to The Friends of the Jordan River Watershed, Inc. are deductible under section 501 (c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code

FAQ:  Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to enter?
Any photographer, amateur or professional, adults and children are invited to enter the contest.  Members of the contest committee and judges are not eligible to win cash awards.
What kind of photos are you looking for? 
Our goal is to have excellent, interesting and varied photographs depicting any aspect of the Jordan River Watershed including scenery, birds, animals, plants, people engaged in activities on the river or in the surrounding river valley, any season of the year.
It is summer but I have a great picture I took while cross country skiing last year, can I enter that?
Absolutely!  We want to see photographs from all seasons. We ask that they be taken within the last year or so and that they have been taken within the Jordan River Watershed area.
Do the pictures have to be taken within this year?
Nope.  Any picture that meets the conditions may be entered as long as it has not been entered in the previous contests. 
What area do you mean by the Jordan River Watershed?
The area covers the Jordan River Valley that extends roughly from US 131 to the East and M-32 to the North (Deadman’s Hill Area) West to M-66 and South to Mancelona.  See boundary map. 
What Prizes will you award?
The Grand Prize will be awarded to the photo judged to be the best from ALL entries received. A Youth Award is given to the best entry by anyone under 18. years old.  Since we want to encourage young people to get involved in environmental awareness and the arts we will waive the entry fee for up to 2 photos per student.  If you wish to enter more than 2 then please send the $5.00 entry fee with the additional photographs.  The President’s Choice Award is selected by the President of the Friends of the Jordan and is the best representation of the Jordan River or the Watershed in its most natural state.  A Viewers Choice award is selected by the community at an event to be announced.  These awards have earned from $100 -$250 for the Grand Prize.  In addition 10 more photographs will be selected for our Calendar and will also receive a cash award.  We will update the information on the amount of the awards as our sponsorship is developed. 
How will the entries be judged?
The entry form is designed so that we can conceal the name of the entrant from the committee or judges.  Each entry is mounted in a white mat so they are all presented in the same way.  All entries will be judged solely on their merit.  The decision of the judge is final.
What do I need to do to enter?
Each entry must be an unmatted picture.  We suggest professional photo-printing or professional quality paper if printing your own. Submit your photograph(s) accompanied by an entry form and a $5.00 entry fee for each picture entered.  Package these securely so they are not damaged and send to the address on the entry form.  Entries to be received anytime after June 1st and no later than August 3rd.
How should I prepare my print:
The actual photograph should be printed at least 8x10 with a margin around it (generally on an 81/2x11 sheet of paper)  as it will be put in a mat with an 8x10 opening.  If the image is somewhat larger we will try to mat it to the best effect but some of the image will be obstructed.  Use the best quality photo paper and processing for the best effect and we find that glossy tends to present better than matte finishes but that is really a design decision and is the choice of the photographer. 
Is there a limit on how many I can enter?
No.  But each must have its own entry form and $5.00 fee.  (This is a fund raising activity after all. J ) You may put all entries in 1 package and combine entry fees in 1 check or money order made out the “Friends of the Jordan”  Children under 18 may enter up to 2 photographs for FREE so make sure you have the kids take their cameras when they head out for hiking, canoeing,  and other family and group activities in the Jordan Valley.
How will I know if I won?
We will invite all finalists to attend the Visions of the Valley Celebration a community event to be held at the Jordan River Watershed Center. We will have an exhibition of selected photographs, food, activities and entertainment.  Prizes will be awarded in all categories.  We hope you will plan to attend and receive the award in person.  Check our website and local newspapers for further information closer to the date.  Winners will also be announced in the local media and on our website.
What else do I need to know?
Well, here’s the “fine print:” 
1.      By entering the contest you agree that the Friends of the Jordan may publish your photograph and name and use both in promotional materials and merchandise to support the Friends of the Jordan River Watershed and it’s activities.  Sponsors of specific prizes may use the photograph associated with them in their promotional materials as well. You will always receive recognition for your work.
2.      We will scan the photographs and retain a high quality scan for use in future publications, merchandise, on the website, etc. 
3.      Actual photographs will be returned to the entrant only if they provide a SASE with adequate postage. We will keep the originals of the winning photographs.
 Please tell me if digital images may be edited and enhanced?
Normal editing such as cropping, color correction etc. that would be done in any good photo processing operation is acceptable. If images are obviously altered such as using a watercolor effect, we may decide to have a special category for these. We would appreciate it if you would indicate that you have applied some special processing effect.   We are open to all entries and look forward to seeing your work.
Can I submit photos which have already appeared in publications? 
If they are your own work, were taken in the Watershed area and are not copyrighted by another publication then you may submit them.  We ask that you not re-enter a photograph previously submitted to the FOJ Photography Contest.
I have prints that are matted or framed, can those be submitted?
We prefer prints only. We want to be able to make fair comparisons between the photos submitted.  Framing and matting can really make a difference in the way a photo is perceived.  If possible, maybe you can get a duplicate print made or remove them from the frame yourself without damage. We are not responsible for photos which are damaged in removal.   BE SURE TO SEND A SELF-ADDRESSED STAMPED ENVELOPE (WITH SUFFICIENT POSTAGE) IF YOU WANT THE PRINT RETURNED.
You are planning to print a calendar, where can I buy one?
Only 1??? I am sure you will want several as gifts for family and friends!  We plan to have the calendars available for sale at the Photography Exhibit in September but you may also get them from any Board Member, from the Jordan Valley Animal Clinic or order on-line.
Anyway I can help with this project?
Sure can.  If you have graphic arts skills and want to help design the calendar, we would be glad for the assistance.  We also need help matting the prints, hanging the display for 1-2 exhibits.  We always need help selling the calendars and we would be open to ideas on how else we may market these images. 
How can I sponsor a photograph?
This is our major fundraising activity for the year.  As a business owner or individual you may sponsor an award for the calendar.  We award 14 prizes and need sponsorship for each one.  The sponsorship provides the monetary award to the photographer and helps defray the costs of the publication of the calendar.  All contributions are deductible as we are a 501c3 nonprofit organization for tax purposes.
Send any questions to us by e-mail at mmoran@friendsofthejordan.org 

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