Each fall, local professional and hobby photographers can submit their best photos for the chance to win the Stillwater Photo Contest, run by the Stillwater/Oak Park Heights Convention and Visitors Bureau. The winners, selected in September, submitted their photos for the theme Selfies and Scenes, with the requirement that all submissions be taken in Stillwater and showcase its natural beauty, community lifestyle or inhabitants.
The first-, second- and third-place winners are selected by board members of the Convention and Visitors Bureau, and a popular-choice winner is selected by an online vote. Winners receive cash prizes, and according to marketing director Christie Rosckes, they also “receive recognition with photo credit on the Discover Stillwater website [and] a showcase in the 2018 Official Stillwater Visitors Guide,” along with other social media recognition. The contest is popular, garnering 150–200 fabulous entries in each of the past five years.
Last year’s second-place winner, Kelley Brenner, submitted her photo “Polly,” which “features one of Stillwater’s most historical landmarks, the Washington County Courthouse.” Brenner considers herself a hobby photographer, but is considering branching into professional photography at some time.
This year’s winners are:
First place: Kelley Brenner
Second Place: Jessica Rother
Third Place: Ron Brenner
If you’re thinking of submitting next year, Rosckes recommends focusing on taking photos “that represent Stillwater as a go-to beautiful Midwest travel destination.”
Stillwater Photo Contest
Submit entries and vote online; more details at the website here.
