Jefferson County Library’s 4th annual Teen Photo Contest goes online

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Although local libraries are offering a wealth of programming for kids, the Jefferson County Library doesn’t want area adolescents to feel left out, which is why it’s continuing its yearly Teen Photo Show.

This fourth-annual show features the theme, “In My Mind,” and is open to submissions until Friday, May 15, at 5 p.m. at jclibrary.info/teenphoto2020. Gift card prizes of $50 each will be awarded to the winners of “People’s Choice,” “Innovation,” “Composition” and “Emotive Power.”

Photographers must be between 11 and 18 years of age, and their submissions must be photographs only, not mats or frames, with a print size no larger than 14 inches on the longest side.

Photos may be black-and-white and/or color, and each must be acceptable for public viewing by all age groups or it will not be displayed.

Scott Bahlmann, teen and youth librarian for the Jefferson County Library, said it was scarcely a question whether the show would go on, even in the face of coronavirus restrictions.

“Once we knew the library space would be closing, we decided pretty quickly that we would continue the Teen Photo Show,” Bahlmann said. “The ability to take digital submissions allows us to create an online gallery to showcase the talents of our local teen photographers.”

The webpage at jclibrary.info/teenphoto2020 allows photographers to submit their images and information about themselves.

“We’ve had five submissions so far and will begin to display the work next month,” Bahlmann said.

After the May 15 deadline, those images will be shared with a panel of judges who will provide feedback and select the most representative works from the listed categories to receive $50 gift cards to local businesses.

Community members will be able to vote online to recognize a “People’s Choice” from the submissions.

“The real difference this year is that we won’t be able to have a reception for the distribution of the awards,” Bahlmann said. “We’ll miss not having a communal celebration of our participants, but each one will get individualized feedback from our judges and have their work shared with the community through our website.”

The library will recognize the prize winners online and contact them to get those prizes delivered.

This year’s judges include:

• Jen Lee at jenleelight.com.

• Rick York.

• Melissa Jentzsch at melissajphoto.com.

• And Russ Stamp of the Jefferson County Library.

The Jefferson County Library also points prospective entrants to Lynda.com to improve their photography techniques.