History

Originating in 1975, The Paducah Summer Festival Photo Competition has grown from a fledgling contest to the region's most prestigious annual photographic event. It is open to all without restrictions on size or content. It provides photographers with an outlet for their art, encouragement for growth in their vision and presentation and cash rewards for works of exceptional merit.

Each year from the hundreds of works submitted, 60 to 80 images are selected for exhibition by a highly qualified juror, with 8 to 10 of them receiving cash awards.

There is an opening reception for the annual show with free food and beverage, a juror's critique and awards presentation. There have been recent winners as young 8 and as old as 80.

Now's the time to submit your best recent photos and join in. Who knows... you might just be this year's $750 first place award winner!

2010 Juror- Michael Johnson

(MFA, Northern Illinois University; BS, Eastern Illinois University)

Michael Johnson is a Professor of Art at Murray State University and Director of “Magic Silver”, one of the largest international juried photography exhibitions. Johnson has been teaching photography at MSU for 37 years.

Awards

Up to $1,700 in cash will be given by the juror. Awards will be made in the following amounts:

• First Place $750
• Second Place $500
• Third Place $250
• 2 Honorable Mentions ($100 each)