Magnolia Plantation and Gardens photo contest begins March 5

CHARLESTON, SC – The 2012 Magnolia Plantation and Gardens Photography Contest opens Monday, March 5.

The competition is open to professional and amateur photographers. All photos submitted to the contest, beginning April 1, must be taken at Magnolia between Monday, March 5, and May 31.

Magnolia has organized the competition along with the Lowcountry Photographic Club. More than 300 professional and amateur photographers entered the contest last year.

Doug DeLong, the club’s president, said, “The first year of the contest was a tremendous success. We received terrific entries from some very talented photographers. Just as with any event, it is important to evolve and exploit the strengths of that event. So this year, we’ve reduced the categories and consolidated the divisions into one. We look forward to receiving more great entries from a wide ranging talent pool.”

Entries can be either color or black and white. Each photographer will only be allowed to enter two photographs. Prizes will be awarded to the first-, second- and third-place finishers and 10 percent of the images that receive high scores will get honorable mentions.

There is a $15 entry fee. A special numbered pass must be purchased at the Magnolia office located across the driveway from the ticket booth. With the pass, a photographer will have free entrance to Magnolia until May 31. Photographers must present their passes to enter the gardens. Entries must be emailed by midnight on June 6 to [email protected].

For more contest details, visit www.magnoliaplantation.com.