The Mount Dora Historical Society and the W.T. Bland Public Library are co-sponsoring a photography contest with “My Mount Dora – What it Means to Me” as the theme. 

There are two age categories (18+ years and 17 & under) and the submission deadline is Tuesday, June 1, 2021. This is a chance for photographers of all ages to show, through their lens, what they see and love about Mount Dora. 

Photography contest guidelines: 

Submission deadline: Tuesday, June 1, 2021

Finalists will be notified after June 15. Entries will be on display in the Library Lobby Gallery through July 2021, winners’ ribbons included. Ribbons and prizes may be picked up at the Library’s Circulation Desk beginning Monday, August 2, 2021. 

Theme: My Mount Dora – What it Means to Me

Using unique vision and experiences, capture the essence of Mount Dora and what the city means in a personal way. 

Entries will be judged by the following criteria:

• Originality in composition and form. 
• Photograph reflects the theme. 
• Vibrancy and sharpness of images. 

Creatively photograph a place or scene of your choice in Mount Dora from a unique perspective. The judges are looking for photographers who capture the essence of Mount Dora in a unique way or a photograph that tells a story. Examples include streetscapes, lake views, buildings, houses, parks, cemeteries, landmarks, etc. 

The photographs will be published in the Mount Dora Archives. The winning photos will be hung in the Library’s Lobby Gallery for the month of July 2021. This contest is sponsored by the Mount Dora Library Association. 

Entries must be in JPG form with no identifying information on the photograph or in the file’s name. A separate cover sheet with identifying info must be included. The following information must be on a separate cover sheet: 

• Name and age
• Contact email and phone number (if under 17 phone number of guardian)
• One entry per person permitted

Entries must be submitted to library@cityofmountdora.com by Tuesday, June 1, 2021. 

Prizes: 

1st ($30), 2nd ($20), 3rd ($15) prizes and Honorable Mentions will be awarded in both age categories, with ribbons adorning the winning entries in the Library Lobby Gallery starting July 1, 2021. Winners will receive cash prizes starting Monday, August 2, 2021. The prints will remain the property of the Mount Dora Archives. The contest will be judged by representatives of the Mount Dora Historical Society, W.T. Bland Public Library, and volunteer artists. 

With their submission, artists automatically grant rights to reproduce to the Mount Dora Historical Society, the City of Mount Dora (Library), and the Mount Dora Archives. For any questions call 352.735.7180 option 5 or email library@cityofmountdora.com. 

The Mount Dora Library Association is sponsoring the cash prizes.