Picture perfect

Cantigny holding photo contest

Amateur photographers of all ages are invited to share their best images by entering the Cantigny in Focus annual photo contest. The entry deadline is Dec. 11.

Submitted images must be from the grounds of Cantigny in Wheaton, the 500-acre former estate of Robert R. McCormick and part of the McCormick Foundation. Judges will select the best photograph from each of 10 categories or themes including events, gardens, concerts, statues, children's activities and wildlife.

An additional 10 winners will be chosen from all images submitted, for a total of 20 finalists.

"This is the third year for Cantigny in Focus and the contest keeps growing," said Laura Evans, director of visitor services. "Photographers really enjoy the diversity of the estate. Gardens and nature are probably the main attractions, but special events and family gatherings are very popular subjects, too."

The top 20 contest entries will be displayed starting Feb. 5 in the Cantigny Visitors Center Gallery. The general public will then vote for their favorite images. Based on those results, first-, second- and third-place winners will be named, with each receiving a prize.

The 20 entries selected for display will be enlarged, professionally framed at Cantigny's expense and returned to the photographers at the end of 2010. Top 20 finishers also will receive a free annual parking pass.

Full details about Cantigny in Focus, including rules and official entry form, are available at www.cantigny.org. For questions, call Brian Gray at 630-260-8167 or e-mail him at bgray@cantigny.org.