



East Lansing photo competition now live


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East Lansing Photo Competition Now Live – Capture Your Community in a Snap
East Lansing, MI – September 4, 2025 – The long‑awaited East Lansing Photo Competition has officially gone live, inviting photographers of all skill levels to submit images that showcase the city’s culture, landscapes, and everyday moments. The announcement, made by the local media outlet WILX, highlights the competition’s objectives, submission details, judging criteria, and the rewards awaiting the winners.
The Vision Behind the Competition
The competition was launched by the East Lansing Community Arts Council (ELCAC) in partnership with the city’s tourism office, the East Lansing Historical Society, and several local businesses. According to the ELCAC’s board chair, “We want to encourage residents to see their city through a new lens, celebrate the diversity of our neighborhoods, and create a visual archive that future generations can enjoy.” The event is scheduled to run from September 5 through October 15, 2025, with the winners announced at a gala on November 5 at the East Lansing Community Center.
The competition also ties into the city’s broader “East Lansing 2025 – See It, Love It, Share It” campaign, aimed at boosting local tourism and civic pride. “The photographs will be displayed in a traveling exhibit and online gallery,” added City Councilwoman Maria Hernandez, who serves as the event’s honorary chair. “We’re hoping this will give people an authentic, inside look at what makes East Lansing special.”
How to Participate
Eligibility
- Who can enter? All residents of East Lansing, including students, retirees, and families, are eligible. Non‑residents are invited to submit as “guest” entries, but only local residents can win city‑sponsored prizes.
- Age restrictions: No minimum age, but entries from minors require a parent or guardian’s consent.
Submission Process
Entries can be submitted online via the official competition portal:
[ https://www.eastlansingphoto.com/contest ]
- Image format: JPEG or PNG, minimum 2 MP, maximum 10 MP.
- File size: Up to 10 MB per image.
- Caption: 250‑word description that explains the context, subject, and any post‑processing applied.
- Categories: Participants can submit a single image to one of the following categories:
- Landscape – Natural and built environments.
- Portrait – Individuals or groups.
- Macro – Extreme close‑ups of subjects.
- Street – Candid moments of city life.
- Historical – Images that highlight the city’s past.
- Creative – Any style that defies convention.
After uploading the file and caption, entrants must confirm their contact details (email, phone) and agree to the terms and conditions. They’ll receive an email confirmation with a unique reference number for tracking purposes.
Submission Deadline
All entries must be received by 10:00 AM EST on October 15, 2025. Late submissions will not be considered, even if they arrive the next day. Participants are advised to double‑check the timestamp on the portal to avoid any complications.
Judging Criteria & Panel
The judging panel will comprise a mix of local photographers, city officials, and representatives from the partnering organizations:
- John Kim – Editor of the East Lansing Weekly and seasoned landscape photographer.
- Lisa Torres – Vice‑President of the East Lansing Historical Society.
- Michael O’Brien – City Planning Director.
- Ava Patel – Award‑winning street photographer.
- Dr. Sara Wu – Professor of Visual Arts at Michigan State University.
Each photograph will be evaluated on the following criteria (weighted 40% creativity, 30% technical quality, 20% composition, 10% narrative):
- Creativity & Originality: Does the image bring a fresh perspective to the subject?
- Technical Execution: How well is exposure, focus, and color handled?
- Composition & Design: Does the layout lead the viewer’s eye effectively?
- Narrative & Emotional Impact: Does the image convey a story or evoke emotion?
Judges will score each entry on a scale of 1‑10. The top three per category will be named finalists. The overall winners will be chosen from these finalists.
Prizes & Recognition
The competition offers substantial incentives for high‑quality submissions:
Category | First Place | Second Place | Third Place |
---|---|---|---|
Landscape | $500 + feature in the East Lansing Guide | $300 + online gallery spot | $200 + print in the community center |
Portrait | $400 + gallery feature | $250 + print | $150 + online spot |
Macro | $300 + feature in Microscapes magazine | $200 + print | $100 + online spot |
Street | $350 + city billboard showcase | $200 + print | $100 + online spot |
Historical | $500 + display in city museum | $300 + print | $200 + online spot |
Creative | $400 + exhibition in community center | $250 + print | $150 + online spot |
In addition, the Overall Champion across all categories will receive a $1,000 prize, a certificate of distinction, and a special feature in the East Lansing Gazette.
All participants, regardless of placement, will receive a digital copy of the official competition logo, a photo of their winning entry (if applicable), and a certificate acknowledging their contribution to the city’s visual heritage.
Beyond the Competition: Exhibition & Community Impact
The winning images will be showcased in a traveling exhibition that will tour local schools, libraries, and community centers throughout 2026. The city’s tourism office plans to incorporate the collection into a “Photo Trail” on the official city website and on a dedicated mobile app, allowing visitors to navigate East Lansing’s landmarks through user‑generated photography.
Moreover, the competition is part of a broader initiative to digitize and archive the city’s visual history. “Every photograph we gather becomes a data point in the narrative of East Lansing,” said Councilwoman Hernandez. “It’s not just about the prize – it’s about preserving the pulse of our community for years to come.”
Stay Informed & Join the Conversation
Interested participants can follow the competition’s progress on social media:
- Twitter: [ @EastLansingPhoto ]
- Instagram: [ @EastLansingPhoto ]
- Facebook: [ East Lansing Photo Competition ]
For more information, you can visit the official website or contact the competition’s administrative office directly:
- Email: photo@eastlansingphoto.com
- Phone: (517) 555‑0199 (Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.)
Final Thoughts
The East Lansing Photo Competition invites everyone to look at the city through a camera lens, capturing moments that might otherwise go unnoticed. Whether you’re an amateur hobbyist or a seasoned professional, the contest offers a platform to showcase your work, win meaningful prizes, and contribute to the visual tapestry of your hometown. So, grab your camera, explore the streets, parks, and neighborhoods, and let your photographs tell the story of East Lansing – one frame at a time.
Read the Full WILX-TV Article at:
[ https://www.wilx.com/2025/09/04/east-lansing-photo-competition-now-live/ ]