FLORENCE-MSNHA is accepting entries for its annual photo contest — and there are new twists.
“We’ve had so many great entries in past years that we wanted to offer our local photographers something new,”
said MSNHA Interim Director Terrence Johnson. “We’ve made some changes in the contest — adding a theme,
emphasizing creativity and giving photographers a long window of opportunity — that we hope will get our
entrants excited about going in a different direction. We can’t wait to see the results!”
First, this year’s contest has a theme — “Intersections” – that emphasizes places of transition, said MSNHA
historic preservationist Clayton Davis.
“One constant in our busy lives is moving from space to space. Bridges, roads, streets, nature trails, sidewalks,
hallways— these are all places where we cross paths, exchange words, meet and depart. Different people at
different times have all moved through these temporary spaces that connect one point to another,” he said.
“This year’s photo contest explores these abstract areas,” Davis added. “Entries should examine an aspect of a
transitionary place — maybe imagine long-forgotten conversations or momentary pauses enroute to another
destination. Think creatively about the seemingly mundane places that surround us.”
Second, entrants will submit photos through a form at the MSNHA website – https://msnha.una.edu/. In addition
to contact information, the form asks for an explanation of how your entry interprets the theme.
Third, creativity accounts for 50% of judges’ scores.
“Creativity is weighted the most in order to inspire and challenge,” Johnson said. “Quality is 30% and relevance
is 20%. Entries should be in high-resolution with clarity and color adjusted accordingly and should reflect
MSNHA’s mission of protecting and promoting the Tennessee River, Native American culture and music in our
six-county region of Colbert, Franklin, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone and Morgan.”
And, finally, the contest runs for six months. Deadline to enter is 5 p.m., Friday, April 18, 2025, giving entrants
the chance to shoot in multiple seasons.
A partnership program of the National Park Service, National Heritage Areas recognize regions throughout the
country that help tell America’s story. The MSNHA is hosted by the University of North Alabama and focuses
on the themes of music, Native Americans and the Tennessee River. Email msnha@una.edu for details.
Media Release/Cathy Wood, media coordinator, msnha.una.edu
