Join the Kirkland Patch Photo Contest For the Chance To Win a $50 Gift Card

SEEMS TO US that photography and the Internet go hand-in-hand these days, with the increasing speed of the Web and the flash-pace of digital optical technology. The most tangible manifestation, of course, is the huge international popularity of photo-sharing sites such as Flickr and Photobucket.

Digital cameras today make it easier than ever to snap great shots, and connected to the Net you can almost instantly share them with, say, Uncle Clive and Auntie Emma in Manchester across the big pond.

Well, with interactivity being the very nature of this medium we call Patch, we want in on the action! And what better way to portray this little lakeside burg called Kirkland?

Therefore, we hereby, herein and without further ado announce the Kirkland Patch monthly photo-sharing contest. To get the shutters clicking and initiate the effort, we have posted several of our own shots that we like -- although none is necessarily a prize-winner.

Today we also introduce a new feature on Patch, VIEWFINDER, a weekly photo gallery that will run on Thursdays, portraying various topics of or relevant to Kirkland. This week we're using VIEWFINDER to kick off our contest.

The rules are simple. Upload your favorite photos taken in the greater Kirkland area, and every month we will select a winner who will receive a $50 gift card to the Kirkland restaurant of their choice.

Professional photographers are welcome to contribute, but we prefer to reward regular amateur hobbyists. Images will be judged by the editor and Kirkland Patch contributors, based on artistic merit, originality, cuteness, "wow" factor and other purely subjective criteria.

Upload one or several, but remember, medium resolution images load faster and more successfully. You’ll first need to sign in to Patch, a quick and simple process. See “Sign Up” at the top right of the home page. 

Please e-mail the editor (greg.johnston@patch.com) after you have uploaded your pics and provide the following information:

• Name and where you live.
• When and where the photo was taken.
• Phone number.

You may also offer information on names of subjects in the photo, ISO and other camera settings, such as shutter speed, aperture, etc.

We’re looking forward to seeing your images, so go for it, start clicking!