Although creativity and composition are considered when photographs are judged in the Octoraro Watershed Association (OWA) Photography Contest, the most important characteristic of a winning photo is that it depicts an image of life in the watershed area. "We don't have strict guidelines because we don't want to restrict anyone's creativity, (but we ask), 'Does this photo represent the Octoraro Watershed in all its diversity and beauty?'" said Chotty Sprenkle, contest coordinator.

Amateur photographers are encouraged to participate in this year's contest. It is not necessary to live in the Octoraro Watershed to participate.

Entries will be judged in three age categories: Adult, age 18 and above; Youth, ages 13 to 17; and Youth 2, age 12 and under. Monetary prizes and ribbons will be awarded to first-, second- and third-place winners in all categories. There will also be a Best of Show winner and a People's Choice award.

All photographs must be taken within the Octoraro Watershed, which includes Cecil County, Md., as well as the following townships in Pennsylvania: Eden, Bart, Sadsbury (in both Lancaster and Chester counties), Colerain, West Sadsbury, Highland, West Fallowfield, Upper Oxford, Lower Oxford, East Nottingham, Little Britain, Fulton, East Drumore and West Nottingham. All photographs must be identified with their location within the watershed, whether it be the county, township or borough.

Photographs may be color or black and white. Photos will be entered and judged in four categories: Wildlife, which includes plants, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds, invertebrates and fungi (no domestic animals); Landscapes, which includes sites, scenery and historic buildings; Agriculture, which is farm-related activities and/or farm landscapes; and Trailcam, photographs captured on remote cameras.

Sprenkle noted that Wildlife is the category that receives the most entries. "We get a lot of birds and birds at feeders," she said. "A lot of people are really into taking the time to sit and wait for the right picture at the right time and the right critter."

In the Landscape category, people will photograph views that are unique to the area. "A lot of times it will be a mill or a springhouse or covered bridges," Sprenkle said. "Most of the photographs in that category are sunsets and sunrises, storms and rainbows without structures in them, unless it's a farm complex, which is in the silhouette."

She pointed out that the Agriculture category was introduced two years ago. "We are just starting to get entries. We anticipate there will be more this year," Sprenkle said, noting that the Trailcam entries have also increased. "Trailcam has been increasing every year because more people are putting up trailcams. It's a lot of fun to see what you've got on your trailcam."

"As part of the contest rules, photos cannot be altered or created with computer programs," she noted. "However, programs that allow photographers to enhance a photo for color, clarity, exposure, etc., are acceptable."

All photographs, which must measure 8 by 11 inches or larger, must be mounted on foam or hard cardboard. Entries will be accepted at the OWA office, located inside the West Fallowfield Township Building, 3095 Limestone Road, Suite 7, Cochranville. Photos may be dropped off on Tuesday and Wednesday, March 4 and 5, between 6 and 8 p.m. each evening. Those who are unable to make those dates should contact Sprenkle for alternate arrangements. All photos must be received by March 5.

All entries will be displayed and the winners will be recognized at the OWA's annual membership meeting on Thursday, March 27, at 6 p.m. at Britain Hill Venue & Vineyard, 790 Little Britain Road North, Quarryville. Winning photographs will also be featured in the OWA newsletter and on the website.

In addition, the photographs will be part of a traveling display at area libraries, historical societies, local businesses and at schools within the watershed area.

For more information about the contest, contact Sprenkle at csprenkle9@gmail.com or 610-593-2808 or text 484-888-5416. More information about the OWA is available at http://www.theowa.net.

"We had a really great number of entries this year and looking forward to even more robust entries this year, particularly (from) the youths," said Sprenkle. "We have been working on getting the youths involved through Octorara Area Junior-Senior High School. It's exciting for me because I can't wait for the entries to come in."