Pic Me!

Capturing an awe-inspiring photograph takes an understanding of lighting, exposure, composition, or in some instances, just plain luck. For the seventh year in a row, the Appalachian State University Outdoor Programs, Turchin Center for the Visual Arts, and Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation invited shutterbugs of all skill levels to take their best shots of Southern Appalachia and submit them in the Appalachian Mountain Photography Competition. Out of more than 1,000 entrants from across the globe, the field has been narrowed, and approximately 50 of the top images are on display at the Turchin Center in Boone. Submissions span seven categories, including vistas on the Blue Ridge Parkway, adventure, and ecological footprint. “We saw a great balance of professional and amateur photographers who went out on a limb and got a great photo,” says Andrew Miller, competition organizer and ASU Outdoor Programs coordinator. The winners will be announced April 2, but in the meantime, you have until March 26 to cast your vote for the People’s Choice award. And you’ve got nearly a year to snap a winner for next year’s competition. Appalachian Mountain Photography Competition March 5-June 5, Reception, March 5, 7-9 p.m. Turchin Center for the Visual Arts Appalachian State University Boone; (828) 262-4954 www.appmtnphotocomp.org. 2011 submissions begin mid September