2019 North Dakota Governor’s Photo Contest kicks off

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Gov. Doug Burgum and the North Dakota Tourism Division, in partnership with AAA of North Dakota and North Dakota Council on the Arts, are kicking off the 2019 Governor’s Photo Contest. All North Dakota photographers are encouraged to submit photos that capture the unique things to see and do in the state. This year celebrates a 10-year partnership with AAA and a special prize will be awarded. Deadline for entry is August 31, 2019.

Photographers can submit photos to one or more of the following categories: Road Trips, Adventure and Recreation, Scenery, Communities and Events, Fun with Family and Friends and Wildlife. One winner will be selected in each contest category and a $200 cash prize will be awarded to the photographer of each selected photo. Additional honorable mentions may be selected, with photographers receiving $50 and North Dakota “Be Legendary” merchandise. A Best of Show photo will be selected from the category winners with an additional $300 cash prize and a free, one-year basic membership to AAA. To celebrate 10 years with AAA, an additional prize will be given for the “Decade’s Best in Show” to be selected from this year’s Best of Show winner against the winners from the last nine years. An additional $300 and a London Fog Heathrow 21-inch expandable spinner carry-on will be awarded.

In addition to the prize money:

  • Winning photographs will be published in North Dakota Tourism’s promotional materials and on the website.
  • Winning photographs will be eligible for display in AAA North Dakota branch offices and may be printed in AAA regional publications.
  • Winners also will be published in North Dakota Tourism’s newsletter and likely in future promotional publications and marketing efforts.
  • Winning photographs will be featured in a public display at the North Dakota Capitol building during the fourth quarter, through a partnership with North Dakota Council on the Arts.

“We look forward to seeing these talented photographers showcase our state’s vibrant communities, outdoor adventure and scenic beauty,” Gov. Doug Burgum said. “This contest gives photographers an opportunity to have their images published and provides the Tourism Division more sources of photography to highlight all the fun things to see and do in North Dakota.”

“Travel is about creating memories,” said Scott Jefferson, field vice president, AAA-The Auto Club Group. “AAA is proud of providing the products and services that help bring memories to life, much like the talented photographers who capture and share images of their experiences across this great state.”

Launched in 2004, the annual Governor’s Photo Contest has grown significantly since its beginnings. In its first year, the contest attracted more than 300 submissions. Approximately 10,900 photos have been submitted in the years since.

“The diversity found in North Dakota is captured each year in these unique and compelling photos,” North Dakota Tourism Division Director Sara Otte Coleman said. “It is always fun to see the artistic talent that exists across the state and we love to share these fresh images to recruit new and returning visitors to North Dakota.”