For Hub City Times

STRATFORD — With the ease of new technology embedded in cameras and phones, just about anyone can take exceptional photographs. When you are out on your farm, ranch, or backyard, keep your camera/phone handy. Snap away, and send in your best photos to enter them into the Stratford Farmers Market photo contest.

Winning photos will be published on the Stratford Farmers Market’s Facebook page in September. Other entries may also appear from time to time.

Photos entered will be judged against all other entries in each category based on merit alone. The team of judges will not know the identity of the photographer, and criteria will include composition, technical ability, creativity, and compelling content. Youth photographers are encouraged to enter the youth category and any other category in which they would like to compete.

Photos of unsafe activities — like extra riders on tractors — are not eligible to win. Entry is free, and there is a limit of five photos per person.

To enter mail a CD of your photos to Stratford Farmers Market, C1581 Rock Road, Stratford, WI 54484, or email them to bryan_weichelt@yahoo.com. The deadline to submit photos is Sept. 1. Full rules are available at facebook.com/StratfordFarmersMarket.

Categories for the Stratford Farmers Market Photo Contest

Animals & Nature – First place $50

Photos of goats, sheep, horses, cows, trees, plants, flowers, wild animals, birds, poultry, etc.

Rural Life & Landscape – First place $50

Ranch, farm, small-town or rural settings, activities, and scenes; farmers or ranchers at work, children with animals, horseback riding, etc. Be original.

People – First place $50

Portraits — whether planned or spontaneous — of people engaged in farming, gardening, or agriculture. This can include family, friends, children, famous people, politicians, old folks, new clothes, a family gathering, unusual characters, etc. This category can include photos of children and animals: children showing goats, a girl with her puppy, children and lambs, etc.

Youth Photographer – First place $50

Any farm or agriculture-related photo taken by a photographer under 18 years of age.

Healthy Lifestyles – First Place $50

Any pictures of children, adolescents, or adults engaged in healthy activities in agriculture like eating fresh produce, visiting a farmers market, picking apples, carving pumpkins, etc. Have fun with it.

Youth (under 18) Working on the Farm – First place $100

Any farm or agriculture-related photo taken of youth working, helping, visiting, or otherwise interacting safely on a farm.