VERO BEACH — It’s time to submit your most captivating waterlily images for McKee Botanical Garden’s fourth annual Waterlily Photo Contest.
Amateur and experienced photographers alike are encouraged to participate; and new this year, a youth category has been added for aspiring photographers age 17 and under.
Adult and youth photo submissions will be accepted now through June 11 at the McKee administrative office. Photos must be of waterlilies photographed at McKee in 2012 or 2013 with film or digital cameras and must measure 8” x 10” in size.
Submissions are to be mounted on foamboard or other rigid board and matted. Size including matting material must be 11” x 14.” Each photo must be properly labeled and accompanied by a completed entry form in order to be valid.
Participants may submit one photo in each of three style categories: Color, Black and White, and Manipulated.
Photos will be displayed for judging at McKee’s ninth annual Waterlily Celebration on June 15 from 9 a.m. to Noon. A first place winner and a runner up will be chosen from both age groups in each of the three style categories.
In addition, visitors attending the event will be able to cast their vote for a “People’s Choice” award winner. First place winners will receive an annual family membership to McKee valued at $50. Runners up will receive two guest passes valued at $20.
“Each year of this contest has featured an even more impressive collection of waterlily photos than the last. We’re excited to welcome a younger generation of photographers to this year’s competition, and can’t wait to see all of the submissions,” stated McKee Executive Director Christine Hobart.
McKee Botanical Garden’s waterlily collection is one of the largest in Florida and includes over 100 varieties. The Waterlily Celebration will feature more than 300 plants, including several new hybrids, and the award-winning Bimini Twist and Wanvisa varieties.
Additionally, there will be waterlily potting and replanting demonstrations, an aquatic plant sale, plein air painting, and more.
The ninth annual Waterlily Celebration is sponsored by the “AT&T Real Yellow Pages.”
Summer admission rates apply.
For a complete list of photo contest rules and guidelines, please visit www.McKeeGarden.org.