ALPENA — Returning this year, The Sunset Project presents its second annual FOCUS45 Amateur Photography Contest, as part of its FOCUS45 creative advancement programming efforts.

The 2023 contest will provide Northeast Michigan-area photographers with another opportunity to showcase their work to win thousands of dollars worth of gear and other prizes.

This year’s theme is “A Northeast Michigan Narrative: One Picture is Worth a Thousand Words,” taking inspiration from the deep beauty, history, and stories that make up Northeast Michigan. Contestants are encouraged to replicate strong storytelling through their photo submissions in the form of subject matter, setting, or other forms of photo composition.

The submission period is Oct. 1 to Nov. 1. The general public voting period will be from Nov. 3 to 5. The finalists will be announced on Nov. 8, and an awards gala will be held on Nov. 18.

Over $2,500 worth of gear and prizes will be awarded, including a Canon EOS RP Mirrorless Camera Kit, a GoPro Hero 11 Black Camera Kit, B&H Photography Shop gift cards, and more.

Submission guidelines include:

¯ Contestants must be 14 or older.

¯ Submissions on behalf of another contestant will not be accepted.

¯ Contestants must reside in one or more of the following counties: Alpena, Alcona, Presque Isle, Iosco, Oscoda, Montmorency, Ogemaw.

¯ All contestant submissions must be completed between 12 a.m. EST on Oct. 1, and 11:59 p.m. EST on Oct. 31 in order to be considered for a prize position. Late submissions will not be accepted or considered.

¯ All contestants must be considered amateur photographers. Individuals regularly compensated for their photography work and/or skills will not be accepted or considered.

¯ Photography equipment is permitted, including but not limited to DSLR and mirrorless digital cameras, film cameras, phone cameras, underwater cameras, and video camera stills.

¯ Drone and aerial photography will not be accepted or considered.

¯ Resolution quality and utilized equipment will not be a score factor during the judge’s panel decision.

To enter the contest, and for full submission details, visit thesunsetproject.org/photocontest.