Courtesy Photo The first prize in The Sunset Project’s FOCUS45 Photography Contest is a Canon EOS RP Mirrorless Camera Package worth over $1,300.

ALPENA — Photographers ages 14 and up are invited to participate in a contest this month.

Submissions opened Oct. 1 and the contest continues until 11:59 p.m. on Oct. 31.

Sponsored by The Sunset Project, the 2022 photo contest gives photographers an opportunity to submit a photo that they believe best represents this year’s theme.

After the photos are submitted, they will be uploaded to a webpage where the general public will be able to vote on their favorite photos for 72 hours.​

Once public voting has concluded, the contestants with the most online votes will be selected to attend a private gala on Nov. 19 at Art in the Loft where their works will be framed and put on display.

“A panel of photography professionals and community members will assign place rankings to the photos they feel had the best composition, look, and understanding of the theme,” a description explains on The Sunset Project website, thesunsetproject.org. “Once the panel has selected place rankings for submissions, The Sunset Project will be awarding over $3,000 worth of prizes.”

First place is a Canon EOS RP Mirrorless Camera Package valued at over $1,300.

Second place is a $1,000 B&H Photo gift card.

Third place is a GoPro Hero 11 Black Adventure Kit, valued at over $600.

“This year’s theme, Northern Michigan Outdoors, aims to highlight the ability we have to enjoy a wide range of seasons, weather, and geography in the greater Northeast Michigan region,” the website states. “The Sunset Project would like to encourage all contestants to be creative with their interpretation of the theme. Whether it’s how you enjoy the outdoors yourself or with others, how the outdoors makes you feel on an emotional level, or anything in between, we hope to see how the people of the Northeast Michigan region enjoy the beautiful area we all call home.”

Contestants must reside in Alpena, Alcona, Presque Isle, Iosco, Oscoda, Montmorency, or Ogemaw counties. All contest applicants must be considered amateur photographers to be considered for a prize position. Any individuals who are regularly compensated for their photography work will not be considered for a prize position. There is a limit of one submission per person.

For more information and contest rules, visit thesunsetproject.org/focusfortyfive.

“At The Sunset Project, we feel strongly that the future of the creative world is located right here in Northeast Michigan. Through this competition — and others like it — we hope to expand the creative output of the region in a way that benefits the community, and young people alike,” TSP website states. “At The Sunset Project, our mission is to establish, grow and maintain a community of individuals who are driven towards fostering creative advancement, as well as ending the stigma surrounding mental health in Northeast Michigan. We seek to partner with area businesses, local organizations, and volunteers who are interested in achieving these same goals — with the hope being we can build a network of professionals and resources focused on the future of the region.”

The Sunset Project team includes Executive Director Gavin MacDonald, Programs Co-Directors Maddy Boyd and Amy Swinson, Research Director Kevin O’Brien, and Creative Director Nick Poli.

If you have questions, email info@thesunsetproject.org.