The purpose of this contest is to help BEST exhibitors increase their communication skills through the creative display of a message or feeling through photography.

A panel of qualified judges using the following guidelines will critique photographs.

60% - creativity, communication power and composition of photo
40% - technical quality of photo, such as proper light exposure, true color, sharp focus and correct cropping 

Winners will be selected in the four age divisions (Beginner, Junior, Intermediate and Senior). Prizes will be awarded at the BEST banquet. All photographs will be displayed at the OCA BEST banquet.

OCA BEST Photography Contest Guidelines

• Contestants must be a member of the OCA BEST program.
• All work must be that of the entrant.
• Photos are to be 8x10 inch color or black-and-white prints mounted on an 8 ½ x 11 inch black cardstock. Mount completed entry form on the back side, upper left-hand corner of the cardstock. Put entire entry in a plastic sleeve.
• Photos must be taken by the contestant during the current BEST season (May 2, 2009 - May 1, 2010). Photo cannot be altered or image-enhanced in any way. Contestants are encouraged to use 35-millimeter or digital cameras.
• Photos cannot have been presented for competition in a previous BEST photography contest.
• There will be four age divisions.
• There will be four subject categories: BEST shows and activities, Landscapes, People, and Around the Farm. Contestants may enter only one photo per category. The contestant should declare which subject category the photo is to be judged in, as the photograph is representative of the contestant’s interpretation of the category. Judges, however, reserve the right to move an entry to a more suitable category. Should the contestant already have a photograph in the more suitable subject category, judges are empowered to disqualify a photograph from competition. Further explanation of the subject categories is listed below.

BEST shows and activities – Photographs that highlight the OCA BEST program.  Cattle and/or BEST exhibitors should be the dominant focus of the picture.
Landscape – Photographs that focus on scenery around the farm or ranch. Cattle should be included in the photo. Seasonal photos are also included in this category.
People – Photographs that show a BEST exhibitor and/or family, friends, fellow BEST exhibitors, etc., either involved in activities on the farm or at an OCA event.
Around the Farm – Photographs that highlight activities and scenes around the farm.

Pictures of all segments of the cattle industry should be included in this contest; feedlot, commercial and cow/calf scenes are encouraged. 

• A maximum of four entries per contestant is allowed.
• Qualified photography judges will determine the winners in each division.
• Photos become the property of the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association and the Ohio Cattleman magazine for use in publications and promotion.
• Entries must be postmarked by the U.S. Postal Service by May 1, 2010.

Send your entry to:

Ohio Cattlemen’s Association
Attn: Photo Contest
10600 U.S. Highway 42
Marysville, Ohio 43040

Adult Division Guidelines

• All BEST Photography contest guidelines and subject categories are the same for the adult division.
• Only current OCA members are eligible for the adult division.
• Each photo entry in the adult division must be accompanied with a $10 entry fee (Make checks payable to Ohio Cattlemen’s Association).

2009-2010 OCA BEST Photography Contest Entry Form

Name: ________________________________________________________________

Address: ______________________________________________________________

City: ____________________________ State: _____________     Zip: _______

County: _________________________ E-mail: _____________________________

Phone: __________________________

Age Division (as of Jan. 1) circle one: 

Beginner Junior Intermediate Senior            Adult

Photo Category circle one:

     BEST Shows & Activities Landscapes People           Around the Farm

           Adult Division: Include $10 for each photo (Make Checks payable to OCA)

Location/Event where photo was taken: ______________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

Photo Title: ____________________________________________________________