Contest invites photos of marine scenes

Beginning last Saturday, Laguna Bluebelt Coalition officials are accepting images from amateur and professional photographers in the nonprofit’s fifth annual photo contest.

The contest, meant to showcase Laguna’s marine protected areas such as tidepools, will run through Feb. 6, and includes separate categories for amateurs and professionals. Photographers must take pictures during this time and may include images of beaches, the ocean — above and below water level — birds and marine life. Photographers may upload photos online at contest.lagunabluebelt.org.

Local photographers Mark Chamberlain, Patsee Ober, Mitch Ridder and Beverly Factor will judge entries on their aesthetic value, unique representation of marine protected areas and technical skill, according to the coalition’s website. Judges will select the top three photographers in each category.

The coalition educates the public on marine resources and how to protect and care for these areas.

Contest organizers will notify the honorees by Feb. 27 and invite them to exhibit their work at Gallery Q at the Laguna Beach Community & Susi Q Center from May 23 through July 1. Laguna Bluebelt and Gallery Q will recognize the top photographers at an artists reception June 10.

The coalition will also offer prizes such as helicopter rides, dining at local restaurants and stand-up paddle lessons.

The remaining photographs will be entered into a public vote on Laguna Bluebelt’s Facebook page. Coalition staff will invite the top three vote-getters to feature their work at Gallery Q.

For more information on the contest and the coalition, visit lagunabluebelt.org.