Greener Roadsides

The 1999 Photo Opportunity Winners Are:

The seventh annual Photo Opportunity competition ended December 1, 1999. The 78 entries from 8 States were judged in December. Jurors included: Dee Gallo (Printing & Publications), Lori Irving (Public Affairs) Janis Gramatins and Marsha Bayer (Highway Right of Way) with Elizabeth Fischer as Jury Chair.

The rewards for first place winners include: 1. a full page article with winning photo in the spring full-color issue of Greener Roadsides, 2. a congratulatory letter from Administrator Wykle to the Director of the winning State's organization, and 3. A framed sheet of collectable wildflower stamps to be presented by each FHWA Division Office to the winning State Highway Agency later this spring.

If you would like to be one of next year's winners, please read the categories and tips that follow. The late deadline of November 3, 2000, allows for spring, summer, or fall picture-taking or planning in advance. Some of you, I know, carry cameras with you at all times. Another way is to schedule your DOT official photographer, whom might become another supporter of your program.

Entry Format

• Submit photos (minimum 4x6, preferably 8x10)
• Send no more than 3 photos per category, or a total of 18 per State.
• Each State may enter any one or all of the six categories.
• Districts, organizations or individuals may enter through their State Highway Agency.
• Provide a brief description on the back of the photo (date, location, goal, and/or names of key plants).
• Submissions are due November 3, 2000 and will be judged in December by an interdisciplinary and seasoned jury, not including the Editor. The Editor may break ties, disqualify entries*, and make the Editor's Choice. There is no logic behind that award. It is given to promote a program that does good work, or a photo illustrating a good idea, or a photo that was just too good to go unnoticed!
• Winners will be announced early in 2001. First Place winners will be notified personally.
• Mail to Bonnie L. Harper-Lore, Editor-Greener Roadsides
  FHWA/USDOT
  175 East Fifth Street, Room 500
  St. Paul, MN 55101-2901
  Contact the Editor with questions, or phone 651-291-6104.

Photography Tips

• Plan ahead and take your best shots from various angles.
• Pay attention to the light source and shadows.
• Know the difference between native and nonnative when choosing categories.
• Type your cover letter and back-of-photo information to assure legibility.
• Read category descriptions before chosing where your photo fits.
• Except for close-ups, a road reference is desirable.
• Plants known to be invasive species will not be accepted.