Whenever I see photos like the one above, of morning fog rising off a river, it reminds me of my days as a guide on the New River many years ago. If you have a photo along the Obed Wild and Scenic River in Tennessee that can trigger such memories, you might want to enter it in the park's 11th annual photo contest.

Photography is something I toy with, but have never come close to mastering, so I surely won't be entering. But now's your chance to show off your photographic skills when it comes to capturing the spectacular views, historic sites, recreational opportunities, and diversity of life at the Obed.

Entries may may show wildlife, plant life, natural landscapes, historic areas, weather, or people interacting with nature at the park. All photographs should accurately reflect the subject matter and the scene as it appeared, so no overly creative Photoshopping, folks.

The park has set the deadline for submitting entries for the photo contest at 4:30 p.m. ET on July 31, 2022.

Photographs may be submitted into one of five categories:

* Recreation: photographs of people participating in legal recreational activities.

* Dark Skies: expansive and dramatic views of the night sky within the boundaries of the park.

* Flora & Fauna: animals in their natural habitat, including close-ups of invertebrates, or plants in their natural habitat, including close-ups of flowers, fungi, lichen, and algae.

* Landscapes: expansive and dramatic views of the land and its features within the Obed park boundaries.

* Youth: entries in any category by photographers under 18 years of age.

Entries will be judged on technical excellence, originality, creativity, visual impact, and artistic merit. Judges’ decisions are final. Selected images will be printed for an exhibition at Obed Visitor Center that will open on Friday, August 26, 2022.

“The impressive photos entered into this annual event are used to showcase the beauty of the park for online viewers all over the world,” said Superintendent Niki Stephanie Nicholas. Images are frequently displayed on the official park website, social media pages, park-produced publications, and more.

You can find more details and how to enter your photos at this page.