Beginning June 27, photographers can compete for top honors in an online photo competition conducted by Texas Forest Trail Region to advocate for and promote the region's 35-county service area as an integral part of the Texas experience. Judges comprised of Forest Trail staff, board members, partner members, sponsors and volunteers will select approximately 20 finalists and award over $4,000 in cash and prizes.

"One of our ongoing organizational goals is to develop a rich and engaging media library that showcases the beauty, history and diversity of our region," said Marty Prince Texas Forest Trail Region executive director. "Seeing how others capture the East Texas experience is really exciting. Our partners, friends and fans look forward to the competition all year long."

The submitted photos will be used in publications and social media to market the region and credit is given to the photographers.

After the four-week entry period ends on July 27, the public votes on a Fan Favorite in a seven-day competition. The photographer of the Fan Favorite winner also receives a cash prize. Being awarded Fan Favorite winner does not preclude an entrant from winning a judges' award. Winning entries will be announced after August 4, on the organization's website and Facebook page at .

In addition to the Texas Forest Trail Region winners, the Beaumont Convention & Visitors Bureau, the City of Huntsville Tourism Department, Mount Pleasant- Titus County Chamber of Commerce, the Mount Vernon Main Street Alliance, Friends of Nacogdoches Main Street, Nacogdoches Convention & Visitors Bureau, the City of Palestine, Shelby County Chamber of Commerce, and the Tyler Convention & Visitors Bureau are each sponsoring cash prizes for winning photographs in their designated categories.

"Nothing quite tells the story of a place like a striking photograph," says Kimm Thomas, Texas Forest Trail Region board president and Director of Tourism & Cultural Services for the City of Huntsville. "We strive to tell the stories that celebrate East Texas heritage and culture and this collection will be a visual representation of that."

OVERVIEW OF THE RULES.

The complete photography contest rules, guidelines for subject matter, submission requirements, prize information, and legal considerations can be found at

Images are judged on originality, technical excellence, composition, overall impact, artistic merit, and support for the mission of Texas Forest Trail Region which is to advocate for and promote the region's 35- county service area as an integral part of the Texas experience. The East Texas counties are Anderson, Angelina, Bowie, Camp, Cass, Cherokee, Franklin, Gregg, Hardin, Harrison, Henderson, Houston, Jasper, Jefferson, Marion, Montgomery, Morris, Nacogdoches, Newton, Orange, Panola, Polk, Red River, Rusk, Sabine, San Augustine, San Jacinto, Shelby, Smith, Titus, Trinity, Tyler, Upshur, Walker, and Wood.

The contest is open to all U.S. residents 18 years of age and older, and who are not affiliated with the Texas Forest Trail Region.

Photographers are limited to 3 entries that have been taken in a county served by the Texas Forest Trail. Photos may only be submitted online. Submission link will be posted, on the Forest Trail website , from June 27 at 11:59 pm through 11:59 pm on July 27.

The Texas Forest Trail Region is a regional tourism initiative developed by the Texas Historical Commission that helps Texans connect with their roots and for visitors to experience the Texas story in 35 counties of East Texas. For more information, contact Texas Forest Trail Region Executive Director Marty Prince at 936/560- 3699 and , or visit .