Amann Sowell
Photography Contest
at the Berea Urban Farm
Celebrate the Beauty in the Everyday
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The Amann Sowell Photography Contest at the Berea Urban Farm, sponsored by his family, is dedicated to the memory of Amann Sowell and to the enjoyment and enrichment that photography brought to his life. Amann was rarely without his iPhone or Canon camera, capturing images almost daily, especially around Madison County and in Berea, where he spent most of his life. A serious and thoughtful student of photography, he was drawn to beautiful, imaginative, and evocative imagery—and he loved experimenting with different lenses, filters, and effects. Many of his photos feature local landscapes or familiar features of the area that he challenged himself to see anew. He looked at his own “back yard” with fresh eyes and deep curiosity. That same spirit is at the heart of this contest: to encourage others to slow down, observe closely, and find beauty in the everyday. During the month of June, visit the Berea Urban Farm—even if you’ve been there before—and take a closer, lingering look around. Opportunities for wonder, creativity, and great photos are all around you, just waiting to be discovered.
Contest Details
Who Can Enter:
Open to photographers of all ages and experience levels. Amateurs are especially encouraged to participate, and professionals are welcome.
Where & When:
All photos must be taken at Berea Urban Farm, located in Berea, KY, between June 1 and June 30, 2025.
What to Capture:
Landscapes, plants, insects, water, structures (natural or man-made), and people interacting with the farm.
Entry Limit & Cost:
Up to 3 photos per person.
Free to enter.
Start Looking Closer
Whether you’re behind a DSLR, a phone camera, or something in between—this is your chance to slow down, look closely, and rediscover a place that may already feel familiar.
Creativity begins with attention. We can’t wait to see what you notice.
How to Enter
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Visit the farm; sign in and take photos. All photo entries must be taken at Berea Urban Farm, located at 201 Adams Street, Berea KY, 40403. Please read IMPORTANT GUIDELINES FOR VISITING THE FARM.
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Confirm your photos meet the specs listed below and choose your favorite 3.
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Scroll down to register with the form below or click ENTER CONTEST.
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To submit your entry you will need to provide your name and contact information and a title and short caption and for each photo, and then upload your photo(s).
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Submission Deadline: July 11, 2025
Photo Requirements
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Limited to three (3) image entries per photographer. Original work only (no plagiarism, stock photos, AI-generated or AI-enhanced images).
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High-resolution digital images only. Maximum resolution 300 ppi; minimum resolution 100 ppi.
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Image dimensions: Maximum, to not exceed: 6000 pixels on the longest side. Minimum: 1000 pixels on the longest side.
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Format: JPG or PNG, RGB mode.
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File Size: 15 MB file size limit per image.
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Light editing & post-processing is allowed (cropping, color adjustment, etc.), but no content alterations such as removing or adding elements or AI generations.
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No watermarks, logos, text overlays, borders or frames, or identifying marks.
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Each photo must include:
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Title or Subject name
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A brief caption or description, including date taken (max 50 words).
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(Optional) Equipment used or a short note about the photo’s background.
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(Optional) EXIF data or Metadata is encouraged but not required.
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Important Guidelines for Visiting the Farm
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Sign in upon arrival. - There is a sign up sheet on the Farm's Sales Table on Adams Street.
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Do not enter the high tunnels, greenhouse, or packing shed.
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Stay on paths and avoid stepping on planting beds.
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No access after dark or before sunrise.
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Bee safety: Hives are located on the farm. Stay at least 10 feet away. If you are allergic to bee stings, bring your EpiPen or medication.
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Please read our full visitors guidelines for more information regarding these listed guidelines and for more information about our Service Animal Policy.
Judging & Prizes
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Voting:
Photos will be displayed online after the submission period.
Public voting will be open from July 12–31, 2025, with one vote allowed per person, per photo.
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Judging:
Winners will be selected based on a combination of public votes and review by a panel of judges.
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Judging criteria include:
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Creativity
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Originality
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Relevance to the spirit of Berea Urban Farm
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Prizes:
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1st Place: $500
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2nd Place: $300
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3rd Place: $100
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Honorable Mentions (3): Recognition and online feature
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Winning photos will be exhibited at the Sustainable Berea 2026 Winter Gathering and may be shown at other community events. Winners will be notified by email, and the winning photos will be posted on the website and Facebook.
Timeline Overview
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Period to take photos: June 1–30, 2025
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Submission Deadline: July 11, 2025
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Voting & Judging: July 12–31, 2025
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Winners Announced: By August 11, 2025
Use of Photos
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​By entering the contest, participants grant Sustainable Berea permission to use submitted photos for educational, promotional, and exhibition purposes.
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