The Ranchland Trust of Kansas (RTK) 12th annual photography contest opened this week. The contest is open to professional and amateur photographers of all ages. Photographs entered will showcase the natural beauty of ranching and grazing lands across the state. The competition offers the chance to explore and capture the many activities, seasons and faces of Kansas ranching.

Photos submitted to the contest should express the mission of RTK: “To preserve Kansas’s ranching heritage and open spaces for future generations through the conservation of working landscapes.” Participants may enter up to five photos. The contest will be open through the summer and close on Aug. 31. 

Photo contest entries will be judged by representatives of RTK, Kansas Livestock Association (KLA), and special guest judge, Jim Richardson. 

Kansas native Jim Richardson has traveled the world as a National Geographic photographer for over 35 years. He also speaks nationally and internationally. He and his wife, Kathy, live in Lindsborg where his work is featured in their store, Small World Gallery.

Photo contest judges will select one winner in each of the following categories: grand prize, landscape, livestock, people, wildflowers or other wildlife, sunrise/sunset, youth (ages 5-17), KLA member, fan favorite via Facebook voting and one honorable mention. 

L’image in Wichita will sponsor the photography contest this year with prizes for the winning photographers. All category winners will be awarded an 8 x 10 plaque mount of their winning photo. The grand prize winner will receive their choice of an 11 x 14 canvas or metal print of their winning photo. 

L’image is locally owned, specializing in their ready-to-hang plaque mount. They also offer image mounting, metal prints, laminating, canvas gallery wraps and traditional framing. They are in the business of making the artist or photographer look their best. 

For full contest rules and to enter, visit www.ranchlandtrustofkansas.org and find Photo Contest on the Events/News page.