We’ve been thinking a lot about great photography.

Maybe it’s the spring thaw that has awakened us from the cold, gray shades of winter with the promise of an explosion of color – every shot seems like a new discovery.

Or, it could be that two important photo events are getting underway.

Either way, it’s a great time in the Fox Cities to be thinking about photography, whether you simply want to admire it or you are shutterbug looking to get outdoors and capture the area’s intersting people, places and things.

Which is, or course, a nice segue to mention FOX CITIES Magazine’s Eighth Annual Photo Contest. We’ve seen great imagery for the past seven years, and are really looking forward to seeing our community through the eyes of local photographers again this year.

It’s never too early to keep your eye out for that scene that captures the Fox Cities. We will accept entries until June 16 this year. We’re keeping the categories simple:

People: Life in the Fox Cities & northeast Wisconsin

Places: Images of the regional landscape, from skylines to sunsets

Things: Distinctive features of the region seen in a unique way

You can get all the details and entry information on our contest page. We hope you love taking them as much as we love judging them. The winners will be published in the August issue of FOX CITIES Magazine.

Need a little inspiration? Check out the 2013 winners here.

On Display

Speaking of inspiration, The Trout Museum of Art opened an exhibit this week featuring the work of photographer David McLain, perhaps best known for his work for National Geographic magazine. He was commissioned by The Boldt Co. to explore the impact of buildings in delivering value to their owners, to the people who use the facility, and to their communities.

Boldt commissioned the work to help celebrate thecompany’s 125th anniversary. The exhibit opened Tuesday and runs through April 27. Admission is free.

(Images from the FCM collection and from David McLain Photography)