by T.J. Burkett, Executive Editor, Hoof Beats

Columbus, OH — Get out your cameras and search through those horse photos. Due to popular demand, the Hoof Beats Photo Contest has returned for 2011.

We will offer three divisions — PROFESSIONAL (for those who have been paid more than $500 lifetime for their photography), AMATEUR (those who have not been paid more than $500 lifetime for their photographic work) and PHOTO ILLUSTRATION (open to amateurs and professionals). Illustrations include photos that have been digitally altered in an artistic way.

Winning photographers will receive an award certificate from Hoof Beats and their photos will be published in the November 2011 issue. All photographs must relate to some aspect of the Standardbred horse and/or the sport of harness racing. Photos may have been taken at any time, but must have been taken by the contestant. Photos that have previously been published, that are pending publication, or have won any photo contest are ineligible. (Photos that have been submitted to Hoof Beats Photo Finish, but have not been published, are eligible for entry if resubmitted.)

Entries must be accompanied by an entry form or comparable document that includes: full name, address, phone number, e-mail address (if applicable) and identification of the photograph and its subjects (i.e. horse’s name, location). Submissions with insufficient information will not be considered.

The contest is open to original digital files, black and white prints and color prints; no color photocopies. There is no entry fee.

To qualify, entries must be received no later than Sept. 1, 2011. Address your submission(s) to: Hoof Beats Photo Contest, 750 Michigan Ave., Columbus OH 43215, or e-mail hoofbeats@ustrotting.com with PHOTO CONTEST in the subject line.

Information: 877.800.8782, ext. 2.