Enter the Hill City Center photo contest

Calling all photographers. Community coordinator Christy Derynck is looking for people to capture the essence of Hill City life through photography and enter their photos in a contest. The winning images will be displayed as wall art in the Hill City Center (HCC). 

“This is kind of the last part of finishing HCC,” said Derynck. 

There were various ideas about what type of artwork to display in the center, but an idea from Merle Glenn rose to the top. 

“Merle’s idea was, let’s have a photo contest and get people from the community interested, and competing and being a part of it to take pictures and submit their pictures of events and activities that go on in Hill City,” said Derynck. 

The idea was a hit, and the Essence of Hill City Life Photo Contest is the result. 

“It will just really say what a community center is supposed to be. A community center should be the center of the community. So with the artwork on the walls, we’re trying to show who Hill City is, and what the community is and what the community is all about,” said Derynck. “Everybody’s going to have a little bit different idea and a little bit different take on it.” 

Derynck said the name is important because “That’s really what we’re looking for is things that go on in Hill City that really show what the essence of Hill City is.”

They are not looking for portrait photos or nature photos, but rather broader images that capture the events, activities and people that represent Hill City as a community. As such, the photos must be taken within a 10-mile radius of Hill City. 

“We’re looking for specific photos of happenings and goings on in Hill City,” said Derynck. 

Some of her suggestions were pictures of the recent July 4 events in Hill City, the upcoming flower show, the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally or other things like that. 

The contest is free, and anyone 12 or older can enter the contest whether or not they live in Hill City. Derynck specifically encouraged art students from the Hill City School District to try out their photography skills and enter. 

Each person can submit up to five photos, and a separate entry form is required for each photo. If a photo features a specific person or group of people, a photo release form must be signed by the models. Release forms are not required for photos taken in public settings. 

Additional requirements regarding photo resolution, formats and digital enhancements can be found at hillcitycenter.com/spe

cial-events or by scanning the QR code on the fliers around town. All requirements must be met for a photo to be considered. 

“I encourage people to please read the contest rules, and then there’s also some specifics on submitting the photos too,” said Derynck. 

Photos must be submitted digitally, but Derynck said “The upload works very well, and it’s very easy.”

While the photographers will retain ownership of the photos they submit, they will be releasing unrestricted usage rights to the HCC and the City of Hill City for promotional uses. This applies to winning and non-winning photos. 

The photo contest is running from May 1 to Aug. 31. This deadline may be extended depending on the number of photos submitted. Notice of this will be posted on social media. 

Once all the photos are submitted, five judges will review them based on a list of criteria. The top 20 will then be chosen to be printed in color on canvases varying in size from 16 by 20 inches to 36 by 60 inches. The photographer’s name will be printed at the bottom of each canvas. These will then be displayed around the HCC. 

At this time, Derynck has discussed the idea of holding a grand reveal party in October. The winners will be notified of the event so they can attend. 

“The prize is basically getting to show off your artwork in the HCC,” said Derynck. “It’s a way people can show off their talents. It’s really marketing for them. You’re part of a community event. You’re doing something for the community, and you’re being a part of the center. And it’s kind of free advertising for would-be photographers.”

If someone does not have time to enter a photo or is not chosen this year, they will have another chance to enter in the coming years. 

“The idea is maybe to do this every year or every couple years so we can rotate pictures out,” said Derynck.

Entrants can call the HCC at 605-574-3211 with any questions.