By Alison James

For the FCT

“We were needing to update the photos on our homepage on the website,” said Emily Mays, marketing director at Community Spirit Bank.

That simple need was the catalyst for a community involvement project: Community Spirit Bank’s 2015 Photo Contest. “I thought if I could get the community to submit stuff … we could give them a prize,” said Mays.

The contest is open to anyone from the area. Submissions opened July 1, and Mays said she has had a lot of inquiries. The main rule is that all photos should depict people and places in Franklin County or Tishomingo County, Miss.

“We want something to represent where we live and stuff we’re blessed to have in this area,” Mays said.

She was inspired to turn the photo need into a contest by seeing great local photos on social media. “Everybody is a photographer now,” Mays pointed out.

The contest is open to amateurs and professionals alike. A fancy professional camera isn’t necessary, Mays said – even a smartphone will capture an acceptable-quality image. People may submit up to five photos apiece, by email or by mailing a CD of the selected photos.

The contest is open through Aug. 31. Each photo selected by the panel of judges wins the photographer a $50 prize. Mays said they will probably choose 5-10 photos.

Entries may be emailed to emays@communityspiritbank.com or mailed to Community Spirit Bank, ATTN: Photo Contest, 200 4th Ave. SW, Red Bay, AL 35582. For a full list of contest rules and to download an entry form, visit www.communityspiritbank.com/photo-contest-2015