 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Local man is grand prize winner
for statewide photo contest
Published Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2009
By L.A. Story
Staff Writer
Local photographer Zack Steen will enjoy a paid Mississippi getaway package as part winning the Grand Prize in a statewide photography contest.
Zack Steen was recently informed that he is the winner of the 2009 Mississippi Photo contest which was sponsored by the Mississippi Division of Tourism. Steen’s two winning pictures will appear in the 2010 Mississippi Tour Guide.
Steen said he first heard about the contest from Corinth Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Director Kristy White and Karen Beth Martin, program director.
“It was in April or May when the contest came up,” said Steen. “Kristy and Karen Beth sent me the information on it and I submitted about 12 to 15 pictures.”
“When I got the announcement concerning the photo contest, my mind immediately went to Zack. I knew he had a good chance if he would enter,” said White. “I had seen his talent from his wins in the Crossroads Museum’s Photo Contests over the years. I was not at all surprised that he won. I am extremely proud of Zack and the publicity to Corinth/Alcorn County that his photography will bring by being showcased in the 2010 Mississippi Tour Guide.”
Martin expressed her own excitement of Steen’s win: “I have the privilege of working closely with Zack in several different capacities, Chili Festival and Green Market committees specifically. Zack is such a great asset to the Corinth area. I’m constantly impressed with how willing he is to help in whatever way is needed and how he always makes himself and his many talents available for the greater good of our city.
“One of his talents is photography and no one deserved this honor more than Zack. His images of Corinth portray this area in a wonderfully unique and artistic way. I’ve never seen a photo from Zack that I didn’t love ... I’m honored to get to work with him and am so happy for him in this great honor.”
Steen’s two winning photos were of the Frazier-Liddon house and the renowned crossroads at the Corinth Depot. Steen said that both photos are of locations that have been widely photographed before. However, even with the aforementioned fact, Steen said these photos were slightly different.
“The Frazier-Liddon house was a shot taken in the spring. It was a photo that was framed with an oak tree — a different angle from what most people see of the house,” said Steen. “The second picture, of the crossroads at The Depot, was different ... it was a cloudy day, so it’s not a gray sky and not blue ... and the angle was quite different ... it was more of a downward angle at the tracks. I think it was pretty unique.”
As a photographer, Steen said he never goes to photograph events or sites with the idea of winning a contest or award.
“I think I just try to suit my eye when I go out and take a photo. Usually I’m taking 60-70 images of anything I’m photographing. On the day I took the Frazier-Liddon photo, I probably took about 100 pictures,” said Steen.
As the grand prize winner, Steen will receive a four-day/three-night getaway for two to a Mississippi destination of his choice. The trip will include overnight accommodations, lunch and dinner vouchers, local attraction passes, a $100 gas card and a Mississippi getaway basket.
Steen said he has chosen Biloxi as his destination and plans to utilize the trip next spring as a wedding anniversary trip for him and his wife.
