Due to the overwhelming amount of amazing entries we have received the voting has taken longer than expected and the reception has been moved to a future date.
All images will be reviewed and winners will be notified after Wednesday September 19th. We will then host our Gallery reception and prize evening at our Colorado Springs location on Thursday September 27th from 6pm to 8pm.
The only thing we like more than all the great camera gear in our stores is taking that gear out into the community where it can really get used. I’m excited to report that Mike’s Camera will be out in full force at this weekend’s Labor Day Lift Off, Colorado Springs’ long-running and well-loved balloon festival. From the first, breath-taking mass launch into the rosy morning light, through a series of exciting and action-packed events all day, to the spectacular “balloon glow” as evening falls, a day at the Labor Day Lift Off is overflowing with photographic opportunities.
What we’re bringing
Mike’s Camera photo experts will be available to help you fine-tune your photos and talk tech. We’ll be joined by representatives from both Nikon and Fujifilm with full complements of loaner gear, to be used for free at the event—just like you’re able to at our Lens & Camera Demo Days!
- Fujifilm will be leading photo walks through the festival grounds and planting seeds of joy with Instax cameras for public use—plenty of film provided!
- Nikon will be leading additional photo walks, as well as showing off elements of the brand new mirrorless Z system. Be one of the first to try out this revolutionary system, and on a very memorable subject!
What you should bring
- Driver’s license or government-issued ID card
- Valid credit card
- Memory card (in case you forget, a limited number will be available for sale)
- Any gear you might like to use in conjunction with the demo equipment
- A curious and creative spirit
Oh yeah—and you can win stuff, too!
Do you find yourself consistently pleased with the photos you take at events? Do you come back from the zoo wondering why they don’t pay you as a staff photographer? Now’s your chance to show off your skills. First, the prizes!
- ONE Grand Prize Winner will receive a Nikon D5600 DSLR with 18-55mm VR lens, a Mike’s Camera Perfect Picture Pak, and a $100 Mike’s Camera gift card to round out the kit.
- ONE “People’s Choice” Winner will receive a certificate for a free hot air balloon ride from Rainbow Ryders.
- EIGHT Honorable Mention Winners will each receive a $50 Mike’s Camera gift card.
ALL ten winners will receive a 20×30 giclée print of their winning photo. The prints will be displayed at an exhibition in Mike’s Camera (Colorado Springs)—complete with wine and cheese—on Thursday, September 13th.
To enter, just follow the following steps.
- Upload your pictures to either the contest site or the Gazette’s Labor Day Lift Off feature page.
- Post your photo(s) to Instagram, tagging @mymikescamera and #LDLO2018
- Follow @mymikescamera on Instagram!
All submissions must be in by September 9th, 2018. Photos will be judged by Denver Art Museum staff. Winners will be notified on Instagram a few days later. Winners must provide a high resolution image prior to being awarded prizes. By submitting your photo(s) you implicitly agree to allow Mike’s Camera, The Gazette, and The Sports Corp. use of your photos for marketing purposes.
Sign me up!
Actually, no registration is necessary! Just come on down to Memorial Park this weekend. We’ll be there all day Saturday and Sunday, as well as for the morning launches on Monday. Look below the gallery for a complete schedule.
NB: Note that all gear must be returned by 10:00 PM on Saturday and Sunday and by 10:00 AM on Monday. Also, while these are FREE rental opportunities, please be aware that you must provide a government-issued ID as well as a valid credit card to be held as collateral.
See you this weekend for a magical experience!
Saturday September 1
MORNING SESSION
6:00AM – Park & Concessions Open
6:30AM – Opening Ceremony
7:00AM – Balloon “Lift Off”
8:30AM – Glaser Energy Chainsaw Carving Competition
8:30AM – Dunkin’ Donuts Donut Eating Championships
9:30AM – Glaser Energy Chainsaw Carving Auction
10:00AM – Prospect Lake Events: Stand Up Paddleboard Rental/Yoga SessionsEVENING SESSION
3:30PM – Park & Concessions Open
4:00PM – Budweiser Beer Garden Opens
5:00PM – Glaser Energy Chainsaw Carving Competion
6:00PM – Glasser Energy Chainsaw Carving Auction
6:30PM – Band – Suga Bear
7:30PM – Balloon Glow
8:30PM – Band – Suga Bear
10:00PM – Park & Concessions CloseSunday September 2
MORNING SESSION
6:00AM – Park & Concessions Open
6:30AM – Opening Ceremony
7:00AM – Balloon “Lift Off”
8:30AM – Glaser Energy Chainsaw Carving Competition
8:30AM – Dunkin’ Donuts Donut Eating Championships
9:30AM – Glaser Energy Chainsaw Carving Auction
10:00AM – Prospect Lake Events: Stand Up Paddleboard Rental/Yoga SessionsEVENING SESSION
3:30PM – Park & Concessions Open
4:00PM – Budweiser Beer Garden Opens
5:00PM – Glaser Energy Chainsaw Carving Competition
6:00PM – Glaser Energy Chainsaw Carving Auction
6:30PM – Band – The Martini Shot
7:30PM – Balloon Glow
8:30PM – Band – The Martini Shot
10:00PM – Park & Concessions CloseMonday September 3
6:00AM – Park & Concessions Open
6:30AM – Opening Ceremony
7:00AM – Balloon “Lift Off”
10:00AM – Park & Concessions Close
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