August 5, 2009

JEFFERSON CITY -- Secretary of State Robin Carnahan today recognized 30 photos as finalists in the 12th biennial statewide photo contest. Carnahan also launched the first-ever online vote to select which of these photos will be printed in the 2009-2010 Official Manual of the State of Missouri (commonly known as the "Blue Book"). Missourians can visit www.sos.mo.gov/photocontest to view the finalists and vote for their favorites.

"This year, hundreds of talented Missourians grabbed a camera and sent in pictures of their kids, their communities, and the beautiful natural landscape unique to our state. The finalists capture the best of Missouri’s hardworking and playful spirit," Carnahan said. "I encourage everyone to visit my website and help choose which photos will be printed in this year’s Blue Book."

The theme of this year’s contest was "Missouri in Motion," representing the many ways Missouri and its people move from place to place and time to time. The 10 photos in each category, chosen by a committee of state employees and Secretary Carnahan, depict a wide variety of locations, activities and nature in Missouri.

Missourians are invited to view the finalists’ photos and vote for their favorites at www.sos.mo.gov/photocontest. Online voting will be open until August 19, 2009 at 5 p.m. The winners of the contest will be announced with the unveiling of the 2009-2010 Official Manual of the State of Missouri later this fall. The finalists are listed below for each category.

On the Move – Photographs of transportation and travels in Missouri:

· Alice Karas, Centerview

· Mary Alms, Rich Hill

· Jennifer Roth, Independence

· Mara Perry, St. Louis

· Bryan Smoak, Kansas City

· Liz Adcock, Kansas City

· Tyler Wood, Washington

· Mark S. Kross, Jefferson City

· Michelle Newburry, Desloge

Forces of Nature – Photographs of the ever-changing Missouri weather and environment:

· Michael Alan Bailey, Kansas City

· Walt Timm, Jefferson City

· Karen Kliethermes, Jefferson City

· Jack C. Ventimiglia, Warrensburg

· Matthew Ihrig, Florissant

· Jana L. Mathis, Kansas City

· John Niebling, St. Louis

· Diane Brown, Kansas City

· Don Sultz, Kansas City

Time to Play – Photographs of family and friends playing sports:

· Rebecca Limback, Warrensburg

· Steve Allen, Blue Springs

· Jennifer Stilabower, Jefferson City

· Platte County Parks and Recreation, Platte City

· Mark Twang, Jefferson City

· Maria Crusius, St. Louis

· John Niebling, St. Louis

· Amy L. Frank, Rich Fountain

· Amy Moreland, Webster Groves

· Farrah Fite, Jefferson City (submitted by Richard Moore)

To see the photographs selected for publication in the 2007-2008 Official Manual, please visit: http://www.sos.mo.gov/BlueBook/2007-2008/1_Almanac.pdf#13.