Wikimedia Israel Hosting Photo Contest

Starting tomorrow, the Israeli branch of Wikimedia (the umbrella organization behind Wikipedia and Wikimedia Commons) is participating in a month-long the international photo contest "Wiki Loves Monuments."

In this Israel-based part of the contest, photographers are invited to take pictures of any national neritage site in the country from the contest page (note, we suggest using Google translate in case parts of the website aren't translated to English already), and upload it here. You'll have to create a free Wiki account to do so, but what's another login these days? Photos can be uploaded until October 15.

During the month of the contest, Wikimedia Israel and teh Society for the Preservation of Israel Heritage Sites will host free activities and events throughout the country to promote the preservation of historic monuments.

And yes, there's a prize! Professional photographers will decide to top three photos, with the most receiving a 5000 shekel prize (approximately $1,250), with second and third places at 3000 and 2000 shekels, respectively. After this selection, these and the rest of the top 10 photographs will be passed on to the international competition, where there are more prizes.

A professional judge panel will select the top pictures with first place prize of, ILS 5000 (about $1,250), second place: ILS 3000 (about $750) and third place: ILS 2000 (about $500). The top ten photos will continue to the international competition which includes additional prizes! Start polishing your camera lenses, because we know the light is great in Israel for snapping some fantastic photos.