[caption id="attachment_31888" align="aligncenter" width="561"]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/contest.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-31888"><img class="size-full wp-image-31888" src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/contest.jpg" alt="Photo by Dianne Appell." width="561" height="448"></a> Photo by Dianne Appell.[/caption]

The first week of spring is an occasion reflected in the #LoveBeaufortCounty photo contest’s new theme: “Gardens, Gates and Blooms.”&nbsp;

Submissions for the photo contest can be submitted through Monday, April 10.&nbsp;

The contest is based on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and is open to residents and visitors of Beaufort County.

“Our new photo contest allows any resident with a camera or smartphone to participate,” said Beaufort County Communications Coordinator Carizma Brown. “Our goal is to host a welcoming contest that allows us to showcase the beauty and history of our county from diverse perspectives.”

The contest will run continuously throughout the year. The three-step process can be done on a computer or smartphone:

• Take a photo that illustrates the unique beauty of Beaufort County’s sceneries. Use the current theme.

• Like or follow Beaufort County on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.

• Upload your photo on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook using the hashtag #LoveBeaufortCounty.

A panel of county staff will rank the photos. The highest ranked photos will be featured on the county’s Instagram page and website.

Throughout the year, there will be specific themes and categories that participants should follow.

Participants can enter photos at any time during each theme’s submission period. Individuals can also submit photos of their choice during periods in which there is no theme using the three-step process.

To receive updates about the #LoveBeaufortCounty photo contest, like or follow Beaufort County on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.