By Kate Bartlett
The Western New York Southtowns Scenic Byway recently announced their 4th annual photography contest running through November 30, 2025. The contest is open to everyone, all ages and ability, amateur and professional photographers alike, and aims at capturing the beauty of the Southtowns Scenic Byway.
Historically, entries range in subject matter, including nature shots, local landmarks, and wildlife. However, this year, participants are encouraged to submit landscape photos. The WNY Southtowns Scenic Byway is planning to put these photographs on display at a soon-to-be public display. “While I can’t yet share details on this public display, we’re looking to use landscape photographs in this informational kiosk to showcase the beauty of the area,” says Bill Even, Byway Vice President.
While landscape photographs are encouraged, any and all entries are welcome, as long as they’re taken along the Byway. “We love seeing everyone’s photographs, but we kindly remind participants to check the location to ensure it’s an eligible entry.” Only photographs taken along the Byway will be considered. The WNY Southtowns Scenic Byway is the heart of the Buffalo Southtowns: Ashford, Aurora, Boston, Colden, Concord, E. Aurora, Ellicottville, Orchard Park and Springville.
The WNY Southtowns Scenic Byway is the heart of the Buffalo
Southtowns: Ashford, Aurora, Boston, Colden, Concord,
E. Aurora, Ellicottville, Orchard Park and Springville.
(Full details on wnyssb.org.) Photo/ “Orchard Park Overlook”
by Michael Fairbanks.
The contest was developed in 2022 in efforts to help the community appreciate the unique beauty of the southtowns, while promoting the Byway. “We adopted this contest to encourage exploration of the areas along the scenic byway,” explains Bill. “Our mission is to promote economic development and community pride through thoughtful stewardship of the natural, scenic, cultural, historic, and recreational resources of the byway region. We feel this contest does just that.”
Formed in 2008, the WNY Southtowns Scenic Byway is a series of roads and highways uniting a number of towns and villages in Erie and Cattaraugus Counties into a regional attraction for tourists and residents of the area. The Byway runs from the Town and Village of Orchard Park east to Aurora and the Village of East Aurora and then southward through Boston, Colden, Concord, Springville, Ashford, and Ellicottville. Interpretive signs and WNYSSB highway markers can be seen along the routes.
The photo contest encourages both amateur and professional photographers to explore the Byway and capture the beauty of the areas. Images can be captured on a mobile device or standalone/dedicated camera with prizes for both categories. All ages are encouraged to enter.
First, second and third place prizes will be awarded for both categories mentioned above. Each first-place winner will receive $150 cash, second-place winners will be awarded $100 cash, and third-place winners will receive $50 cash. Contest finalists will also have their pictures displayed on the silver screen at the Aurora Theater in East Aurora before movies this holiday season.
In 2023, the contest had a record 120 entries with submissions ranging in ages and subject matter. Last year, only 65 entries were received. “We are really hoping for more entries this year and strongly encourage anyone interested to enter. It’s a great way to get out an explore the Byway and see it through a new lens (pun intended) throughout the seasons.”
Past photographs are still displayed online and can be viewed as guidelines and inspiration. “We have so many talented photographers in the area,” remarks Bill. “Every year I’m captivated at how they’ve captured the beauty of the seasons in the south towns along the Byway.
For more information, to view photos and enter the contest visit https://wnyssb.org/. Entries are being accepted until November 30, 2025.