Your City, Your Community, Your Lens

Okay, photographers, try to ignore the painfully tight jeans and embarrassingly mop-like 'do for just one moment - '80s arena rocker and power balladeer Billy Squire wrote a song just for you.

You got it. Everybody wants you.

Oh, you're so used to being in such high demand, aren't you? And who wants you now, pray tell, Houstonist? Well, none other than the United Way of Greater Houston. "But Houstonist," you ask, scratching your head in confusion, "Aside from donations, what could the United Way possibly want with me and my camera?"

Why, your skills, but of course.

If you can picture a better community through the lens of your camera, then you can submit your photos to the United Way's iFocus on a Better Community Photo Competition. The United Way of Greater Houston is looking for compelling photos of hope, inspiration, and the community at work. You know, the feel-good, do-good shots. We know you've got a hard drive full of 'em. Time to share the wealth!

There's no cash money award involved for the photographer that is deemed triumphant. But don't worry - the warm fuzzies that go around come back around. The winning photos will be featured on the United Way website, in a United Way calendar, and displayed in a traveling downtown exhibit during the months of January, February and March 2008. Now how's that for exposure?

You're permitted to submit up to five of your photos (yes, five!), but you've got to slide them all under the proverbial door by November 16, 2007. The United Way's website has everything you need to know as far as the fine print is concerned.

So go out and catch acts of community love in Houston, one photo at a time. Capture some positive vibes in those shutterboxes. Make your Mama Houstonist proud. Sniff sniff.

Photo: United Way of Greater Houston.