The Effingham County Chamber of Commerce and the Effingham Council for the Arts hosted an awards reception Tuesday for the 2011 Effingham County Photography Contest.

Misty DeBlasio was awarded first place overall for her photo “Tractor on West 9th Street” and she also received second place for her photo “Spring.”

Tracy Toogood took third place for her photo “Doing the Limbo,” which was taken on Ebenezer Creek.
Prizes also were presented to winners in each of the following contest categories: Carissa Schuman in Close-up, Macro, Still Life; Makayla Lucario in Wildlife; Michael Draughon for People, People in Action and also for Sports Action. Kayla Hancock for Landscape and/or Historical Location; and DeBlasio for Architecture.

There were approximately 30 entries in six categories.

“I was pleased to see the variety of photos that were submitted,” said Chamber Executive Director Rick Lott.

The photos will be on display at the Chamber office throughout May.