Time to enter B.C.'s amateur photographer contest

Deadline July 3rd 2015: UPLOAD YOUR PHOTO HERE.

Amateurs photographers from around B.C. can bring their unique perspective to the Black Press 3rd Annual “Your Best Shot” contest. More than 800 entries already received.

The ‘award-wnning’ Your Best Shot contest is open to amateur photographers from across the province. Photographers are encouraged to send in their favourite photos from the past 12 months, including those taken during major events.

Whether it’s an action-packed sports shot, a colourful scenic landscape or an amazing portrait, budding photographers are encouraged to send it in.

Contestants can submit up to five of their favourite photos for a chance to win some spectacular prizes.

The contest, which is being presented by London Drugs, Black Press and the Abbotsford International Airshow, is open now and runs until July 3rd, 2015.

All photos will be judged by a panel of experts on subject, composition, impact and other criteria.

Finalists will receive full VIP access to the Abbotsford International Airshow, which runs August 7 to 9, with preferred viewing to take photos of all the action. They will also compete for more than $1,500 in prizes and the chance to be named the Next Generation Amateur Photographer of the Year.

Last year, Black Press received more than 2,000 entries for the Your Best Shot contest from amateur photographers from the Fraser Valley, Kelowna, Vancouver and communities around B.C. More than 70 finalists gathered at the Abbotsford International Airshow, submitting their best photos for the final competition. The winner of last year’s Next Generation Amateur Photographer of the Year award was Steve Dutt of Surrey. See video of top submissions.

The winner of the 2013 Next Generation Amateur Photographer of the Year was Rod Jones of Abbotsford.

This year’s airshow will feature all-time favourite static and air displays, as well as the the second annual twilight show complete with pyrotechnics.

To submit an entry, click here.

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Abbotsford International Airshow – August 7th, 8th, 9th 2015.

The United States Air Force is returning to the Abbotsford International Airshow.

The Air Force recently announced its schedule for its F-22 Raptor Demonstration, with Abbotsford on the list of only 21 approved show sites this season.

A major aerobatic jet team will fly their first Canadian performance at next year’s 2015 Abbotsford International Airshow.

The Breitling Jet Team, a seven-plane civilian jet team, has been added to the lineup for the airshow.

The team, based in Dijon, France, will do a 2015 North American Tour including two Canadian stops.

Organizers say they are are excited to build on the success of the 2014 airshow. “Our patrons will get to see two of the World’s finest jet teams in one venue, with both the Canadian Forces Snowbirds and Breitling Jet Teams set to perform in 2015,” said airshow president Jim Reith. “Abbotsford is always proud to be the venue for first-time Canadian appearances by international performers.”

The Breitling Jet Team was created by Breitling, a major Swiss watchmaker, and will be flying fast and powerful L-39C Albatros aircraft. Organizers say the show will be “a meticulously co-ordinated ballet in which planes sometimes fly within three meters of each other, at speeds of over 700 km/h” and fly “a rapid-fire succession of figures that are perfectly calculated, mastered, synchronized and fine-tuned down to the smallest details.”

The F-22 Raptor will join the Breitling Jet Team from France, the Canadian Forces Snowbirds and CF-18 Hornet, and several other aviators at the show, which runs from Aug. 7 to 9 at Abbotsford International Airport.

In addition to a solo performance, the F-22 Raptor will participate in a Heritage Flight formation with a restored 1945 P-51 “Val-Halla” from Washington’s Heritage Flight Museum.

The F-22 Raptor is the US Air Force’s newest fighter aircraft, boasting a combination of stealth, supercruise, maneuverability, and integrated avionics. The Raptor, which performs both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, will be flown by demonstration pilot Capt. John “Taboo” Cummings.

For more information, visit www.abbotsfordairshow.com.

Connections to the Battle of Britain?

The 2015 Abbotsford International Airshow is commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, one of the most decisive Allied military victories in the air during the Second World War.

The News will be producing a special airshow supplement, featuring information and stories about the show, and the historic crucial aerial battle.

As part of that coverage, The News would like to make contact with any Abbotsford resident who has a significant connection to the Battle of Britain, such as a relative who flew in the campaign, served with airfield ground crews, or experienced the bombing of British cities, etc. Please share your stories and momentos.

Please email newsroom@abbynews.com or call reception at 604 853-1144 and ask to speak to a reporter.