Welcome to Eye on the Strand, our photo contest for photographers and artists looking to share their talents by capturing the life and soul of the Strand, home to some of the best photography books anywhere in the world.

Bring your camera and uncover the character, originality and vibrancy of this historic, unique New York institution.

Surprise us, be creative, experiment -- we welcome your interpretations! Is your style journalistic? The store looks great in black and white photographs. Do you like to shoot macro photography? The details are endless. Cityscape? We are in New York, one of the greatest cities in the world to visit. Ahead of the holidays you can peruse the Strand's shelves to find great books at excellent prices. Shoot and shop. Something I love to do.

AND, you can win incredible prizes!

The Grand Prize Winner will spend an afternoon and lunch with internationally renowned photographer Mary Ellen Mark, at Balthazar Restaurant. To be in her presence, to have the chance to ask her questions, is a time you will always remember.

Win a collection of fifty photography books published by Aperture? How great is this?

Other prizes for winners include a free digital photography or computer graphics course at Pratt CCPS. This is an opportunity to learn and study something to expand your vision and skills.

Top 24 winners have their work exhibited in a group show at Pratt CCPS Gallery, located at 144 West 14th Street, NYC in the summer 2009? Fantastic!

A B&H Photo gift card; a J. Crew gift card and personal styling consultation; a one-year subscription to New York magazine and much more. Please check the About Page for specifics on prizes.

Come visit the Stand and take some great shots. Say hello. I look forward to seeing your work.

With warm regards,

Cheryl Stockton
Pratt Institute
Adjunct Associate Professor