Lomography launches travel photography competition

Lomography has teamed up with Virginia is for Lovers for a new photo competition that will award the most talented camera-toting travelers the chance to win limited edition cameras and vacations in Virginia. Called “Love Unexpected,” the year-long competition marks the first time Lomography has partnered with a tourism office for a special promotion.

The competition combines the analog philosophy of Lomography with the nostalgic vibe of Virginia’s small towns, which are full of places such as chromed-out diners, drive-in theaters, and other roadside wonders. Playing off of Virginia’s age-old tagline, “Virginia is for Lovers,” all entrants have to do submit photographs of things that they love that go along with a monthly theme. Ten winners a month will win a camera branded with the Virginia is for Lovers theme, and from those shutterbugs four grand prize winners will be chosen to partake in themed vacations in Virginia. Themes include a “Roadside Wonders” trip, the “Wines Brews, and Spirits” trip, an “Old School Seaside Eats” trip, and the “Music Jams” trip, where the winner will be dubbed the “official event photographer for Virginia is for Lovers” at the 2012 Floyd Fest.

More information on the contest, which runs through December 2012, can be found at www.virginia.lomography.com. If you’d like to purchase the limited edition camera, they are on sale for $109 online.

Image courtesy Virginia is for Lovers / Lomography.

“Virginia is for Lovers” celebrates 40 years with statewide discounts

If when you say “Virginia is for Lovers” you mean “Virginia is for Discount-lovers” you’d be right.

It’s the tagline’s 40th anniversary and the state is going all out with travel discounts. The “Virginia’s 40 Off Travel Deals” program offers 40% off, $40 off, and “Buy 3, Get 1 free” savings at 200 participating hotels, museums, and other outfitters.

For example, get 40% off every night you stay at the Sheraton Reston Hotel; or stay three nights and get the fourth night free at Fife & Drum Inn in Williamsburg.

At George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens, buy three tickets and get one free. Same for Luray Caverns during the month of August.

Most of the deals are valid through the end of the year or into 2010, but be sure to check the terms and deadlines closely since they vary.

The “40 Years of Travel Passions Sweepstakes” is also underway. Register at Virginia.com to win one of 40 Virginia vacations–focused on wine, outdoor adventure, nature, or local cuisine. One trip is given away per week through November 23rd.

The “Virginia is for Lovers” tagline debuted in a Bride’s Magazine ad in 1969.