The National Cherry Blossom Festival and FotoDC are now accepting entries in the first annual National Cherry Blossom Photo Contest focused on cherry blossoms and the nation’s greatest celebration of spring.

The contest runs now through April 10, 2011, and will accept entries in three categories: Landscape, People, and Festivities, taken during this year’s Festival, March 26 – April 10, or taken within the previous two years (no earlier than February 1, 2009).

First-place winners of each category will receive $500 in prize money, exposure on both organization’s websites, and recognition through a special winners’ celebration. In addition, winners and the top 100 images will be exhibited in print or projection form during FotoWeek DC’s annual festival in November 2011.

Full contest details and submission information are available at cherryblossom.fotodc.org/. Early bird deadline is Monday, March 21, 2011.