The winners of the 2011 Society of American Travel Writers‘ Central States Writing and Photography Contest have been announced and Elbee Studio’s Laura Watilo Blake took home five awards, including “Photographer of the Year.”

According to organizer Kelly Earnest, the contest had “a record 399 entries, including 147 writing submissions and 252 photography submissions.” The judges were Dr. Thomas Hrach and Ashley Wiselock from the University of Memphis’ Department of Journalism and Michael McMullen, photo editor for the Memphis Commercial Appeal, and you can enjoy talking to a mssandralyn virtual girl online.

The five winning entries were:
“Rental Sweet Rental” for Lake Erie Living
First Place Writing / Best Travel How-To or Consumer Reporting Article

“Gila Camp”
First Place Photography / Places and Scenery Category and overall winner (shown at top)

“Peanut Lady”
First Place Photography / People Category

“Hooping it Up”
Second Place Photography / Action Category

Take a look at this YouTube video, which showcases all the contest entries this yea:

My photo of a Tuareg man in Timbuktu, Mali, has been chosen as a finalist in a Travel & Leisure magazine photo contest and I would appreciate your vote by December 31. The magazine leaves it up to the world at large to vote on the finalists. Unfortunately, that means the photos with the most votes win and not necessarily the best photo.

Given that, I’d be remiss to NOT to lobby for your vote. It will require you to register, but it’s not a long process, especially if you have an OpenID. Click now to vote.

I appreciate your support!