Strolling through the Gunpowder Falls State Park, the light hits the water just right, tree limbs provide the perfect frame—and best of all, you just happen to have your camera with you.

If you're a local nature photographer, consider sending your best shots in to the 2012 Maryland Natural Resource Photo Contest. Thirteen total winners will receive prizes ranging from $500 cash to magazine subscriptions.

A few things to remember when entering:

• Photos must be submitted on paper, 5 by 7 inches or 8 by 10 inches, in black and white or color.
• Entry requires a fee of $10 for up to three photos, and $3 for each additional photo.
• Categories include birds, wildlife, insects, scenic, flora and people enjoying state parks.

The entry form and full list of rules are available on the Maryland Department of Natural Resources website.

Best of luck to our local photographers! Let's see if we can get a winner out of Perry Hall.

What are some of your favorite places to take photos? Tell us in the comments.