CWG's annual photo contest

Wx and the city

Top 10 pick from 2008 CWG photo contest. By Bennett Lipscomb. Taken from Mt. Pleasant on June 7, 2008.

The nice thing about weather is that it comes to you. Sure, you could chase a tornado or fly into a hurricane. But for the most part, all you have to do is look up at the sky to see it's creativity. Even though weather is constantly changing, somehow it is always there, just waiting for attention.

Over the next few weeks, I encourage you to go outside (even if that means taking a few-minute break from this blog or the local radar loop) and look up. Carry your camera with you to capture the moment's weather -- one never knows when the wind will blow in an unusual cloud or the perfect sunset.

Submit your local weather photos to us at weathergang@wpni.com by Friday, November 13, and we'll post the Gang's top 10 favorites during the week of November 16. We'll upload many of the other images we receive in our user photo gallery. If you have already taken some neat weather photos in the metro area in the past, you can submit those as well. No more than three entries per person, please.

Keep reading for more info on this contest...

You need not be a professional photographer to enter, but you must be at least 13 years of age. All entries must be original, property of you and contain no digital editing, including Photoshopping (cropping, resizing and minor color balance adjustments are acceptable). In addition, they must portray weather in the D.C. metro area, including the District, Maryland, Virginia or West Virginia. Entries submitted to the 2008 contest will not be considered in 2009.

Similar to last year, entries will be evaluated based on patterns and textures, rare or exceptional cloud formations and cool optical effects, in addition to their overall weather "wow factor." Please include your name and a title, location and date for each image you submit, in addition to any technical details about the photo that you would like to share.

Don't forget to send us your photos by Friday, November 13.

We look forward to seeing more of what our local skies have to offer!

View the 2008 winners.