Throughout the year, the cemetery is among the most beautiful places in Natchez.

Casual tourists, historians, descendants and the curious experience spiritual serenity, natural beauty and the wonder of discovery at this uniquely Natchez place.

And everyone takes photos. At the moment, lenses are pointed to spring landscape vistas and blooming azaleas. Upon closer inspection, they find the shadow play of Victorian embellishments in marble by master sculptors, patterns in iron fencing and one-word names simply carved.

Most of us capture the special images of the cemetery in our own photographs, and until now we had no way to share our images for others to enjoy.

This year Serenade in the Cemetery, an afternoon event on April 27, is featuring a photo contest of images taken in the Natchez cemetery. In addition to the photography display, the afternoon stroll will include live music, character re-enactments, floral displays and light refreshments.

The photo contest submission deadline is 5 p.m. Friday. Any amateur or hobby photographer can participate, including the young and young-at-heart.

The winner will receive a $100 cash prize. For registration forms and rules, stop by Kimbrell Office Supply, 520 Main St., Natchez, or Mrs. Holder’s Antiques, 636 Franklin St., Natchez or email natchezcemeteryphoto@yahoo.com.

Up to three printed photographs, 5” x 7” or larger, may be entered by an individual.

An entry fee of $10 per photo is being charged to benefit the Save Our Cemetery Fund and to defray the cost of the contest. Participants under 18 years of age, however, will not be charged the entry fee.

Judging will be by local professional photographers Mark Coffey, Leon Hollins and Tim McCary. All contest photographs will be on display from 1:30 to 5 p.m. April 27 in the cemetery’s historic Shelter House.

Dust off those previously taken shots or venture out in the beautiful weather now to photograph.

Whether it is the sunset from Jewish Hill, the grand allée of live oaks or the historic memorial stones, the cemetery is a photographer’s dream.

Share your special images by participating in the Serenade in the Cemetery Photo Contest and help support the preservation of this treasured place.

 

Liz Dantone is a Natchez City Cemetery Association board member and preservation enthusiast.