West Virginia Photography in National Geographic Contest
The National Geographic - Stories without Words Photo Competition - sponsored by Hilton Honors received thousands of entries from all over the world. Senior editor for National Geographic Traveler magazine Dan Westergren chose the category finalists. Summarizing his story without words, "Alluring Cascade Pirouette" by Troy Lilly (Nature Photographer from Cross Lanes, West Virginia) is a travel photograph of Elakala falls which was picked as a finalist in the "Spaces You Discover" category.
The chosen finalist entry from West Virginia features the waterfalls captured in a long exposure digital photograph. This photographic technique blurs the water fall motion for an extended amount of time while the small whirlpool spins below the cascades creating a stunning effect. Lilly has the opportunity to win the grand prize of a trip on a National Geographic Expedition to Galápagos and other runner up prizes including Nikon Camera if online voting favors the Elakala Falls image. The website to cast votes is http://www.nationalgeographic.com/photostories.  
Located in Blackwater Falls State Park near a small mountain village named Davis, Elakala Waterfalls are a hidden wonder revealed to those who take a 30 minute stroll from the state park’s lodge. The waterfall name originates from a Native American legend about a young princess who cast herself over the falls when scorned by her lover. 
The exposure generated by placing first in this competition could certainly increase the notoriety and popularity for the natural beauty found in many West Virginia travel destinations, having a positive impact on the state’s economy.
To cast a vote free registration is required at the National Geographic website, which is a standard practice by many online competitions. Registered website visitors will vote for the winners beginning December 19th ending January 15th, 2012. Voters may return on January 25th, 2012 to see the winners.