The Center for Railroad Photography & Art's 2012 Creative Photography Awards Program honors legendary railroad photographer Richard Steinheimer. The theme is "Railroading, Inspired by Steinheimer," and his widow, Shirley Burman Steinheimer, will serve as judge. Canon is co-sponsoring the program and offering an EOS 60D digital camera and lens as the first place prize. Second and third place winners will receive cash prizes of $500 and $300, respectively.

We have had some questions about the theme, and we want to stress that the theme focuses on Steinheimer’s approach to photography, and not his specific subject matter. Seek the drama and intrique of contempory railroading, whether through dramatic vistas or minute details, as Steinheimer did for more than half a century. Both color and black-and-white submissions are welcome. See the awards page for more details.