Credit: San Jose Mercury

Charles DiLisio is a prominent Silicon Valley photographer focused on preserving the region's history. He tells me there's a new photo contest: Visual San Jose

Visual SJ -- a free photography hosted by Preservation Action Council of San Jose (PAC*SJ) and Content Magazine The contest is geared toward giving photography students recognition and exposure. 

Submissions must be in by April 17.

There are three categories: Students (under 19 years old), Non-professionals and Professionals (earning 50% or more from photography) Winning entries (1st, 2nd, 3rd place) will receive cash, goods and have their photographs in the June/July issue of Content Magazine.

Students can submit up to two photographs that were taken in the San Jose city limits regarding a historical item, neighborhood or artifact. 

There will be a rewards reception on June 16 at The Glasshouse.

Current sponsors: Whole Foods Markets, Bay Photo Labs, Rocky Nook Publishing, SanDisk, San Jose Water Company, Keeble & Shuchat Photography, Dick Dischler Photo Workshops, Big Dog Vineyards and Content Magazine.

More information at the Visual SJ website - www.visualsj.com. Last year's finalists can be seen at 2014 Finalists.