We receive lots of positive feedback from readers about the photography that appears in the “River Talk” columns. Many of our fans are themselves photographers and very devoted to nature and outdoor recreation. Two upcoming photo contests may interest those who enjoy photographing their experiences in the natural world.

For those who like rambling with their favorite canine companion, the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation (PPFF) announces its second annual statewide “Dogs in the Outdoors Photo Contest.”

The contest celebrates our canine friends, their owners and Pennsylvania’s dog-friendly parks and forests. Only original, unpublished photography taken in a PA state park or PA state forest is accepted. Three winners will be selected in each of four categories: action, canines as companions, contemplative and puppies.

Entries should be submitted via email to Alicia Kanth at akanth-ppff@pa.net by 11:59 p.m. on September 9. Visit www.paparksandforests.org/ for more information.

The second contest is being conducted in honor of the 2011 International Year of Forests by the New York Department of Environmental Conservation Division of Lands and Forests. “Celebrating New York’s Forests Photo Contest” aims at increasing awareness of and appreciation for all types of forests, urban and rural, large and small, public and privately owned across the state.

Five categories have been established: nature (wildlife, plants, natural landscapes); enjoying the forest (hunting, fishing, trails, camping, hiking); trees where we live (parks, streets, yards); forest products (maple syrup, lumber, baseball bats, furniture) and state-owned forests (state forests, forest preserve lands, campgrounds). Contest rules can be found at www.dec.ny.gov/lands/75396.html. Photos must be received by November 1.