Ronkonkoma, N.Y.  - Camera accessories manufacturer Sigma is offering high school seniors with an eye for image composition the chance to compete in a photo contest and win a scholarship for $5,000 cash and $1,000 in Sigma products.

The deadline to enter Sigma's Annual Scholarship Contest is Feb. 28.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for budding photographers who are serious about pursuing a career in a photo-related field to help kick off their education," said Mark Amir-Hamzeh, Sigma president. "The competition is heating up and we're excited to see so many outstanding submissions."

New applicants are invited to visit Sigma's website for contest rules and to complete an application form, which includes a brief essay and the submission of between three and five photographs that are thematically tied.

The scholarship will award a cash gift of $5,000 and $1,000 in Sigma products to the winning senior to advance his or her education and goals toward pursuing higher education and, ultimately, obtaining a career in industries such as photography, photojournalism, graphic arts and design, visual arts and art history.

Once the submission process closes, there will be an online public vote from March 1 to April 1 to determine the top five finalists. Sigma executives will choose the contest winner from the group of finalists whose work will be judged based on creativity of subject selection, overall technique and image quality.

Students are not required to use Sigma equipment to shoot the photographs they submit.