Strong resident Steve Mitman’s photographic work has again been selected for the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce’s Welcome Guide’s cover. Here, Mitman sees the cover for the first time at the official unveiling of the Welcome Guide during the chamber’s Business After Hours at the Comfort Inn in Farmington last Thursday. (Heidi Murphy photo) FARMINGTON — Over the last four years, the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce Guide has been led by the gifted publishing and artistic abilities of executive director Lorna Dee Nichols.

Four years ago she came up with the concept of holding a photo contest to help with the layout of the welcome guide. This year, the second in a row, photography enthusiast and MSAD #58 art teacher Steve Mitman earned the prestigious title of cover photographer.

“Each year we receive dozens of photos for consideration –-not only for the cover, but to be used throughout the guide. I always look for something ‘unique’ because the cover is what people see first. We want something that grabs attention and makes someone want to pickup or take the guide and look at it.”

The first cover design Nichols chose was rich with lupine, the second was a double rainbow spanning and reflected in a river and last year it was a wintry, snowy mountain scene. This year’s cover is a kayak resting on the water’s edge. They are all very different representations of this beautiful region, Nichols explained, and all are unique and invoke memories, daydreams, and inspire the imagination of each individual who sees them.

“Selecting photos can be hard when I have so many to choose from. I often wish I could use every single one,” Nichols explained.

“I am flattered to have people respond positively to my images,” Mitman said, at the unveiling last Thursday. “I love taking photos and sharing them, it is quite an honor to be represented on the guide cover two years in a row.” He stressed that Nichols does a great job with the layout.

Mitman teaches digital photography to adults and kids. “One of my mantras is, ‘keep your camera with you at all times!’ So when you see the perfect scene, you will be able to capture it.” Mitman is often seen with his camera even when he’s kayaking or out and about on the perfect fishing day.

“I have a bumper sticker on my truck, it says fish tremble at the sound of my name, but my wife knows better, she says that it should read, fish chuckle at the sound of my name.”

That said, Mitman explained, he’d still rather not reveal the exact location of his favorite North Franklin County pond. “I need all the fishing help I can get.”