Long Beach man a photo finalist

 Long Beach photographer Ken Renk's image of minnows in the nearby Bolsa Chica wetlands, has been chosen a finalist in the Energizer Ultimate Photo Contest with National Geographic. Now it's up to the public to decide if he's a winner.

 Through Sept. 15, the public can vote for their favorite photo in each of the six categories at www.nationalgeographic.com/lithium. Renk's photo in the animals/wildlife category was in second place as of 4 p.m. Monday. From the winners of six categories, one grand prize winner will be chosen by a veteran National Geographic photographer and win a trip and have their photo featured in an advertisement for the battery maker.

 Those who want to vote can go to the link above then click on the vote now button so see the categories and finalist images. One vote per person per day is allowed.

 Finalists were chosen from more than 6,000 entrants. About Renk's photo, Jim Richardson, 20-year National Geographic photographer and the contest judge wrote, "[Renk's photo of] minnows struggling upstream are transformed into a beguiling image of the complexity of life in the natural world ... an image that rewards simple contemplation."

 Category winners receive prize pack valued at approximately $1,000.