In 1826, a clever Frenchman named Joseph Nicéphore Niépce brewed up a concoction of asphalt residue and put it onto a pewter plate. Eight hours later, he washed away the unhardened portions of his mixture, thus revealing an image of surrounding rooftops outside of his studio window. In modern context, it’s the caliber of image that a child might produce on accident with a smartphone. At the time, however, the achievement was monumental. To the amazement of friends, colleagues and critics, Niépce had successfully made the world’s first photograph.
Since then, photography has developed in every way imaginable. But the effects of it have changed very little. Great photos spark the imagination. They can lift our hearts and make us think. Sometimes they can even change the world. (For anyone within reaching distance of a Google search field, I have two words for you: Tank Man.)
On a local level, we've enjoyed our own share of incredible imagery thanks to two great sponsors -- Perfect Light Camera & Supply and Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center. These two sponsors have been instrumental in making the East Idaho Community Photo Contest a success.
In addition to its perennial offering of a Grand Prize Nikon DSLR package, Perfect Light regularly chips in with dozens of exclusive camera-class vouchers as well as backpacks, printers and other accessories. Special thanks to Christopher Balmer and his team for their many years of support. For more information on the store and their upcoming class schedules, sales events and workshops (both locally and abroad), give them a call at 523-6789 or visit www.perfectlightstore.com.
Recognition for a great photo may be an honor in itself. Beyond the accolades, however, great photos deserve to have a special perch where they can be viewed over and over. That’s where Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center comes in. Since the contest’s inception, EIRMC staff have helped in procuring framed posters of the layouts now on display throughout the facility. Their generous support has also resulted in multitudes of cash prizes and plaques for winners in the five-plus categories.
As for the contest itself, we have now judged an estimated 3,600 photographs since 2010. That includes more than 800 entries for the 2015 contest. As in past years, this time around will feature top entries in categories ranging from portraits to events, sports, nature and wildlife. (There’s also an “Open” division for those images we couldn’t quite place.)
Also in this year’s results you’ll see an expanded Editor's Picks section, including a full album’s worth of pictures that just barely missed the final cut.
Beyond all that, we’ll also be returning online with a another stage of judging in the People’s Choice contest, slated to launch sometime in February at the magazine’s page on Facebook. Until then, be sure to check out the winning photos in our January/February issue. For extra copies and/or subscription information, dial us up at 542-2280.
Best in Show
1st: Michael Fryer
2nd: Devin Englestead
3rd: Jennifer Hall
2015 Category Winners
Wildlife
1st: Jennifer Hall
2nd: Tarena Thomas
3rd: Jennifer Hall
Honorable Mention: Adam Brubaker
Scenics
1st: Devin Englestead
2nd: Don Ensign
3rd: Angie Roach
Honorable Mention: Dave Bower
Honorable Mention: Jennifer Hall
Events
1st: Kamaria Griffin
2nd: Dave Bower
3rd: Matthew Klein
Honorable Mention: Paul Joos
Honorable Mention: Liz Peebles
Portraits
1st: Michael Fryer
2nd: Robyn Maldonado King
3rd: Jolie West
Honorable Mention: Liz Peebles
Honorable Mention: Jennifer hall
Sport & Leisure
1st: Amber Vest
2nd: Michael Fryer
3rd: Jennifer Hall
Honorable Mention: Jordan Kinghorn
Honorable Mention: Matthew Klein
Open
1st: Amber Vest
2nd: Ashley Kelley
3rd: Adam Brubaker
Honorable Mention: Red Leafs
Honorable Mention: Angie Roach
2015 Editor’s Picks
Bradford Huntsman
Brian Wartchow
Alan Griffin
Robyn Maldonado King
Brian Perkes
Jennifer Hall
Alexis Manning
Chris Oertel
Anna Durfee
Patricia BaucHonorable Mentionan
Ashley Kelly
Darrin Petersen
Rachelle Hendricks
Katelyn Angell
J.P. Manning
Patty Ford
Adam Brubaker
Michael Fryer