Sponsored by Perfect Light Camera & Supply and Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center, the magazine’s second annual photo contest has delivered a number of surprises. Many of them were in the Nature category, which included depictions of everything from rainbows to flying porcupines. The images shown here are actually just a sliver of the total entries in this division. We're starting off our series with a handful of photos under the heading of "Waters."
Enjoy.
PHOTO CREDITS
(In order of appearance...)
Deanna Green
Mike Hargis
Cliff Howell
Liz Peebles
Dana Mallard
Todd Wightman
Jaimelee Poole
Aubrey Noelle
Kimberly Clark
Lucas Freiburg
Doug Halford
Tim Black
Brian Perkes
Kristy Allredge
Mark Hargis
Brian Perkes
Teneal Wright
Michael P. Johnston
Sterling Merrill
Not only did the caliber of photographs increase over last year, but for 2011 we were also blown away by the number of participants. In 2010 we tallied up about 600 images for review. This year the total grew to 821, and that included a new rule limiting entries to three images per category!
We were also fortunate to have another great panel of photography professionals to judge the entries. Renowned action-sports photojournalist Kort Duce returned this year, and was joined by visual arts Guru Sandon Wixom and accomplished stock-image creator Kriss Russell. Editor Steve Smede also chimed in with his favorite picks in each division.
From the original pool of images, about 300 were selected for a day of detailed assessment. Photos were rated on a point system that reflected different areas of criteria, such as composition, lighting, overall impact and other hallmark traits of what makes an exceptional image.
All of the photos you see here will be going on display in mid March at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center. We will also be showcasing selected entries from each category via slideshows at www.idahofallsmagazine.com. (Tip: While you're online, sign up for our I.F. Weekender electronic newsletter so you'll know exactly when each succeeding slideshow goes live.)
Special thanks to EIRMC and Perfect Light for their key sponsorship and to our panel of judges. Most of all, thanks to all the contestants. We look forward to seeing more of your submissions in the years to come.
This year's grand prize goes to Steve Clark for his captivating portrait of a local youngster, which has landed him a spanking brand new Nikon DSLR D3100 kit valued at nearly $1000. Nice shot, Steve!
In addition to the DSLR grand prize, Perfect Light also upped its prize offerings for first overall runner-up (a professional Canon photo printer) and second overall runner-up (a deluxe camera backpack).
The top three finishers in each category earned a cash prize ($75 first, $50 second and $25 third) as well as a free photography class at Perfect Light.
GRAND PRIZE WINNERS
Overall 1st: Steve Clark
Overall 2nd: Jennifer Hall
Overall 3rd: Kendan Solomon
CATEGORY RESULTS
(First Place $75, Second $50 and Third $25)
EVENTS:
First Place: McKenzie Taggart
Second Place: Caitlyn Nalder
Third Place: Damon Simpkinson
Editor's Pick: Jason Miller
Honorable Mention: Laura Pollman
NATURE:
First Place: Jennifer Hall
Second Place: Justin Schwabedissen
Third Place: Deanna Green
Editor's Pick: Justin Schwabedissen
Honorable Mention: Doug Halford
OPEN
First Place: Kendan Solomon
Second Place: Scott Moss
Third Place: Laura Pollman
Editor's Pick: Julie Reed
Honorable Mention: Scott Moss
PORTRAITS
First Place: Steve Clark
Second Place: Nicole Klingler
Third Place: Mallory Kappmeyer
Editor's Pick: Amber Vest
Honorable Mention: Olivia Hicks
LEISURE & SPORTS
First Place: Nicole Klingler
Second Place: Caitlyn Nalder
Third Place: Caitlyn Nalder
Editor's Pick: Paul Stembridge
Honorable Mention: Paul Stembridge
