Apogee Photo Magazine: Photo Contest & Winter Photo Winners

Winter means snow to many people and did we get photos of the snow! Many sent in images of snow where the subject was snow for snow's sake. In other words, it was just snow without any focus or composition. In this contest, the winners were chosen on the basis of the theme, "Winter", but, just as importantly, their attention to the basics of photography. Did it have good composition? Did it have a focus? Was it exposed correctly? Was it an image that appeals to the eye?

This was the hardest contest in a while to pick a winner. The final eight images were weighed on the basis of composition and artistic quality. As we narrowed it down to the final two, the images were so close based upon our criteria, that we really had to start analyzing the photos for what made one better than another. And because there is more than one of us doing the judging, there was an advocate for each as to why they were the best. I think that any student of photography would have enjoyed the arguments back and forth as to why one was better than the other, and the explanation of the weaknesses of each. This has not happened in prior contests, that the winners were so close as to provoke the kind of discussion that occurred here. That is why we have decided to tell you this time what we liked about these outstanding images, as well as some of the areas that would have made an outstanding image into an extraordinary one.

So, as Grand Prize winner we chose John Stier's image of the red telephone booth. His use of color drew immediate attention to the photo. Also, there was the juxtaposition of man-made shapes against the shapes of nature, as well as the colors of nature and against those chosen by man. The shape of the gnarled tree is dramatized by the layer of snow that accentuates the twisted shapes. The way the falling snow was captured added atmosphere to the scene. There was the repetition of shapes making the photo works on so many levels.

The one criticism was that it could have been cropped better. By bringing the right side in to meet the right edge of the telephone booth, the image becomes even stronger. Now with every object in the image, closure is in effect. This is the concept that comes from Gestalt theory that says that our eyes, recognizing a shape, will try to complete that shape. This is a very powerful tool in creating an image, because it engages the viewer and creates interest, clear down to the subconscious level. Also, by doing that, there is a clear diagonal force that draws us through the photo and creates a very satisfying balance.

As first runner-up, we chose Michael Roland's, "Winter Cafe." There are several things that keep the eye engaged in this image. First, there is the repetition of pattern and texture. Look how the patterns and textures of the metal on the back of chairs echo the pattern and textures of the painted buildings behind them. Also, look how the texture and shape of the snow on the metal furniture is repeated in the painted clouds of the background.

In Stier's photo, we have a juxtaposition of the natural and the man-made. In this image, except for the snow, it is all man-made. But there is still a clever juxtaposition. At first glance, we think we see a repeat in the pattern of the chairs and the building behind. Indeed, there is perspective in play, where objects appear to be different sizes, both in the buildings and the chairs. But then, it suddenly occurs to us how the furniture is different from the buildings. The buildings are strongly masculine in shape, that is, up-thrusting and phallic-like. There is also the hard angles and lines that are also very masculine. But look how different the chairs and tables are. These have rounded lines and curves. Except for the level surface of the table top, there is hardly a straight line to be found. These feminine shapes, then, are in sharp contrast to the masculine ones behind. This play between the masculine and the feminine, as well as the repetition of pattern and textures, keeps the viewer's eyes engaged, looking for new similarities and differences.

The one weakness that one of the judges found was the same problem as Stier's: that of cropping. She was disturbed by that little bit of a building or wall on the right hand side of the picture that seemingly doesn't belong. It interrupts the flow of our eyes along the artificial sky-line. And because it is moderately light it continues to catch one's eye, distracting us from the real stuff going on in the image.

The first honorable mention was Win van Es's, "Wires." This image was truly unique amongst the other entries. Its emphasis on the minute details makes it stand out.

All of our honorable mentions represent the very best from all of the entries. Everyone of these photographers should be proud of these images.

	Grand Prize Winner "Oslo Snow-a-phone" John Stier Laurel, Maryland
	First Runner-up: "Winter Cafe" Michael Rolands Indianola, Iowa
	Honorable Mention: "Wire" Wim van Es The Netherlands
	Honorable Mention: "A Park Bench" Victor Sirvent Caracas, Venezuela
	Honorable Mention: "Umbrella” Richard Esposito Boston, Massachusetts
	Honorable Mention: "Winter on Boulder Creek" Jerry Bargar Lafayette, Colorado
	Honorable Mention: "Swings" Balazs Dibuz Palatine, Illinois
	Honorable Mention: "Untitled" Andy Hoets Allentown, Pennsylvania

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