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The
Photo Contest:
"Eyes"
What is it about eyes that attracts us so?
Scientists know that we are hardwired to pick out eyes against a
complex background. This is one reason we are apt to see faces
appearing out of clouds, in rock formations and even the plaster on
the wall.
Have you ever looked into someone's eyes and had
the feeling that you could read his or her mind? The phrase "the
eyes are the windows (or mirrors) of the soul" dates back thousands
of years, and could have arisen from the importance humans give to
the eyes of others as a means of intuiting emotions or intentions.
Being able to "read someone's mind" by "reading" their eyes
certainly contributed to our ancestors' survival.
The eyes are the most direct contact we make with
people and they express our feelings most sincerely. When a baby is
born, one of the first things she recognizes and enjoys focusing on
is the human face! Part of what is so compelling is the eyes.
Our relationship with others is greatly tied to
how we read their eyes. Not only does this apply to our relationship
with other people, but animals as well. Have your ever watched an
animal's eyes and known that there was intelligence behind them? We
often also communicate with our animals with our eyes. Sometimes our
eye contact with an animal communicates something different than
what we intend, as when we make eye contact with a strange dog.
The collections of eyes we assembled from this
contest's entrants demonstrate just how powerful the eyes are. The
eyes of a baby or small child can engender love or a smile. The eyes
of certain animals can haunt us, amuse us or give a sense of
connection.
And sometimes even in a photograph eyes can convey
a range of emotions that may not even be expressible through written
or spoken language, and we find ourselves drawn back time and again
to that image.
We chose Hannah Boettcher's self-portrait,
"Through My Eyes", as the grand prize winner. I liked the
composition and the lighting. The eye peering out of under the
blanket immediately catches our attention. Rendering the photo a
black and white also adds impact to the image.
Boettcher wins
the
Shuttermom Gold Package from
shuttermom.com,
ACDSee
Pro
by ACDSystems, and
Power Retouche
Photoshop plug-ins for high quality photo editing, retouching and
image editing.
Our Runner-up goes to
Joe Bellantoni's, image of the eyes of an owl. The stark
contrast in colors and texture makes the eyes so prominent and hold
our own gaze as it peers into ours.
Bellatoni
will receive a
copy of
ACDSeePro by ACDSystems.
Congratulations to the Honorable Mentions in this
contest. All of the images made clear statements about the nature of
fatherhood, and were excellent photographs as well.
Before sending in
your images, please be sure to read over the submission
guidelines at:
http://www.apogeephoto.com/contest.shtml
We received many images this contest that were sent in the wrong
format, that were too small, or attached incorrectly to your email.
Remember, also your images must be sent via email. We will not
accept photos sent by regular mail.
Thanks again to
shuttermom.com,
ACDSystems,
Power Retouche Photoshop plugins. Please make sure to visit
them online.
Click on each image
to see larger version.
All images copyrighted
by the individual photographers. All Rights Reserved. These images
are for your viewing pleasure only and not to be downloaded for any
other purpose.
Click Here to
find out about our next contests.
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Grand Prize Winner
"Self-Portrait: Through My Eyes"
Hannah Boettcher
East Lyme, Connecticut
USA
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First Runner-up:
"Eyes"
Joe Bellantoni
Mahopac, New York
USA
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Honorable Mention:
"Many Birds"
Stephanie Luke
Cottonwood,
California
USA
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Honorable Mention:
"Friendly
Stare"
Ellie Kaul
McIntosh, Florida
USA
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Honorable Mention:
"Wink"
Bob Gates
Jamesville, New York
USA |
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Honorable Mention:
"Eye Contact"
Myra Trelenberg
Burnaby, B.C.,
Canada
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Honorable Mention:
"Untitled"
Sandra Considine
USA |
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Honorable Mention:
"Untitled"
Vicki Harrison
Jay, Florida
USA
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