The Photo Contest: "Furry Friends"

What a delight it was to see all of the fine photos of our "furry friends!"

"He Sleeps", by Tammy McAllister, wins our Grand Prize. What made it stand out among the others entries was a combination of fine composition, lighting and subject matter. In regard to composition, the position of the puppy along the edge of the frame utilizes the concept of closure to hook and engage our minds and draws us to the subject. Complimenting or contrasting to the silky smooth fur is the weathered, old plywood. Both its color and texture helps frame and accentuate the perception of the softness and warmth of the puppy. The lighting here is superb. It could have been done in the studio, but just as easily could be soft, filtered light from a window on a late afternoon. It adds to the warmth and peacefulness of the picture. McAllister wins a copy of ACDSee 7.0 by ACDSystems; Power Retouche Photoshop plug-ins for high quality photo editing, retouching and image editing; and Photoshop Elements 3 for Beginners DVD, compliments of Scott Kelby and KW Media Group.

Jill Burhans untitled image wins the first runner up position. It shows an excellent use of simple black and white to evoke emotion. Again the composition and lighting are striking. They draw us into the picture and help create an atmosphere and a little mystery. Burhans wins a copy of Compupic Pro from Photodex Corporation.

In third place was Bob Garas's fanciful image of the mouse. The lighting is simply done and the composition is excellent. It also combines contrasting subjects, shapes, colors and textures which, as a technique, serves to keep the mind and eye interested. The use of lines within the image further helps define the image. Lastly, because we don't associate mice with violins, this serves to catch our attention and, perhaps, cause a little smile. Garas wins a one-year subscription from Photo Techniques Magazine and a one year subscription to The Art List.

Congratulations to the Honorable Mentions in this contest. Your images were also well appreciated.

Before sending in your images, please be sure to read over the submission guidelines at: http://www.apogeephoto.com/contest.shtml

Thanks again to Power Retouche Photoshop plugins, PhotoTechniques and Photodex Corporation. 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 be downloaded for any other purpose.

Click Here to find out about our next contests.

	Grand Prize Winner "He Sleeps"  Tammy McAllister Woodstock, Ontario Canada
	First Runner-up: "Untitled” Jill Burhans Madison, Alabama
	Second Runner-up: "Violin Mouse" Bob Garas Clermont, Florida
	Honorable Mention: "Untitled" Anupam Pal State College, Pennsylvania
	Honorable Mention: "Untitled" Dorota Roczniewska Gdynia, Poland
	Honorable Mention: "Loving Eyes" Troy Snow Kanab, Utah
	Honorable Mention: "Caterpillar" Sarah Hauser Dallas, Texas
	Honorable Mention: "Angus and Dino" Gene Sticco Houston, Texas

 Please visit the sponsors of the Apogee Photo Magazine Bi-Monthly Contest by clicking on the banners below.