I Was the Photo Contest Judge/Part II; My Picks and Why
The contest images were sent to me on CD less than a week before the June 15 program in Connecticut. I had fun doing the judging. There were no cries for me to be lynched when the results were announced at the end of the seminar. Below are my picks for the Bird section of the contest.
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The first time that I went through the images I knew that this was both my winner in the Birds category and the overall grand prize winner; for me it was the no-brainer choice. I loved the soft light and the intense stare. If it were mine, I would have cropped just a bit from below and behind to get the bird back in the frame. This Short-eared Owl image was created at Sachuest Point NWR, Middletown, RI by Bob MacDonnell. As it turns out, I have photographed with Bob more than a decade ago at Jamaica Bay WR in Queens, NY. Bob was thrilled to receive the Sandhill Crane Canvas Print that I donated as the Grand Prize. The image was created with the hand held Canon 500mm f/4L IS lens, the 1.4X III TC, and the EOS-1D Mark IV. |
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I chose this image as the runner-up photograph for its soft colors and light, its sharpness, and the elegant composition. This flamingo photo was created near Disney World, Orlando, FL by Drea Koval with the with the hand held Tamron 18-270mm lens (for Canon) hand held with the Canon EOS-40D. With gear that many folks would sneer at Drea created images that were awarded 3 of the 12 top slots. My hat is off to her. She has a great eye. (Not to mention that her bullfrog in the Nature section was by far the people’s choice.) |
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Choosing the third place image was a difficult task. I finally went with the Great Blue Heron that was photographed by Rene LaFleche at Bear Hole Reservoir in West Springfield, MA. I loved the soft light, the sharpness, and the wing position. If it were mine, I would have eliminated the tree altogether. This image was created with the tripod-mounted Canon 500mm f/4L IS lens, the 1.4X III TC, and the EOS-1D Mark IV: Gitzo GT3530LS Tripod with the Mongoose M3.6 Tripod Head. |
Congrats again to all three of the Connecticut Seminar Photo Contest winners.
Three (More) Winners!
Alan Lillich, who posted my three choices in the right order on June 9, 2011 at 10:50 am should have won a $10 discount certificate good at the BAA On-Line Store but since two folks went with his and my picks I decided to award a $20 discount certificate to Alan and two additional $10 discount certificates to Ajit K Huilgol (June 10, 2011 at 11:37 pm) and to Kitty Kono (June 12, 2011 at 10:05 pm). The discount certificate winners are asked to call in their orders and speak to Jim. Congrats to each of you.
Alan and wife Pat joined me this past January on the San Diego IPT; a great time was had by all. Hey you two, here is some more good news: I will be doing a Morro Bay, CA IPT: April 2-4, 2012: $1499, right after the Festival.
I am glad I, too, picked the winners! Glad that I am starting to think like you, Artie!
All great shots, not to take away from the beautiful short-eared owl, but I would have picked the flamingo 1st – stunning eyes. Congrats to all wonderful the wonderful winners.
I agree. Beautiful choices. I would have eliminated the tree also.