Premium Competition 2011 Q4 : Results

  • Competition Winner : First Prize
  • $4,625.00
  • Judges Comment
  • The gentle and tender feeling which is being transported so sensitively through this photograph is truly priceless. The closed eyes, fingers, hands, arms and the private emotions, captured in black and white, makes it a strong image. The chosen depth of field and the crop with two similar couples in each in their worlds is wonderful.
  • Photographers Comment
  • New York City's Central Park in July 2011. Boris, a pedicab driver, approached me to ask if I needed some help around the Park. At dusk he said "you have to see this" Magic! Tango in the Park at dusk! I am humbled by this award and I wish to thank the judges for selecting my small photo in the sea of such great talent on this contest. Harold Blum Chicago, IL Nikon D3s 140mm 2.8 ISO 1600 Adobe CS5 Silver Efex Black and White Conversion
  • Mark Of Excellence
  • Judges Comment
  • The colors and textures in this photograph, as well as being upside down and the girl not looking into the camera make this photograph a favorite. A dynamic photo, the viewer can come back and revisit over and over again, without getting bored.
  • Photographers Comment
  • My name is Heidi and I own Beach Plum Photography (www.BeachPlumPhotography.com) in NY. I took this photo with my Nikon D200 at the following settings: ISO 250, 200mm, f4.8, and a shutter speed of 1/320. My goal when photographing children is to catch true moments of childhood wonder. Please see my "Mark of Excellence" winning photo from the 2011 Q2 Premium Competition here.
  • Mark Of Excellence
  • Judges Comment
  • You might to have to look twice before an entire new dimension opens up to this photograph. Amazingly composed with all the important detailing. One of the judges favorites!
  • Photographers Comment
  • Taken during my first trip to the APPLE store in NYC. I was amazed by the zoo of people but mostly by their footprints. I felt like a spy. Post processing? Black and white in Photoshop. This photo grasps the busyness of the city in a very unique way. Thanks, Apple, for building this glass stairway to technological heaven! By Sarah Williamson
  • Mark Of Excellence
  • Judges Comment
  • A lifetime accomplishment radiate from this image and the images in the background. It appears real and almost candid, not posed, and works very well in black and white.
  • Mark Of Excellence
  • Judges Comment
  • Some questions asked in this photograph. The observer is on the outside of a space in which a loner is sitting. Open River Oasis - the title says it all. A lot of room for imagination and dreams.
  • Photographers Comment
  • I had insomnia early one morning, gave up on sleep and grabbed my camera. This diner opens early and I was able to capture the gentleman deep in thought. I went in and sat next to him and although an agreeable man, he seemed a sad sort and not one for chatting. I shot this with a Cannon EOS Rebel XS. My name is Rachel Simmons and I began taking photographs about 2 ½ years ago and I absolutely love it. I’m very honored that my photo was recognized among so many outstanding others. Thank you!
  • Mark Of Excellence
  • Judges Comment
  • This is simply a composition that works extremely well, yet is very simple and straight-forward. That it works this well in black and white is just that more convincing.
  • Photographers Comment
  • I was at a campground in Central Florida taking a walk just after dawn. I was following a pair of Dragonflies up a little creek and they lead me to this wonderful spot. Look closley, they are there. I never leave home without my Canon Rebel XTi, as beaten & battered as it is I can always count on it. Once home I switched the shot over to black & white and that was it.
  • Mark Of Excellence
  • Judges Comment
  • <p>A symbol for new life ...</p> <p>This little bird just getting ready to take off, the wings almost appearing translucent, with it's beak open. A stunning image which should not be ignored.</p>
  • Photographers Comment
  • My name is Mobower and I live in Michigan. This image was captured as our cat, Murphy was slinking up to the bird bath. Just as the bird saw the cat she crouched and I snapped the shutter. In post process I cropped the photo, desaturated it and pushed the contrast a bit. The camera used was the Canon Rebel XS, 1/800sec, f10, 300mm lens. I hope you all enjoy!
  • Mark Of Excellence
  • Judges Comment
  • The thin line of grass which runs through the concrete, diagonal in the photograph make this image special. It brakes its harmony in a well seen and executed way. Also the use of a wide angle works well. A dramatic sky gives it a special flavor. A diner which is way past its days ....
  • Photographers Comment
  • My name is Jeffrey Kennedy and I am a semi-pro photographer. For this shot I used an 18 mm lens and HDR processing to enhance the creepy, surreal feeling that I wanted project. I also wanted capture the line of grass leading up to and then surrounding the building as if it were been consumed by the foliage. I exaggerated the green color to make the plants feel extra alive. My camera is a Panasonic DMC-GF1
  • Mark Of Excellence
  • Judges Comment
  • Showing motion in a still image so well is beautiful. Not only motion - a close-up of two hands from an older person, giving a sense and feeling of creating something special in the very moment. Great color management as well!
  • Photographers Comment
  • My name is Kaye Burazin and I am so pleased that my capture was given a Mark of Excellence. Thank you I Shot It Judges. This capture i call "Artisan Hands". It was shot with my Canon 5D at the Folk Center in Mountain View Arkansas.
  • Mark Of Excellence
  • Judges Comment
  • Life meets. The colors and lines works perfect and there is love and anticipation in the air. It's a very aesthetic memory.
  • Photographers Comment
  • This is the first time I entered this contest. It's a wonderful feeling to have my photo noticed. Thank you! Monticello, FL. Canon 5D ISO 400 97mm f/6.3 1/100 sec. Adobe Photoshop CS 5.5 and Lightroom 3.5 used to enhance colors / contrast.
  • Mark Of Excellence
  • Judges Comment
  • This is a well-captured and honestly simple portrait with great light, the eyes in focus and aligning with the color of the stripes. She could be thinking anything, and that makes it timeless.
  • Photographers Comment
  • My name is Andrea Spence. I was playing around with my new 85/1.2 lens on my favorite model. I was thrilled to nail the focus here at f/1.2, right before she decided she didn't want to have her photo taken anymore that day. Taken with a Canon 5D MKII, 85/1.2L at ISO 200. Minimal post processing in Photoshop CS5. Thank you so much for the Mark of Excellence recognition amongst so many fabulous images. www.andreaspencephotography.com, www.facebook.com/andreaspencephotography