| Contest Impressions |
-I have to applaud the entrants on their sensitivity, their eye for beauty and composition
and their expertise in manipulating light, both before and after exposure...not to mention
some of the terrific technical skills we all witnessed.
-It's important to note that the winners of each category did not represent any one judge's
personal opinion, but rather achieved its placing through numerical scoring based on the
judging criteria.
-Many entries would have placed better if they had been cropped, color or density corrected, entered in another category or had used a lighter touch
with PhotoShop and other technical display issues. But, overall, Photography Contests help us further explore and develop our photographic skills.
-Above all, though, it's the seeing that makes the picture, whether at the instant of
exposure or in the editing process. This is what photography is all about: sharing
how we see horses. There were many different ways of seeing in this contest, each
one of them shows that horses are just as complex as the people who love them.
-My own views were so profoundly affected by the amount of talent that I saw
and I feel very enriched in my own life. I sometimes think that there are very
few really skilled equine photographers, but seeing this type of talent comforts
me that the world of horses and riders have much to look forward to.
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| Judge and Contest Administration Staff Favorites |
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Drive On
Sharon P. Fibelkorn-- Judge
www.sharonfibelkorn.com
In an ocean of lovely as well as creative equine images, my personal favorite was Drive On. It has a wonderful, delicate feel to it and I enjoyed the slight hint of coloring mingled with the stunning contrast of black and white. This is an image I would love to hang in my collection, as the feeling conveyed in it just moves me every time I view it.
It was a pleasure to judge a contest with so many great images.
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White and Black
Susan Sexton-Judge
www.susansexton.com
..... of all the beauty in this contest, this one speaks the loudest to me. If I had this hanging on my living room wall, I couldn't walk past it without at least one glance at it every single day, even over the next fifty years.
Many thanks to all of you for daring to show your vision; it's warmly appreciated by all. We'll look forward to seeing more next year. I can hardly wait!
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Wild Horse Rain Storm
Darlene Wohlart-Judge
www.equinephotography.com
The perspective, cropping, colors and mood give me a feeling of intruding on a scene few of us will ever witness; a wild horse in its element. It speaks to the soul of all who love horses. Viewing this photo full screen size allows the impact of the image to be fully appreciated. With 294 points, it garnered the highest combined scoring image in the contest,
I would like to thank the many photographers who submitted images to our first contest. You made our job of judging a welcomed challenge.
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Horse Power Blur
Carien Schippers -- Equine Photographers' Network Founder
www.imagequine.com
This is a really striking image, shows great use of color and conveys a sense of power and motion as well as showing great expression in the woman's face. I also have an appreciation for the technical difficulty from the photographer's standpoint. I would love to have a large version of this on my wall for inspiration. This is the type of image that combines all the elements that make a great photograph and will stand the test of time. Great job!
It was a great pleasure to view the images as they came in from all over the world, the variety and diversity of the work was a great inspiration and motivated me to continue to find new ways to see and photograph the horse. Thanks to all who entered, I am already looking forward to the next Equine Photo Contest!
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Sisters
Laura Cotterman - Contest Application Developer
www.piedmontwebdevelopment.com
My favorite is Sisters, a combination of incredible skill and being in the right place at the right time.
I am in awe of the photographer's mastery of the medium to be able to capture this image in the
brief moment it must have occurred. Every detail of the content adds to the beautiful composition
from the concrete trough to the horse's liquid eyes. The lighting, exposure and technicals are
perfect for the subject and the range of the grays from highlights to shadows span the gamut.
I have built many web applications and have never seen a better executed or received initial
offering. It speaks volumes about the opportunities and appetite for equine photography. It has been
inspiring and educational to view the images and work with such a knowledgeable and friendly group.
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Mini Kong
Rebecca Baucus- Contest Organizer
www.rebeccabaucus.com
Talk about impact! This image combines current images with nostalgic design and a healthy dose of humor. It's one I showed my family when the contest entry came in and certainly captured my attention. I was impressed with the creativity shown as well as the detail of elements. I appreciate it even more as it's an entry by a fellow network member and friend in my area. Cool stuff, Heather!
I was impressed and encouraged for the future of equine photography by the support and excitement
generated by this contest. I am certain I can speak for all involved in presenting this contest that it was an enlightening creative experience that must be offered again!
Please send your suggestions and comments about this contest or future contests to info@equinephotocontest.com .
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