Here we go friends! This is where it gets crazy!
Below are the beautiful, amazing, inspiring Top Five Finalists for the Vacation Aperture Photo Contest! Blog readers were not only asked to submit a Vacation themed photo, but they were also asked to integrate Aperture into their image. Buttery, blurry backgrounds or foregrounds. To see a couple Honorable Mention images that demonstrate what Aperture is, check out today’s earlier post!
Win a CAMERA! Yes, you heard me!
We are taking our voting to the NEXT level this week! If we get 750 plus votes, yes 750 by this Friday at midnight, we get to give one of the Random Voters a hip, new, Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W170 camera!
Can you believe that?! I’m so pumped! But that means you’ve got to tell ALL your friends, family, even wake up Grannie, and get them to post their vote in TODAY’s comments! I know this contest is going to get crazy real fast with the voting, so we are going to close the voting this Friday, August 14th, at midnight PST. That means you have from now until midnight on Friday to vote!
How do you vote? See the FAQ below! (It’s super easy.)
But without further delay, I’d like to introduce you to the TOP FIVE FINALISTS for the Vacation Aperture photo contest! Notice how they used Aperture to tell their stories!
1. Fourth of July at the Stadium! by Jennie in Provo, Utah.
This image jumped out at me. It has this wonderful editorial feel to it. Jennie was able to frame the boys in such a way that helps us feel like we’re standing right in front of these guys. I have to ask Jennie, did you shoot this image with a wide angle lens b/c I can’t believe the immediate feel this image carries. You did an incredible job! AND, your use of aperture to tell the story is FANTASTIC. You could have just focused on your boy’s face and his face painting, framed tight, and left out all the surroundings. But the atmosphere of people in the stands, blurred, and going as far back as we can see, adds so much UMPH to the storytelling in this image. This is NOT a snapshot! This is a story! I also love the blue sky, and how it ties in with all the shades of blue on the boys’ faces, necklaces and teeshirts. Incredible image Jennie! Thank you so much for submitting! (Have you seen Jennie’s blog? Check it out!)
2. Fishing Break! by Liza in Key West, Florida.
Liza, this image is timeless. The decision to focus on the rocks in the foreground and let your son be a soft, blur in the background is incredibly moving. You’ve done a powerful thing with this image. You’ve given us a sense of volume. Think about that! To create volume with the one dimensional image as if it was a three dimension story is AMAZING. I feel like the volume of this image is quiet and peaceful. I hear the soft sounds of water and the subtle breeze. I hear it because of your decision to blur your son and not have everything in sharp focus. I also love the blue hues to this image. I think the blues accentuate the quiet feel even more. Liza, thank you for sharing a precious moment in your family vacation. (Be sure to check out Liza’s blog!)
3. Afternoon Getaway Vacation! by Carol Ann.
Take a good look at this image, it is HILARIOUS! Talk about using Aperture to tell a STORY! Carol Ann focused on the sign “Best User Age: 2 to 5 years of age”, and then let her husband blur in the background. Carol Ann, you did an AMAZING job! Your use of Aperture, blurring the background so we see just enough of your crazy husband going do the slide, is perfect! If you had shot this image in Auto mode, we would have lost a lot of the humor in the image. With your husband sharp in the background, just like the sign, it would have felt more like a snapshot vs. a story…or better said “a comedy”. Thank you for submitting this image (thank your husband too)! Thanks for giving us a great example of how blurred action in the background can draw out the humor in a story! (Be sure to check out Carol Ann’s Design and Photography website!)
4. Welcoming Grandma and Grandpa! by Jennifer.
After I narrowed down the submissions to the Five Finalists, I went back and read the notes people included. In Jennifer’s note, she said that she was deciding to not hide her photography anymore but take a risk and share it. And wow, I’m so glad she is sharing! Doesn’t this image take your breath away?! There is so much emotion in this single image. Who ever said photography was one dimensional…well, they never saw these Finalists! Can you just feel the excitement and energy pouring out of her daughter? And the use of Aperture makes this story pop! By choosing to blur the background (which is the arriving plane and trees), we subconsciously know that our focus is the little girl and her experience of this moment. And to tell you the truth, even though the plane is blurred–the presence of the plane becomes that much stronger b/c I know the story is about this little girl. Incredible job Jennifer! I’m so excited to see what else you share with the world! (Jennifer, if you have a blog or website, please share!!)
5. Escaping the Heat in the Good Old Tent! by Linnea while camping at Lake Mayfield.
Does anyone else feel the temperature in the room rise when they see this picture? The red tones are perfect for an image that is all about escaping the summer’s heat. And what a moment of expression Linnea caught on her son’s face. I have a couple things to say about this image. One, I LOVE how she cropped half of her son’s face out of the image. This choice made the image jump out at me. When Brian and I are shooting, we are often thinking “Less is More”. The expression in the boy’s single eye is enough to fill the whole frame. Good for you Linnea, way to try something different. I love how it turned out. The use of aperture is also wonderful in this image. I love how we see baby sister blurred in the background. We know she is there, and her facial expression is pretty powerful. But the focus is on big brother. It’s as if he is looking for a break from his sister and pulling away for a moment. The last thing I love about this image is the tight framing. A tent is close, tight quarters. I love how Linnea decided to frame in tight b/c it accentuates the close quarters that much more. Wonderful job Linnea! Thank you so much for sharing! (Learn more about Linnea!)
There it is! The Fabulous Five Finalists! Didn’t I tell you they were AMAZING!
Whoever gets the most votes will win their choice of three prizes!
And all of you, plus the winners, have the opportunity to win a Sony Cyber-shot Camera! All you have to do is post a comment and vote for your favorite finalist. Leave a few words about why they were your favorite, and you are entered into the Sony Cyber-shot Camera drawing!
Let’s go! 750 vote goal, HERE WE COME!
FAQ
FAQ #1: How do you vote?
Answer: Just click on the pink word “Comments” at the end of this blog post. Put the # of photo your voting for first (it makes counting the votes way faster), and then add a few words about why you like their image the most. Remember, your comments and feedback give to the Five Finalists more than any prize from us. Please be kind, encouraging, and share all that you can with these wonderful Five Finalists! Your feedback on their images is priceless! That’s why we do the Random Voter Awards, because we appreciate your voting and feedback so much. So spread the word to family and friends! And ask them to vote! We need 750 VOTES to give this camera away!
(Please vote one time for one image. Thanks!)
FAQ #2: Is there a new Photo Contest happening right now? And when is the Deadline?
Answer: After we announce the Winners for this contest, we’ll start a new one! Start thinking of a new theme! I love your ideas!
FAQ #3: What are the prizes for the Random Voters and the Finalist?
Answer: Scroll on down!!
Prizes for the Winning Finalist and the Random Voter Winners!
In the last couple of contests, we’ve broken our record for votes received! You all spread the word, and the votes came rolling in! If we clear 750 votes on this contest, we are going to pick a Random Voter (not necessarily #750, but a RANDOM Voter) to win the Sony Cyber-shot camera!!!
And then we’ll keep going and pick one more Random Voters to win a $25 customized, cool looking Starbucks card! So that’s one Random Winner of a new, slick Sony Cyber-shot camera, and one MORE random winner of $25 customized Starbucks cards, if we clear 750!
Deadline for all voting is this Friday night, 5 days from now, 8/14, at midnight PST!! That means we have to clear 750 votes by that time for two Random Voters to be picked and win a Sony Cybershot Camera!
Prize for being the Winner of the Five Finalists!!!
Now what about the finalist’s prize! What will they get? Well first, each finalist should vote too so they get a fair shot of winning the Sony Cyber-shot camera!
Great question! The finalist will get their choice of one of our 101 Kits or the downloadable version of our Refuse to Say Cheese/Beyond the Green Box DVD series. And then, and THEN they also get to choose between one of two MORE things!
1. Their own copy of Adobe’s Lightroom 2.0 Software!
2. Or a copy of the newly released DVD “See the Light” by Carlos Baez! Watch the trailer by clicking the title. Carlos is not only a dear friend, but he is also a PHENOMENAL photographer who has years experience in the fashion and wedding industry and is now sharing his knowledge on lighting with the wedding and portrait world. This guy is loaded with tips and strategies on lighting. We just got our own copy of his DVD, and I can’t wait to watch it. Carlos is a master with lighting, and on top of that he has a HUGE heart for teaching people. Just watching him work with his clients is amazing. Your business can’t help but go to the next level with this new DVD. Check out his blog! To purchase Carlos’s new DVD, check out the Photography Mentor store. Retail Price for “See the Light” is $175!
So get all your friends and family to jump on here and vote before Friday at midnight!
Enjoy! VOTE AWAY!!!
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For more fun photo exercises, check out our Award Winning, Instructional DVDs Refuse to Say Cheese , our 101 Kits for starting or expanding a business in photography , click on the words of your choice!
#3
Here we go! I can totally see this as something my husband (a total kid at heart would do). It’s a great use of apeture to tell a story. Wonderful job on composition too, I love the way the slide draws your eye down the image. Truely storytelling here!
#3 because it’s just so fun and I love the sign. I’ve never seen such a sign before and the wording is rather interesting. Though I also love the color of #2 and the serenity of #4. Really hard to pick.
4
so timeless, I love it
#2 – This image and the colors just jump out at me! I love the crispness of the splash and the story it tells. Great job.
Hard. They are all so good. #4 is my fav.
#4, because it reminds why I get teary in airports – I always remember how overjoyed I’d be to see my grandparents arrive in the terminal and then later, how heartbroken I was, watching them leaving after the visit
#5 – love it!
I vote for #2. Maybe it’s b/c I have a little boy of my own, but I just love this shot. The whole thing. Great shot.
My next fave is #4. Just seems so timeless. Wonderful capture.
The others were wonderful as well. I love the sky in #1. I love the story in #3. And #5 definitely says HOT! All great shots.
Thanks for the wonderful contest Me Ra!
#4
love them all, but my vote is for #4. something about it just gripped me to wonder what was going through the child’s mind, say hello? or saying goodbye?
#4 !
I remember that feeling growing up, waiting for Dad to come home from the airport or waiting at the gate for him. Now, as a pilot and as a mother, I see so much of my life and my family in this photo. I love that the plane is blurred out and that there is NOTHING ELSE on the ramp. I think if there had been other planes in the shot, the feeling of the picture would have been totally different. Between that and the black and white tones, it’s such a QUIET, private moment for that little girl.
And what an adventure, to go to the airport and watch Grandma & Grandpa land their plane. It’s so special.
Great job! ♥
The votes are all across the board already! That’s great! Didn’t I tell you these were AMAZING! Hooray for the Finalists!
Holy smokes! Do I feel silly for even attempting to enter this contest. They are all so good. I’m going to have to vote for #3 though. I laughed so hard (out loud). Truly fabulous. All of them really!
#1
not JUST because jennie is my BFF from college… but because this image took my breath away when I saw it on jennie’s 4th of july post on her blog. the colors, the blur, the boys’ faces, all of it. it is amazing.
#5!!
I love the way the child’s eye looks directly into the lens and the rosy cheeks are all too telling of the heat of summer. Great Composition!
I’m having a hard time choosing because they’re all so great. But since I have to pick one, I’ll go for number 4 – it’s timeless, intimate, and tells a story…
#4 – beautiful.
I really like 2 and 4, but I think I my vote has to go for #4
#5 all the way!
I don’t know any of the back story, but I don’t need it. The image itself feels warm and sweaty, sunburned and hazy. Summer as a child. Perfect.
#3
I love this photo. It made me belly laugh out loud when I saw it. It’s a great photo in itself and also a humorous story. I love it!
#5. Stunning photo. Gorgeous!
i’m having a hard time voting – i like both #1 and #4. i think i’m going to go with #1 because of the beautiful color and the editoral feel to it – it just grabs you!
#3! I LOVE this photo!
#3 is really fun, but #4 has my vote. It’s beautiful, inspiring, and emotional.
#2 – it reminds me of my summer
#2 is my vote
it really jumped out for me.. i feel like im there.
congrats to the finalist.. love the pics!!!!
4. All of the finalists (and honorable mentions from yesterday) did such a great job! I liked 4 best because I felt it conveyed the vacation theme very well, it looks so timeless in B&W, the girl looks so tiny and I just know in a few years they’ll look back and marvel at how small she was then. Great shot!
#2, what a great photo. I love the angle and the use of a low aperture to blur out the fisherman. It is just enough to really tell the story!
#5- Love the framing that captures the hot, enclosed feel of being in that tent!
#5 – This photo captures something very sweet and familiar about summer vacations. Nice job.
#5 My son is just learning how to pester his little sister…I get these “looks” all the time! Love it Linnea!!!
#4 – hands down!!! jennifer, NEVER hide your photography again! this image is absolutely breathtaking and amazing! congrats to you!
#4
love the photo and the story!
I love number 4. It is timeless. It could be your grandma as a child or your daughter.
My vote is for #4. It is timeless. It looks like it could have been taken yesterday or 30 years ago. It reminds me of our vacation this summer. It was the national asperagus festival. They had the airport open and we watched the little planes takeoff and land for hours.
#2. I love how she focused on the rock and not her son. So much more powerful picture this way.
#5 all the way! love it.
#4 is perfect!!!
They are all so great! But I have to go with #4.
Linnea!
#5 I love it!
#4 – I think this is from the Seattle workshop in June 2009 – Jen C. right?
I love the image and I think she should totally go for it! Obviously she has talent.
#3 is my silly husband (and I love him even more for it), but I have to go with #2. Just lovely!
#2
Love the focus being on the rock, the whole composition evokes great emotion!
#4- I love the feeling of the photo. Can’t believe she has hidden her talents! Show’em off girl – your great!
#4 I love how an image can be so simple, but at the same time say so much. It is all about the little girl and how she feels about the arriving aircraft. The ways she twirls her hair gives the image emotion. #2 also stole my heart, it is an image that I see my own little boy in!
#3. So Funny! Love Love Love it! Great story!!!
All of these photos are amazing! I wish I could vote for each of them.
My vote goes to #4.
Off to twitter the contest…
#4..it is just perfect. So glad you decided to share your photography!
4
i love everything about it!
Carol Ann definitely captured comedy….
My vote is for #3
#4
i love the excited/nervousness just waiting to bubble up + take over her as she anticipates the arrival!
My vote is for #5!!!!
#4 This is a cool picture. I hope it wins
#5
It’s not only aesthetically pleasing with the colors and composition but the boy’s face shows so much emotion!
congratulations to all the finalists! i pick #4…it’s fantastic…i would hang it up on my wall. great job!
I totally love image #2. It reminds me of our own summer vacations in the upper peninsula of Michigan. The soft waves, quiet activity, and vibrant colors took me right back to that favorite spot of mine. It’s like a mini-vacation just looking at it! 🙂
#3 This one tells a clear story. No caption is needed. My next favorite is #4 for its beauty.
Maybe it’s my love for the big sky, fishing or just the great outdoors…I don’t know; but I do know I love #2 and the story I can see in it. They were all amazing, but my vote is for #2. 🙂
#4!! This is such a beautiful image. I love the way she shot it and I love that she converted it to black and white. She definitely shouldn’t hide her photography. Hope she wins!
~Candace
P.S. Each image was wonderful to look at. Great work everyone!
#3 is fabulous and hilarious… but I have to go with #4!!!!
I LOVE it!!! Awesome!
#5 awesome photo!
#2
Very cool. Most difficult to compose, no question – and the most difficult to get right in terms of DOF. Lovely results.
Mera, You do an incredible job of choosing finalists…the top 5 always take my breath away…I can’t imagine how you go through them all and choose, nevertheless, I LOVE your choices…
I think this contest is the hardest for me to choose though…I like little things about each one…#1 tells such a story #2 just makes you want to stare at it all day #3 makes me laugh out loud #4 makes me cry and #5 gets me all hot and sticky!!
My choice this time is #2 though…it’s one I want to enlarge and put on my wall it’s just sooooo beautiful!
Good luck to you all!!!
#3
I LOVE this picture. It really does show a whole story. It shows a young at heart, playful husband. It captures humor perfectly.
#3.
makes me smile and vacations totally bring out the kid in me.
#3
Love it. That is so something my hubby would do too.
All of these shots are great, but my vote goes to #2.
# 4
This photo is awesome! It is so timeless. I definitely love that it is B&W.
#3 all the way! Shows anytime can be a vacation–love it!
#2 love the composition
#4! I love it! You can sense the excitement from the little girl watching our grandparents arive even without seeing her face!
4
Brought forth so much emotion for me. Remembering the exciting of see my grandparents. I could feel it in the little girl. Great composition too!
#4 – classic, timeless, beautiful!
#3 – That kid is in hog heaven.
#2 looks like I need a vacation. I meant number 2
Ooooh they’re all fab – but #4 grabbed me right away! Timeless, classic, emotional. LOVE it.
#2. Love the angle, the colors, all of it!
#2 has my vote. I have boys and cannot wait to take them fishing. It just goes to show that you child doesn’t have to be the center of focus in the picture and it is just beautiful and tells a great story.
I adore the quiet intensity of #1, but I’m going to vote for #4 — the giddy anticipation makes me teary!
#2 gets my vote. I’m drawn in by the blue hues and peacefulness of the photograph. I love the composition, feels like I’m submerged in that water!
#2
What a great photo. I love how the focus is on the water, and the boy is blurry in the background. This portrait is something that I would buy and hang in my house. It really is a beautiful picture!
Number two. I think the colors are beautiful and I can imagine hanging it in my home. it holds many stories.
#2
Beautiful picture!
I about screamed with excitement when I saw the results. Thank you Mera! This is the exact boost I needed. I was starting to doubt myself, but this reminded me that I need to trust my eye and my instincts.
Thank for those who are voting and your words of encouragement. They mean more than you can ever imagine.
Each photo is amazing. I love the wonderment and anticipation in the boys eyes of number one, the colors and focus of number 2, the hilarity of number 3 and the emotion of number 4.
I feel silly voting for my own photo, so I choose #2!
#2! Love the color, the water splashing, the boy just being a boy! Even though he is blurred it’s still about him and the water being in focus enhances it all!
#2 I love the blue, tilt and just all of it.
#4!!!!!!
Oh Jennifer, your image made me draw in my breath! I was laughing at the hilariously shot #3 (loved that image too) and then scrolled down to see your amazing image. My mood changed completely! I went straight to tears. Happy tears!
My grandpa had a plane and my grandparents flew often to our house to see me. I remember being just that little girl’s age and watching him taxi up the airstrip. I can still feel how excited I was for them to get out of the plane!
I absolutely LOVE this image and it NEEDS to be made into a huge canvas. Seriously, I would buy it and just pretend it was me and the plan was my grandpa’s. 🙂
GREAT job! You should be so PROUD!!!
Wow! Amazing job everyone! I have to vote for #4 tho! It is simply perfect and tells such a sweet story. It reminds me of my girls and just seeing the picture makes me smile with out even realizing that I am…it reminds me how amazing my girls relationship is with their granparents..who also visit them by plane…. love it!
#3 – creative thought in action. Great composition!
#4 It physically moved me. LOVE it to pieces!!
Good luck to everyone! You are all so very talented!
#4 — Timeless! I love the story
#2 I just love imaging the photographer’s position to capture this image, risking camera safety.
#2, they all were great, just a mysterious something about that photo stayed with me…and i loved it.
#3 for me!!!!!!! haahhahha cracked me UP!!!!!!!!!
#4
the feeling is so nostalgic and whimsical at the same time…….i want to hang it on my wall!!!!
bravo to all….hard to choose!
#4
I LOVE IT! It is a great photo that you don’t see everyday.
After much debate, I’m going to have to go with #4. It actually gave me goosebumps! Great shot Jennifer, thanks for sharing!
I love #4!
I love #3! I love a good story in a picture and this makes me laugh.
#4…. Awesome..
Ooohhh, number 3 all the way!!! They are all beautiful images, but number 3 tells the ultimate summer vacation story… :o)
I love #2!!! It’s just the direction of the photo adds to it. I always struggle with the tilt of the camera and it is used perfectly here!!! Great job!
#4! It brings out the kid in me! I love how she is playing with a strand of her hair. Great shot, very good job!
They are all so amazing but I have to go with #3, I love seeing adults have their moments of being children again!!
#1 they are all so good but no. 1 got me.
They are all wonderful pictures, but #3 is the bomb. We’re all still children, no matter how tall.
love #2!
#4 – It evokes curiosity and allows you to be creative about what story it’s telling
#4, such a beautiful, almost vintage feel to it.
#4! It’s such a sweet moment captured beautifully!
#4
it reminds me of my own kids waiting anxiously for faraway visitors (all our family is far far away from us). what a beautiful picture!
#4
Classic and evoking. I would hang that in my living room on a large canvass. Everyone can relate to that feeling of receiving someone from a long journey. It’s beautiful- just love.
My vote is for #2! I’m never ever very good at explaining why I like something–all the photos are, of course, very good (MeRa, you are right, #3 is hilarious! and i also adore #4…), but there is something about a child fishing in the ocean that just says summer to me. and i love the ocean, and always loved books as a kid (read in the summer of course) where kids did a lot of fishing, sometimes having adventures where they needed to live off the land on a desert island.
great job everyone!
#3 – Reminds me of the saying “You are as young as you feel”
#2, because looking at it I can “hear” all the sounds of the scene.
#2
I love this picture! I love how the photographer focused on the rocks and water instead of the boy. It’s an amazing photo!
#4 gets my vote. I love the simplicity. Beautiful.
#1
Love the whole image… composition, expressions on the kids, and the color! Well done!
#3 – I just love it! Makes me want to go do something silly and childlike!
#2! Natural…unposed….uncontrived….Did you use the “fish-eye” lens? haha
#3….i just love how she captured the sign and then the father/dad in the background! classic…
#4…it took my breath away!
#4…Love it! Reminds me of how my kids get so excited when they know their grandparents are coming.
#5 – the perfect Summer shot!
I love #4 is is so timeless. All of the finalists did a great job.
#1 – Perfect completion of Me Ra’s challenge! The depth of the image… the lighting… the composition…. and the spirit captured…. WOW! Bravo to all the finalists!
#3. It’s classic. All husbands are the same: another child.
number 3 !! absolutely 🙂 its so fun !
#4 – I love this one the best. I love the shot of the little girl at this age, how she is twirling her hair and watching the plane. Just a neat memory of her at that age. But, what I really love is the composition, and choice of color (the B&W finish). I really love the lines…the horizon, wings of the plane, the girl’s arm up waving. It’s just simple, and really beautiful.
#2
#4 – Love it! Timeless and it keeps you guessing! Where was this picture taken? Where was the plane coming from? Has a bit of mystery, nostalgia, and charm all wrapped up in one beautiful picture! 🙂
I choose number 4, I love the little girls dress, I love that her grandparents arrive by plane, I love that it could be my own daughter, or my grandmother, when she was a girl.. Love it!
I am literally in shock! Thank you Me Ra for seeing something in all of these beautiful photos that is so special. I’m having a hard time accepting the fact that you have placed my work in such great company.
I attended your Confidence Workshop this past June and from that experience I resolved to take my first flight no matter how scary it seemed. To hear such wonderful praise from all who have commented is truly humbling.
I don’t feel right voting for myself so please accept my vote for #5. All of the pictures are excellent and I wish all of the finalists the best!
#4. It was a toss up between the hilarious #3 and the anxiety of #4. I went with #4 mainly because the photo truly captures a moment in this little girl’s life.
Great use of aperture in all photos!
#4 is beautiful and timeless. Love it.
2 and 4 are so close for me, but I have to go with #2. Love it!!!
Well done everyone! Not easy to decide but #2 is the one that gets my vote.
definitely #4
#2. undoubtedly.
this image makes the world disappear. you’re cast onto an island where nothing matters except that little boy and his fishing pole. the aqua sky and water and the crazy angle of this photo make it absolutely stunning. breathtaking. intimate. i love it. love it love it.
#4–It reminds me of the excitement I feel when I see the members of my family. Great photo!
#3 – Because adults need to have vacations too! 🙂
#4 – Welcoming Grandma and Grandpa! This photo makes me happy. I feel like it embraces the excitement of vacation and especially the love of a little girl who is anxious to greet someone special. 🙂 I really can’t stop staring at this image. I loooooovvve it!
4 – welcoming Grandma and Grandpa! Can’t stop staring at this photo. Makes me want to be a kid again. 🙂 I think it embraces the love and excitement of the little girl waiting for that “special someone” to get out of the plane. Even if you didn’t know that G&G were in the plane this photo still captures that story. Absolutely LOVE it!
Congrats to all of the finalists and honorable mentions! Keep sharing your gift!
#4 is my favorite
#4
it is a timeless photo. Withouth the info about grandparents you could look at the photo and create numerous stories. It is a beautiful picture.
#3
Love the sign in the foreground and the “big kid” in the background.
#2! i love everything about this image – the angle, the splash in the water, the smooth and soft colour palette. as me ra said – it really is timeless! certainly an image your son will cherish for the years to come!
Number 3 – afternoon Getaway Vacation
Can I suggest laundry for the next competition
#2 – Love the composition. What a great group of pictures.
#4 because it is absolutely breathtaking.
4 has my vote!! I love everything about it…
#2 Fishing – love the focus on the rocks and water, the colors, the angle. A definite keeper.
The Welcoming Grandma and Grandpa photo is breathtaking. You can almost feel the anticipation and excitement that the little girl has as she awaits for her grandparents arrival. Jennifer framed the picture perfectly, great job!
#2
Wow, was this ever hard to pick! They were all wonderful images! But #2 left me “hearing” the lap of the water and feeling the comforting motion of casting out and reeling in. I can picture this young boy later in life thinking back to this time and feeling good about this memory.
#1 – not only is the aperture fantastic but the composition of this shot captured me! love the wide-angle, too!
#2 I love the peaceful feeling of this shot. The colors are fabulous!!!
They are all amazing. I am voting for #2. I always vote for the picture I wished I had of my kids/family… and that is the one! Everything about it is beautiful!
I vote for #4. I think it’s precious, you can feel the excitement she has. It’s like it’s taking all her power to not just run out there and meet the plane on the runway. 🙂
#4 – I can just FEEL her excitement!! GREAT photo!!!
Number 2. I enjoy fishing and my sons are now starting to fish and I know that I will have fond memories of the time we will spend together
#4 – My heart is racing with excitment as if I’m standing right next to her! I love how she’s holding onto her hair. My own daughter holds & twirls her hair in those about-to-jump-out-of-my-skin exciting moments. Great job!!
#2
But first I want to say how very difficult it was for me to decide from among these. I immediately picked 2, 3, and 4 as personal favourites so choosing one from those 3 was extremely difficult — you ALL did so well.
I chose 2 for many reasons: for a mom to blur her son in the story is not usual but it tells the story so very well by her low perspective and focusing on the water in the foreground. The angle she took it, all that watery blue, and that boy fishing and likely off in a dream world of his own. It not only says summer but it says so much about his mom too.
oh brother, my message above should have read “for a mom to blur her son in the story is not ONLY unusual …” totally changes without that word in there 🙂
She did a great job by blurring her son — excellent. Sorry about my typo above
#3!! That one is hilarious, and I love the irony of the photo. There’s a kid inside everyone 🙂
All are great!!
I vote for #4
#4 Beautiful. Timeless.
#4 anticipation.
I was totally torn between #2 the fishing one and #4 the airplane one…… LOVE them both for totally different reasons. But, I think I’d have to go with #4. Everyone did a great job, though!!!
#2, Amazing photography.
# 2
It’s timeless, it draws you in, and you can feel the peace and serenity of the moment.
#4 My favorite niece looks good in every photo. I have been lucky enough to see plenty of Jennifer’s great photos and this is just one of them. Good luck Jennifer.
#4 Great Job, Jennifer, even better in B&W
#2 Fishing Break by Liza
I just love rocks in focus witht the subtle “waves” crashing against them. I think it’s as if the action is going on behind the boy, as if we’re seeing what he should be.
#3 cracks me up. I love the energy in this photo-and the personality it captured….Great catch!
#4 for sure. All the images are fantastic, but there’s just something about the little girl anticipating Grandma and Grandpa. Twirling her hair and waving…it gives me the feeling that she’s full of nervous energy.
My vote goes to #5. Awesome!
#5. great picture hon! so proud of you!
#3
I can’t make up my mind! They are all SO good…although I am confused because the blog link to #2 is the same as the blog link to #5….or am I just clicking wrong?
Anyhow…I HAD to choose #3 because it’s just too clever and funny plus it meets the contest criteria….so that’s my choice!….I better click “submit comment” before I change my mind again and sit here all day!
I love #4! You can tell the girl is excited to see her grandparents.
2
#2…. beautiful image! These five images are all amazing. Congrats to all of the finalists.
4. Welcoming Grandma and Grandpa!
The picture tells a great story especially done in black and white.
I vote for #3. Not only is it a great capture, but the style that the artist incorporated by the tilt and framing makes the photo. Love it.
It’s hard to choose but I am going with #4. I have been in a sentimental mood lately and this photograph makes me feel…a lot. Love them all though.
#4 –
love the black and white – classic!
3.
It’s so hard to choose between them because they are all so great, but I had to choose #3. It is such a great story photo!
#4! Although it was so hard to choose! Something about that image just called to me. Maybe because of the small plane, it spoke of a remote location where the girl was so excited to have visitors. Makes me wish I was in that plane! Amazing job everybody!
I love #2~ beautiful!
#2 — the colors the composition — too wonderful for words!!
Nr. 3 is amazing and yes…timeless 🙂
My vote is No. 4
#2 Yum.
I vote for #4. There is so much emotion and beauty in it.
I love, love, love #2! It makes me WANT to be there and splash even if it disturbs the fishies! It’s serene and cooling to look at, as I sit sweltering!
#5
It’s the only one that captures another sense besides sight…I feel warm just looking at it!
#5
this is exactly how I felt during that heat wave we had a few weeks ago!
I pick #4. That was super cute. Haydn, my daughter is 7 months and just learned how to waive so I appreciate the little girl waving at her grandparents. 🙂
4. I know Grandpa and Grandma are as excited to see her as she is to see them! Very sweet!
#4 BABY!!!!!!!
I vote for #4!
#4 LOVE it! And it is so familiar. That could be my kid waiting for my Father in law to arrive at the local airport flying in to see my kids.
while i think the third should be on the front of a hallmark card- it’s so funny! i have to go with #1. i love the colors! i love the mood! it’s great!
#4 I love the use of black and white, it reminds me of something you would see during a special on the Kennedy’s. Great Photo!
#4….I love the feelings this picture brings up…as a mom getting excited to see your kids enjoy your parents and your parents act like kids with them. I would buy this print and frame it for sure!
#4…its rare to see a plane like that. It is just an adorable picture with the little girl waiting for her grandparents!
Well, I love ALL the photographs. They each tell a story and it’s so hard to single one out.. but I will choose #2. I can almost feel the water lap over my toes.. (wishful thinking there).
#4 is priceless. I love her subconscious twirl of her hair. Little idiosyncrasies like that, you will miss when she is older. =)
#3 it makes me laugh 🙂
#5–Great job Linnea!! Way to capture it all! Judy
#3, cause I just love the funny of it!
#4
I love the black & white! It really looks timeless as other posters have said.
#4. Way to go Carol Anne
#1
HOORRAAAYY!!! I am so unbelievably excited that I am one of the finalists!! What an honor. Thank you, thank you thank you!! I love hearing the comments and encouragement. Now I’m crossing my fingers:)
#2 – I love the simplicity of it. Great shot!
#4…it just reminds me of Casablanca. I think it is beautiful and full of love
I also really like #3 because my friend Carol took the pic and she and her husband are so cool. The pic is cool too.
#1
The spirit of America was captured for me.
All were wonderful
they are all so gorgeous!! Love the composition of 2, the creativity of 3, but 4 is the one that sticks with me. What talents!!
#1
i love the color. i love everything about it especially that very cute little boys expression. Whatever he is anticipating looking at this picture makes me anticipate it as well.
i also love the girl and the plane.
but i am a sucker for color and #1 is RAD as far as color goes. so my vote is for the best one #1.
good job Jennie, i love it.
heidi jo
#1. I love the everyday kid with their roller coaster of moods… so excited to put on face paint and go nuts for a fantastic American Holiday and then bored just moments later. Hilarious, real life, and I’m just a super big fan.
All of them are awesome.
#1- I love all the colors and I really love the 4th of July.
Good job Jennie you are truly talented!!!
I love number 2, I think it’s was a neat idea to focus on the rocks, and I love what you said about it being dimensional! 🙂
#1 – great colours!
#1 For sure! Gorgeous coloring and cute kids. What more could you ask for?
#4 – no more hiding your amazing photography, Jennifer!
#1 is amazing – the color just blows me away. I love everything from the look on the boy’s faces to the girls in the back and Dad’s face – perfection!
Brilliant!
#1, is absolutely brilliant.
#1! Love the colors.
#!
#2
This picture does more than celebrate the boy and his vacation, it also shows the essence of the water and the location where he is fishing. I love that the boy (son?) is the out of focus piece of this picture!
#1
I love this candid pic and the patriotic theme… And besides Jennie is my very talented daughter!
#3 – Not only because of the humorous message, but also because of the almost 3D effect that the sharp image of the sign and post against the blurred background give to the picture. Nicely done! 🙂
I like #4. Thanks!
My vote goes to #2…I just love the perspective! Congrats to all of the finalists!!!
I love #1. The colors are so vibrant and I love how the little boys in front are in focus and the people behind are slightly out of focus. YOu can feel the excitement in the photo.
#5 Yes, I feel the heat in the kid’s faces and in the colors that you see of the tent.
#5 this time I entered the code too.
# 2
They are all great – I’m still laughing at #3, love the vibe from #5, #1 makes me feel like having a beer and a hot dog, #4 is very cool and I love that she chose to make it b & w, but #2 was my favorite! I felt an instant peace when that picture popped up…I can imagine my own children in the same photo and I love it!!
#1 — I can just feel the crowd and the anticipation.
#3 is hilarious…
but i have to vote for #4. beautiful!
I love the color in # 1 but I am going to have to vote for #4. I love that Jennifer chose to make it black and white. It makes the photo feel very quiet and I can imagine the emotions stirring in the little girl while she twirls her hair. Good Job!
I am gonna have to vote for #4, welcoming the grandparents. Congratulations to all the finalists, great job!
Wendy
#3. Very funny. It almost looks like a completely computer generated image. Great photography to be that clear and humorous.
#1 would have to be my pick. First of all it is obvious this shot is taken sometime during a festive event. It would have been super easy for the photographer to have shot the action of whatever the boys were looking at, instead of the boys AND the people behind them. The depth to the picture is amazing given the colors are varied and the array of looks by the numerous people around the boys. There is also something that is hard to put a finger on the photographer caught in the eyes of these two boys, making the expression: “A picture is worth a thousand words” actually quite true. Kudos #1.
#1
It was tough to choose between this and the 2nd. I landed on #1 because it drew me in. I found myself wishing I could turn around to catch a glimpse of what the boys are craning their necks to see.
The blues really pull it in and make it feel whole and full-circle.
4
Definitely #4. I know the love an attention to detail that this photographer has brought to each and every photo that she has taken over the years. you should be very proud of your work… I am. You’ve captured a wonderful moment that will not be forgotten by those captured!
#5 – love the closeness – you can feel the sticky heat
3. Afternoon Getaway Vacation! … What a fun picture! I couldn’t take my eyes off it and I was laughing at the same time. It mad me want to play at the playground too. Thank you for sharing this lovely photo.
Oh my goodness! We are 1/3 of the way to our goal of 750 VOTES!!! How exciting! I can’t wait to see who the Random Voter will be that wins the Sony camera!
#3 no doubt! it is funny and makes me smile as well cause the kid in us can never die!
#1!! loved the american vibe – loved the family vibe!! beautiful photo…
I vote for #1. I love the serious look on the boy’s faces!
I love #2! So creative. 🙂
Can’t deny a fishing photo…#2 is my fave 🙂
4. Welcoming Grandma and Grandpa! by Jennifer.
Kind of a Kennedy moment.
My vote is #4. Because it’s a moment I’ve never seen and it’s captured perfectly.
#2 just captures me!!
#4 Great photo capturing the moment! I love being on the receiving end of that excited wave!
Voting for #1 – just love the emotion and the way it pulls you into the scene unfolding. Beautiful imagery!
#4- reminds me of the anticipation i felt as a child waiting for family to come visit during the summer, and now the excitement i feel being the one on the plane!
I love all of them, it makes me want to have summer year round. I love photo #1 the best
#1
The contest is about using aperture, and I really think that #1 did the best job. I love how each row back in the stands is a little more blurred than the previous row, and they all just sort of blur together. I also loved the vignette around the image that only helps to focus your attention on the subject.
#2-It moves me. I want to keep drinking it in like a glass of refreshing ice water on a hot summers day.
#4 – All I can say is WOW! So many wonderful photographs to choose from! But I kept going back to #4. Wonderful shot!
#4 – Timeless and beautiful. If she hadn’t been touching her hair, it would have been a totally different photo, but touching her hair truly captured a fleeting moment.
Wow — I vote for #4 — it makes me feel so many things! The sweet girl holding her hair and waving is precious. Great composition, and I feel her anticipation — as well as the desire to hop a small plane and head somewhere!
#1: love the rich colors
#3: wonderful sense of humor; perfectly timed — nice!
#2 It totally reminds me of my son and I just love the peaceful look of the water.
#2 love the feeling of this photo
#4
It was a hard choice, but I chose this one because I love the sweetness and excitement portrayed in the picture even without being able to see the little girl’s face.
#2 gets my vote! I think the colors and the angle work perfectly! (all of the others are great too!)
My vote is for #4!!!! I love it!
#4 – like previous posters have said timeless and Aperture and B+W was the perfect processing choice to tell the story. Congrats to all the finalists 🙂
Has to be #4
i think they are all great but #1 is the one that i find stronger, composition wise. it is such a well done shot
love all of them as i love summertime, but i kept coming back and staring at #4-the excitement, the waiting, the joy of the moment of their arrival. so #4 gets my vote.
Wow, some great photos here, but I vote for #1!!
#2
I LOVE all the colors and cool tones in this image.
ALL OF THEM ARE GREAT! However, I vote #3. For a picture to catch my eye it must evoke strong emotions.
#3 brought strong laugh.
#4…..love it
#3 and #4 are tied for me. #3 made me laugh! #4 made me cry!
I love all of the photos, but my choice is #1. I love the colors and that great look of anticipation on her son’s face. Just feels like he’s waiting for the great big 4th of July festivities to begin.
#2 — Love this one! It looks like it should be an advertisement rather than someone’s actual family photo!
My vote is for #1 – LOVE the emotion and colors!
#3 It totally made me LOL!
5
I love the look Linnea captured in the boys face, it totally makes me feel the heat! Great job!
my vote is for #4 , I love the light and the emotion.
My vote is for #3,Afternoon Getaway Vacation! by Carol Ann. Besides the wonderful use of blur, I think the “story” behind the image is awesome. It made me recall memories in my own life. Even more, I think it encourages us as photographers to think outside the box when we are creating images. Hopefully I can create images that will make my subjects relive some of their precious memories and smile…
#5!
#5!! I love how this picture captures both the heat of summer and the tightness of the tent. Beautiful Linnea!
#1- its awesome!
#1 its awesome!
#2 Love the colors and the moment! Love also the fade of the boy with the focus on the elements!
I gotta vote for #3 “Afternoon Getaway Vacation!” by Carol Ann. My wife has a talent for catching me in “compromising” positions. We had a wonderful time with our kids at the park that day. These moments are what matters most.
#4 Love the conversion and the little girl’s body language.
#4. So striking and timeless! Could have been taken 50 years ago.
#4.
Timeless & beautiful….love the emotion it conveys, especially with the slightly nervous twirling of the hair and wave in anticipation of their arrival.
#4
It just seems like an emotional capture of a daughter’s excitement of the arrival of her grandparents. Changing it to b/w just made it more captivating. I love the blurring of the plane, too.
#4 I really love this photograph. I appreciate the composition, and I love that you can see the little girl’s personality through the way that she is tugging at her hair, like she’s excited and expectant, but perhaps a bit shy as well. Gorgeous picture.
[…] Brian and I are headed back home after shooting a beautiful wedding in Maui. It has been WONDERFUL to see all the votes and encouraging words pour in for the Vacation Photo Contest! I’m thinking we’re going to make our 750 vote goal at this rate! How exciting! One Random Voter (Maybe you! Have you voted yet?) will win a slick, new Sony Cybershot camera! If you haven’t voted and entered your name for the cool prize, VOTE HERE! […]
#1 It is my favorite because of the wide lens capturing such an immense area, but yet focusing on the 2 boys faces. The lighting and colors are so striking!
This is a rough choice. I think I’m going to have to go with #4. It’s sweet, timeless, and I love that the little girl is playing with her hair. You can also feel the excitement in the photo without seeing any facial expressions, so cool.
I had a tough time deciding but in the end I am voting for #4. It is such a sweet and timeless photo. You almost feel what the little girl is feeling…anticipation and maybe even a bit of shyness(as she twists her hair). I just love it!
Love #2. I wouldn’t have thought to focus on the water.
#4 – by far my favorite! I couldn’t stop looking at it and even fought back tears. So powerful!!! Love it!
#4 (though they’re all great in their own way)
I’ve always loved photography because it freezes forever a moment that otherwise passes too quickly. This picture catches the emotion of the little girl welcoming grandparents. I like how unaware she is of the camera and how natural a pose she’s in – especially the left hand playing with her hair. It’s a great moment stopped forever.
#3!!!! Too, Too, Too Funny!!!! Now THAT’S how a story is told!!!
I’m voting for number 1. Love the expression and the colors adn the depth!
#2 Beautiful!
My vote is for #1. Although it was hard to choose between #1 & #4.
#1 What a true picture in color. If only we could listen to his thoughts while we look at the amazing colors in this picture. It captures a moment when the world keeps going and the mind of a child is focused on something great.
#4! it is beautiful and inspiring just like my Seattle Sista is! You are amazing Jen. Keep up the awsome work.
#4! Love it!
#2 – maybe it’s because I live in a house of boys or have a love of water but I absolutely adore this picture. Just brings a calmness to me looking at it.
i love them all but #1 gets my vote. amazing pictures by all!!
#4. Welcoming Grandma and Grandpa! by Jennifer
I think it’s a really sweet image of a darling little girl
#3! Oh! They are all great!!! It was a hard choice… but as an adult I can identify with boundaries and forgetting to have fun. The fact that this man in the background bucked the rules and SLID!! I love it! I love the message and the shot is TERRIFIC! Well done everybody. 🙂
Love number 4!
Love #2! So timeless!
#1 – I love this one because you can see the passion and devotion to our country. I also can feel the unity of all coming together and supporting our country, our troops. Love it!
#1 !
I vote for #4. I can feel the excitement of the little girl by the way she is touching her hair. You can tell she is anxious. Also great depth of field!
#2 What a great picture! I love it!!!!
I enjoyed #2 which does convey a wonderful feeling of Peace. The little boy is one with the elements surrounding him (water and sky)…
#4 is by far my favorite – It feels more like I’m watching part of a movie than looking at a photo…that’s what I love about it. It amazes me when a picture can feel that way!
I also LOVE #2.
My vote is for #4. What an emotion filled photo. The little girl waving to her grandparents really strikes me as a wave full of ” I hope they can see me” You have to wonder if Grandma and Grandpa are waving back inside the plane. I can imagine the two of them sitting there with big smiles once they discover their granddaughter is waiting for them as they land. What a wonderful photo!
wonderful visual representation of contradictory information. the shot silently poses a question (or numerous questions) which immediately transports the viewer into the domain of their own personal experience – the “gotcha” that every good photo strives for.
Oops! That would be photo #3!
All are amazing images, but the one that sticks with me the most is #4! Love the choice of making the image B&W, and the focus on the sweet little girl! I love that you don’t have to see her face to feel her excitement for the arrval of G’ma and G’pa!
#1 for three reasons:
1. I love the intensity on the boys’ faces.
2. It’s patriotic.
3. This image reminds me of me as a kid & the excitement of being in a stadium for a game.
#2
This image made feel so still and quiet and peaceful. In the midst of a busy day, it made me feel extremely calm 🙂 It gets my vote
#1 your colors are beautiful, and i love your composition!
#3 WOW, that is just too funny.
#4 this photo makes me feel like I’m a little girl again. I love the processing, just perfect!
#5 the photo works so well with the red tones. its nice that it isn’t white balanced “perfectly”
#1-loved the beautiful colors and how interested the boys were in what was happening.
#3
It’s just so wonderfully goofy, totally cracks me up!
I vote for #1 because I can feel the parade coming down the road!
#4- beautiful and timeless! You can just feel the little one’s anticipation coming through the photo. I love that she is waving and twirling her hair at the same time. So cute. Bravo.
#4
the picture is expressive and poignant,even without seeing the little girl’s face
LOVE #4 beautiful image!
#1 Love the vibrant color and depth of field! Beautiful…
#3!
I love this picture…it’s a reminder that summer vacation shouldn’t end once you’re beyond the school years.
(#4 is my next favorite…though I enjoyed them all!)
Wow! They do look HOT! The colors that ‘pop’ are those cute little sun-burned faces!!! 🙂 Great photo!
Oops, that would be #5!
#5–Great photo–Grabs your attention!!
#2. I love the DOF in it, and it tells such a story!!
#2. Hands down.
Love everything about it. I feel like a fish popping out of the water to get this glimpse. 😉
#4 It has so many differet emotions all at the same time! All the pictures are amazing though!
#4 really tugged at my heart. Imagine the excitement of the grandparents, seeing that sweet little girl waiting for them, anticipating her little arms wrapped around their necks. Precious!
There all beautiful, each and every one! My vote is for #2…it just eases my soul.
#1! I love the look of anticipation. A genuine moment captured!
#1. I love the colors, the focus, and the story it tells.
Plus. I’m glad the face painting I did on the boys’ faces turned out so cute.
#3
Wow, way to make it hard to choose just ONE to vote for! 🙂 I chose photo #3 because 1)it looks like there was no hesitation here to just be a kid for a minute and 2)the humor here just appeals to me! I’m like that with a lot of things – books, movies, photos. I think it’s because I’ve been raised in a home where genuine humor and laughter were abundant – and this photo really reminds me of my wonderful family! Thanks Carol Ann!
#1 – love it!
wow, tough one! i pick #2, it has such great “feeling” for me. great job, all!
I vote for #1…
awesome shot!
#1 Love the expressions!
love number 4. .says so much in one little photo!
Love #4. It isn’t a storybook image. It is the story. Beautifully captured.
awesome picture!
#4. Awesome picture!
#4 Great job! I love it.
#4 Timeless picture… I love it!
#2 for me
#4 Love the emotion I felt the instant I viewed this photo!
#3. That just makes me laugh. So clever!
#2 love.. love.. love it! It took my breath away the second I saw it!! Nice work.
Elizabeth
#4…super cute and timeless
#1, what beautiful boys.
I like #1 & #4, but my vote is going to go for #1. I really like the angle on it and the image does capture the quintessential summer feeling of the 4th of July, hot, crowds, kids, face paints. It’s a great image, there are layers to it…you can stare at it and just wonder, but yet feel as if you were there too (cause of that angle and depth). 🙂
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#4 – I can just feel the anticipation in the little girl to see you grandparents. I love it.
Four! wow! Oh wow. I can’t even say how much that image sweeps me off my feet! What a piece of art.
They ARE all great – Every single one is completely out of the box. AND, it was a HARD topic too! vacation AND depth of field… you had two things to think about and they all did so so so well. All are different angles, different stories, different views – so great!
#2 gets my vote! I can feel the calm.
#4 is my fav!
This was hard…VERY hard! These images are absolutely wonderful and they all made me smile!
However…if I had to choose one, I would pick #4. Summer reminds me spending the summer vacation visiting family, including long plane rides to the Philippines to visit my own grandparents. This picture reminds me of that.
Beautiful job everyone and good luck to you all!
I vote for #4. Love it.
I love number #1. the colors and the story it tells.
#1 the anticipation in the boys faces is palpable
dear mera
i vote for no 3
there is something in it ! the humour ,the kid who has grown up now but comes sometimes to make him realise that
life is so beautiful and so the memories to………..
and also the presence of mind of the photographer who cud capture it so nicely that made this pic so beautiful
Hello to everyone !
#1
Loved Afternoon Getaway… I love it when a photo can make you laugh, how clever!
I love #3, it definitely has my vote! I’m a huge fan of amusing scenes like this, and the DOF makes the whole thing even better.
To see in the fuzz a young boy caught in a compelling, quiet pose is rare, thoughtful, and peaceful; combined with the sharpness of the rocks and sound of water and nature.
Priceless.
Whoops, forgot to say #2 for above comment.
My vote is for #2- I wish I was there- I loves the tranquility this image captures. (But #3 was a close second 🙂 )
#4. It shows so much emotion in such a timeless photo. Great picture.
#4
Love everything about it. The choice to make it black and white (so timeless), the focus being on the wee girl, her wave and even the way she is playing with her own hair. The photo conveys a sense of little girl awkwardness and self-consciousness yet is also full of joy. Love it 🙂
#1 I love the story it tells….
I vote for #4- I LOVE it!!!!!
#4 — Love the composition and classic feeling 🙂
#5- linnea you are so talented!
#1! The photograph is so honest and intense…she captured a true, honest moment and the colors are so vibrant!
#1
Miss Jennie. cause she rocks
I love #3– it made me laugh and brightened up my rainy day! Thanks!
#5 The color is outstanding!
#3 – I think it’s clever, fun, and conveys a sense of childhood silliness that should be in every vacation. It reminds me to just be silly with my son and enjoy life as much as possible.
#3 Afternoon Getaway Vacation! I love the message that it sends – be a kid and have fun. Your age has nothing to do with it!
#2, because to me, the quality stands out among the rest, and brings with it a feeling of peace.
#2. I like how clear and beautiful the water is spalshing on the rocks and love the little boy enjoying fishing in the background.
#2
I just love this photo – – I can just see myself watching my own boys. The peace and serenity of that moment.
#2
Love the colors!
#3
This one just made me smile!
#1 Just amazing… great color!
#1 Just love the colors and the subject!
#2 I thought this was a great photo. Loved the blues.
#4 What a priceless moment and strong composition.
#1 – I love the look of anticipation on the boys’ faces
#3 is it!! They’re all amazing in their own ways.
#4 – I love the little girl holding onto her hair – so typical – Good luck to everyone though
I like # 2
they are all great. I think my fav is #2.
#2 is my favorite! I love the blue color, it’s calming and refreshing. I love that Liza choose to focus on something other than her son, making the photo feel more relaxed and more of a work of art than a snapshot!
#3
#2
love fishing
I vote for #2 … it just screams summer!
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#1 for me. The colors and framing are amazing, as is the expression on the boy’s face. Love it!
I vote for #4. I love the composition of this one and the classic story it tells. I love how the girl is touching her hair; it captures a moment!
750 votes? Denise told me I had to come vote so I agree with her. Number four is my favorite. Number two is my second favorite. good job everyone.
#4-
Love the feeling that comes over me when I see this little girl waiving- so much personal emotion!
4- this photo reminds my of my little girl
#4-
Reminds me of my little girl
#3 – HILARIOUS. It takes you a second to figure out what’s blurred in the background, which makes it even funnier once your eyes adjust.
They are all so amazing, but my vote is for #1. I love how so many different stories were captured in one photograph. The boys, watching the game or parade or whatever it was and the girls in the back totally not interested and doing their own thing. It’s fantastic.
#5. This one brings back memories of my own childhood. This is what a summer vacation was for us. Not a lot of money to go someplace, but a lot of time spent outside in the hose or sprinkler having lots of fun.
#4 – i love the timelessness of this picture, and i LOVE the details of the girl’s expressions, even with her back to us. you can just sense her excitement to see her grandparents as she waves furiously and plays with her hair. it’s obvious she just CAN’T WAIT! I love it.
#1
Honestly, I think all five are fabulous, but #1 did it for me. I love the expressions; both of the boys are so intense, adding drama and feeling to the photo. The other fans in the background help to balance things out. Amazingly, all of the colors tie together wonderfully, and the sky is gorgeous!
Great work by all 5 photographers!
4
This photo is just awesome. It just has a lot of emotion in it. I can feel the excited of the little girl, even some excitement of the grandparents after having a fun flight from who-knows-where. I could tell 100 different stories from this one shot! i love it and the black and white make it timeless, it could be yesterday or 20 years ago!
Great shot!
Amanda
# 4 – it took my breath away. beautifull.
#2. It’s all about perspective.
#4
I love the composition of this photo. I like how the plane brings you back into the little girl. I love how the lighting gives dimension to the girl just as the depth of field gives dimension to the entire photo.
Fabulous.
#4. But all of them did an amazing job. Every photo gave a different feeling as if you are right there with them.
#2 Fishing Break… nothing is as timeless as children and the ocean. I really appreciate this photo (and all of the others, but this one in particular) because it inspires me to not always focus on the main subject.. it reminds me of a painting.
#2 It’s abstract,idyllic, embodies being away on vacation, lost in the moment of fishing. Good use of depth of field to embody a far away feeling.
#4
The picture is beautiful. The authenticity is inspiring. So much of it is captivating. The mystery of the expression on her face. The way she’s holding her hair in her hand. Her gentle wave. Her adorable dress. The picture seems so natural. Love it!
#3 One funny picture!
#1 I vote for the first image. there is something in that boy’s eyes that is so intriguing. I want to know what he’s thinking about. the composition gives an intriguing feel to the picture too. LOVE IT
(my second favorite is the little girl and the airplane-it totally tells a great story)
Well done everyone!
#4. I love how you can sense the love in this picture. The composition of this picture is perfect with the girl twirling her hair on the right side of the frame. LOVE IT!
#2, I love “Fishing Break”
I it a beautiful photograph, I love that she focused on the water instead of the boy, it gives such a calming feel for me to the photo. Nice Job!
#3, very funny
#3, very funny!
#4 I was captured by the emotion! I could look at this photo for hours…
#4, it makes me cry. It’s so sweet and innocent. The joy of seeing your grandparents at that age is magical.
#2… Fishing Break
This photo helps you put life into perspective. One little boy standing his ground as the waves crash around him. He is determined to “catch the big one.” Nothing else seems to matter as he focuses on the prize. I love this image… Great job!
4
Totally speaks to my heart. I grew up around planes and I love the excitement of seeing the plane land, waving to the folks inside and wait with anticipation until they climb out and you can run and give them a hug.
I vote for #5
It a great use of technical ability and a natural eye to capture the mood of the scene.
#5
This picture displays a knowledge of technical ability & a natural eye for light and composition. It is not an image that the eye quickly passes over.
#3
Made me laugh!!!
I just love #2. I love how the water and sky are almost the exact same color
#2
I liked the way it is cropped and that the young boy is not in focus. Good color. To me it is an interesting photo in that it caught my attention and held it.
#3 is my favorite. So funny!
I vote for #2…..I love the colors, the crispness of the picture. It captured my attention and drew me in to the moment the boy was in…..
Number 4 is my favorite. It’s the one I’d most like to hang on my wall. The grandparents must LOVE this picture. If they don’t already have one, they totally need to get this blown up huge.
#2 ….I am voting for my hubby!
#2 gets my vote.
#4 – I just love the image of a little girl waving to a plane. It says so much in such in such a simple shot
#1 I can’t stop staring at the little boy chewing on his lip. The anticipation is palpable – I love it!
#4
These are all amazing photos, but #4 stole my heart!
#3 this to me shows that adults need to have fun too! To get deep it also kind of goes with many of your messages about being true to yourself and not being bound by limits if age, sex or gender or well, anything! Plus it just made me giggle!! 🙂
#4
This photo draws me in and makes me want to know more about the story. Great composition and the black and white adds to the mystery of the shot.
Jessica
#4. This picture makes me wish my grandparents were still alive. It also reminds me of my daughter and the way she looks everytime she sees her grandparents. It is a wonderful picture!
my vote is for #1, I love reading focus jennie!
Camera looks great for quick photos
Great looking camera!
the kind of camera I will carry to get some point and shoot shots on a video shoot
Excellent to put in a bike backpack
forgot to put in the code before –
4 I can feel her excitement!
I absolutely ADORE #4…..the story this photo expresses is so touching and I love the black and white!! Excellent!!! 😀
I vote for number #4 becasue it’s so amazing!
#4
Putting the image in black and white gives it such a dramatic effect! I love that the girl is pulling and twisting her hair…it gives such a playful, child-like feeling. Such an amazing perspective from a child’s point of view!
#2. I can almost hear the waves. Love the color and the composition.
#4
I thought they were all great! It was tough to choose!
I love how #4 just makes you feel some emotion when you look at it 🙂
#4 even though you cannot see the little girl’s face, you can sense the emotion .
#2
My favorite is #2. I love the colors and I love fishing – – it just looks like summer.
2!
This is me 30 years ago.
2! This is me 30 years ago.
( I’m not sure if my last entry posted….)
#4
# 4. Its a great combination of natural ‘outdoorsy’ beauty and human emotion. Very nice.
My vote goes for #3 it gave me a well needed chuckle! They were all really good!
Number 4…it’s priceless!
#5 This one just took my breath away! I love the skewed angle. It really told a whole story in one shot.
#4
My little boy is approximately the same age and loves to fish. This peaceful picture reminds me of him…
#2!!! I love the emotion, the angle, the details!! I just love it all! Great job…..beautiful shot! It was a hard choice. I loved them all! But #2 spoke to me the most.
#4 – I loved the serenity of #2, and the overall composition. But there is a certain tension in the moment of #4 that makes it more gripping. It held my gaze longer, and therefore I had to vote for it over #2.
#2
It takes so much courage to NOT focus on the person but on the foreground. Love this image.
#3!!! Love it~
#3…all the way. Isn’t that how a vacation really should feel? Great job to the photographer.
#1
The colors are so vibrant that you can feel the anticipation. Plus, that little boy is such a cutie :o)
Of course I love them all but I do have to say that #2 is sooo great! Love it!
#4 – this photo just speaks to me on a totally emotional level. All the emotion in the little girl’s raised hand, waiting for her Grandma and Grandpa’s plane to get to her. She’s on the edge of the grass – as close as she can get without running onto the runway. I have a 3 year old that is also missing her Grandma and Grandpa right now, hoping they will be home soon. Great shot!
3. Afternoon Getaway Vacation! by Carol Ann.
# 3 Too funny! I love it!! When a photo can make you laugh and wish you were there… what else is there to say? 🙂
#2 is my favorite. Wish I was there!
#2. I think I will go fishing today…..
I really love #2. It is the one that pulled me in emotionally. I have a 4 year old boy and so it made me think of him.
#2 – I LOVE the colors and positioning used in this picture! It’s gorgeous!!
I have a little man at home and it reminds me of the times we out fishing. Love the photo and the memories it invokes for me.
#4
classic and timeless, tells such a story and has so much emotion. i love it. great choice to use B&W, too.
#2 is my vote. I just love the way it draws you in and out of the picture with the angle and focal point. Well done.
#2
the feeling of summer is invoked so strongly in this shot. the colors are striking.
the water takes a life of it’s own- love it
#1
I’ve been there, and she captured it perfectly. You can see the excitement and anticipation on their faces for what was to come. Awesome
#4
#2.
I love the emotion it evokes.
#2. It reminds me of summer fun, a boy, his fishing rod, and nature! I like the framing of the picture. The blue is mesmerizing.
I am voting for # 4. The emotion displayed is raw and so real. When you are able to capture that on “film”, it is a glimpse into ones’ heart. Thank you.
#2 This photo makes me feel like I am right there with him!
#2…Love the fishing picture! It’s a classic Florida pic!!
#3. All are great but this one made me laugh out loud. And apparently that’s what I needed today.
I love how Liza adjusted the aperature in this photo. Plus, I know how cute the boy is in real life so that makes it even better! Great shot Liza!!
That was #2…sorry, got so excited that I forgot to say which pic I liked best! 🙂
#4…I love that this little girl is waiting for grandma and grandpa and I think having it in black and white is perfect!
Number 2
#2, Love the colors, love the angle and the feeling of summer vacation….
I pick #3…definitely “tells a story”!
#2 I can hear the water splashing on the rocks. Love it!
#2 I’m a sucker for a boy fishing. Wish I was there with him.
I can feel the little boys anticipation for catching the big one. I cast my vote on #2!
#2 Fishing Break: I love the blue, I love the angle. Just everything about this photo stands out to me, it’s wonderful.
#4…
#4 – I LOVE this photo. Shows so much emotion (even though we can’t see her face), and tells a story all on it’s own. LOVE IT!!!
#4. I just love the feel of this one!
I LOVE #4, perfect! They all are awesome, but that one for sure stands out to me!
#1 is awesome as well, WOOT WOOT for UTAH!!
#2 Love the composition and and feeling it gives.
3 I do this
3 it put a smile on my face
Love #1! All the images submitted are truly wonderful. I love #1 the most not only for the execution of the photograph but for the “feeling” I get from it. These days are full of apprehension and uncertainty. The look in the boy on the left says it all to me. He looks uncertain – about what exactly who knows… But, being it’s a 4th of July image his expression on his face tells a much bigger story of the times.
#4 this photo makes you want to know more! I love the feeling i love thinking about who is on that plane!
#4 is my pick! Such emotion, all without seeing a face! You can feel it, you can experience it, you can remember your own moments that must have been just like this!
#2 is my favorite for sure! Love the angle and the splash and the subject matter.
I’m going to vote for #4 because the composition is marvelously balanced, the girl’s emotion is conveyed beautifully without showing her face, and Jennifer appears to have been working in the most challenging light of the lot and managed to pull off a great shot. Way to go!
#4… So great…. love the humor in it!
love the colors, the true emotions, and the multiple stories going on in one picture.
#1 Love the colors, the true emotions, and the multiple stories going on in one picture
ooops… I actually meant # 3 for the humor… (#4 is great too though!)
I love them all but
#3
#2 hands down…What emotion.
My vote goes to #2I love how she put the little boy in the background. It sends a powerful message.
number 4
1. black and white= captivating!
2. the action shot is yet sweet and well captured.
3. lovely overall…
#4 It brings a rush of emotion.
I love #3!!
2. I like how the sky and water run together.
#3
I love pictures that make me laugh! I have to wonder how many “takes” you had to do to get it just right and it brings a smile to my face just thinking of how hard you must’ve been laughing! LOVE IT!
#4, I love the composition, and the excitement of the arrival.
#2, simply beautiful!
#4 – I love that I can picture the faces of the little girl and the person arriving on the airplane, without literally seeing the faces. Great shot!
#4 – its just a classic timeless photo.. love it
#4 love it.
This was tough!!
My choice is #4.
It was a great use of dof. Also, the story telling was perfect! On a side note, I also liked it in black & white.
#4 is my favorite of these images. I love that the little girl is wearing a simple (without a pattern) outfit, that she is tugging on a strand of softly curled hair, and that she is gently waving at the plane to welcome her grandparents. This photo makes me want to know the story behind it. Why were the grandparents coming to visit? How long had it been since they had seen each other? What are the thoughts going through the child’s mind? Will this experience change her life forever? A beautiful photo that is priceless to have, documenting part of this little girl’s life. Great job!
#2 It completely captures the essence of a Summer day! Love it!
voting again #3- just makes me smile
#3. Love how it captures youth in all ages.
#4 – grandma and grandpa –
Wow! This just jumps out at me! It has SO much emotion! I can feel the excitement and anticipation of the little girl. I think that the fact that you rendered it in black and white makes it even MORE impactful. It looks like something I’d expect to find in the old Life magazines. The composition is excellent. The little girl holding her hair is so important to the success of this image, I feel. It’s something we girls do thoughtlessly during times of anticipation or ‘stress’, and in this instance I feel she’s so distressed at having to wait that all she can do is play with her hair. I can see the next image in her mind where she turns around to the camera (mum) with a big smile on her face, pointing to the plane, exclaiming, ‘Mummy, they’re HERE!’, jumping up and down, maybe clapping in excitement. Very well done!
#4 – Love the feeling of this image. I always love the emotion that can be conveyed without even seeing a face!
#3 cracks me up!!
What a great use of aperture too 🙂
I love 3. That’s my vote!
#4. So beautiful…love the composition. elegant.
#4 for me. While I really enjoyed all the other images, I just loved everything about this one. Composition, aperture choice, the subtle story telling without feeling the need to show how face. It just let’s our imagination run wild thinking about the look on her face at that moment. It’s one of those moments that a lot of us, as parents, can identify with too. And the use of black and white really spoke to me too. I would hang this in my house!
oh wow, they are all great photos, but i especially love the first and fourth… i think i’ll go with the first.
#4. shows a genuine moment
#2, Love the colors and composition, and it’s such a classic Florida vacation moment!
#2 nice picture Liza
it’s a tough decision, but i’m going with #4…
#4 – this reminds me of my husband coming home from deployment and my son anxiously waiting for the plane to land!
#4 – I can imagine my own daughter doing this in a few years and it makes me smile 🙂
#4. Such a beautiful story told in one photograph. Love it!
I just love #2…there is something about a little boy fishing…although all of them are fantastic!
I love #2.
#3
I love it because it’s different.
#2 Love the color and the water splash in the background.
[…] start with the Vacation Photo Contest! The winner is Jennifer Caplinger’s image; Welcoming Grandma and […]
#4) Go for it Jenny! You have such beautiful subjects to photograph! luv her hair. Thru your photo magic, do you think you could make me look like her again?
#4 It is Shhooo Very Cute….
#4 Beautiful capture of a beautiful moment!
white girls trying to be black pathetic
I do trust all the ideas you have offered on your post. They are really convincing and will certainly work. Nonetheless, the posts are too short for starters. May just you please extend them a little from subsequent time? Thanks for the post.