A collection of transformation, identity, and the stories that shape who we become.
THE BOOK of BECOMING
a living collection
We received more photo entries for the Water Photo Contest than any other! Isn’t that cool! There were at least a few hundred images!! Way more than I realized. (thank you Brian for buying me another day with your poetry–isn’t his poetry amazing!)
Before I say anything about the Five Finalists, I think we need to start this post with a quick tribute to the “Man of Water” these last couple weeks. Boy, did he ever clean house at the Olympics!
His relationship and understanding of water must be amazing.
As Brian and I looked through every image submitted, we saw the deep connection that humanity shares with water. We believe the Five Finalists are a great representation of how water inspires us, calms us, refreshes us, makes us laugh and then takes us to a whole different world. Whether water brings peace to your soul, relief from the heat, joy, or surprise…one thing is certain, water is powerful
The first finalist captured so much in her single image. It’s the type of photo you could write a hundred stories around.
Finalist #1, Where a Creek Meets the Ocean, by Heather.
This image is amazing! Not only is the water and landscape beautiful, but it shows us how power and quietness in water can coexist. You can almost hear the waves crashing onto the beach. But then to come from behind the waves and see the water bringing quiet, slow shape to the sand, it’s a movement that is almost healing. Over the years, I’ve prayed that God would wash over me with His gentle, forming waters. Smoothing my rough edges, shaping me with gentleness. All the while knowing His power is real and able to crash down upon me, yet knowing His love is soothing and gentle. Heather submitted this photo and put a short note with it saying that she captured this on their vacation. That’s about all she said. But isn’t it amazing how much meaning an image can have to another person? Thank you Heather! This image is amazing and full of story! I hope I haven’t offended you with my thoughts on it. Your image just brings up so much emotion and life. Thank you for sharing it with us.
The next finalist caused me to do a double take, then a triple take, then a “Brian, come see this. How did she do this?”
Finalist #2, Dancing on Water, by Kirsten.
Kirsten, how did you take this image? We can’t figure it out! Amazing! Can you see why this is a finalist? The image was so unusual in how she shot up into the feet. The composition is also beautiful in how Kirsten implemented the thirds principle with the feet being in the far left third of the image. (If you are unfamiliar with the Thirds Principle, we teach it here.) And don’t you absolutely love the blur in the image. Sometimes I’m to quick to delete a blurred image. But for this image, the blur of the feet and water work so well. The blur gives us a feeling, again you can almost hear it, of the rush of water around the dancing feet. Can you hear the feet splashing? I can even hear a girl giggling. This another story provoking image that gives us a wonderful gift. It makes me want to sit down and free write a story about this dancing girl. It allows any viewer to fill in the blanks and let the imagination run wild. To be able to capture this in a 1 dimensional image is incredibly tough. I think Kirsten has pulled it off beautifully! And I checked out Kirsten’s blog last night. So cute! You must see it! Thank you so much for submitting Kirsten!
If we are thinking of the Five Senses, and the last two images have touched on Sound with crashing waves and splashing, dancing feet. Then Finalist #3 evokes one of the Smells water can have!
Finalist #3, Wet Dog, by Ali
The detail in this image is fantastic! When you have it big on your screen, you can see every single water drop outlined. And doesn’t this image just make you smile! I can literally smell this wet dog and hear the boy giggling. Now that we have our own puppy, Rosie, the bathing thing has become more and more familiar in how you smell when it’s over. 😉
Ali shared in her email how she used our advice from the DVD series by setting this scene up. She had the kids suited up for giving their English Mastiff, Sam, a bath. Then she shot away as the experience unfolded in front of her. I have to commend Ali for setting up the scene. Sometimes our best shots of the kids and clients come from Scene Setting and Photo Coaching. It doesn’t always have to be pure photo journalism. It’s more than okay to set yourself up for success! From a technical standpoint, Ali did a great job using a fast Shutter Speed. The quick shutter speed and an aperture on the higher end, helps you grab all the detail of the water spraying. The dog’s face is blurred, but it works. It’s more important that we see the dog’s face in a blurred motion and feel the water spraying everywhere. And we can’t forget to comment on the little boy’s face! It’s the perfect mix of shock and delight! Way to go Ali! Way to set up the scene and grab authentic, in the moment shots!
We received a number of pool photos. But there was one that jumped out from all the rest.
Finalist #4, Summer Reunion, by Deene Souza!
This image makes me laugh!! I LOVE it!! I can’t get over the different expressions on all four kids! Look at the sweetie on top, isn’t she priceless! Then the guy on the bottom, his expression says it all from “being on the bottom” of the totem pole. Deene, you did an amazing job catching this image! It’s incredible! It sums up all the joy I remember from being a kid and swimming on hot summer afternoons.
I also want to point out a few other things I admire about this image. It looks like Deene shot this in bright sun. Getting the right exposure can be tough in bright sun. But she did an amazing job! All the faces are exposed well, no one is super bright or super dark. The color of the blue water and the green plants behind are rich and vibrant. Not only is their incredible humor and life in this image, but the elements of exposure and color are done well too! Great job Deene! And by the way, your blog is fantastic! I love your blog header with the dog–hilarious! I know your going to submit something for the Pet Photo Contest!
Ready for the last Finalist? Finalist #5? This is an image that you won’t forget.
Finalist #5, Millennium Park, by Amber.
I was speechless when I opened up this image. Doesn’t the composition just grab you? It evokes so many different, conflicting emotions that I don’t know which ones to follow first. Is the little girl sad, peaceful, tired, hungry? (See what I mean!) Where is the little girl? Amber has done such a great job with her composition that the little girl feels out of time and place. Amber’s framed the sand and water to give this overall circular feel to the image, you feel the girl surrounded and wrapped–safe and out of time. Amber’s email says, “This image is of my friend’s daughter, from when we had a play date at the park. What I love about the photo is that you would never imagine that there are thousands of people, mainly kids, running right around her…” Doesn’t that bit of knowledge enhance the image even more? I mean, talk about catching a child in a moment. 🙂 I love this moment! But it’s not just the child she’s captured. I feel like the water is the other main character in the image. It’s murky, and yet silky smooth on the little girl’s legs. The sun flare in the bottom is well placed too. How does the sun flare add to this image for you? I can think a few different things, but what are your thoughts? Amber has her own blog too! Make sure you check it out. I looked through it a little bit and read that she’s in photography school. But what strikes me most is her eye for composition. Beautiful work Amber! Thanks so much for sharing with us!!
Prizes for the Winner and the Random Voter Winners!!______________________________________________________________________________________
There you have it!! How is that for Five Amazing Finalists! The subject of Water inspired some amazing images.
I want to thank ALL of you for entering your images. I had so much fun seeing your work and reading your stories. I don’t think I’ve ever smiled so much looking through the Water Photo submissions. There were so many great, fun shots that you captured. Thank you for sharing them with us! So many of you have bought the DVDs and said the most wonderful things about what you’ve learned from them. Thank you so much! Even if you weren’t a finalist in this contest, I hope that you keep shooting, keep submitting and keep loving all that your learning.
But don’t forget to vote before you leave! You could be picked as a Random Voter and win a gift card to Starbucks or a copy of Adobe’s Lightroom! 🙂 Yep, that’s right! You heard me say it correct!
In our last photo contest, we had 356 voters! If we clear 400 votes on this contest, we are going to pick a Random Voter (not necessarily #400, but a RANDOM Voter) to win a copy of Adobe’s Lightroom software too!! And then we’ll keep going and pick two more Random Voters who win a $25 customized, cool looking Starbucks card!
Deadline for all voting is this Tuesday night at midnight PST!! That means we have to clear 400 votes by that time!
The winner of the Five Finalists will also win a copy of Adobe’s Lightroom Software!
So cast your votes and lets give some Lightroom Software away!
Question: How do you vote?
Answer: Just click on the pink word “Comments” at the end of this blog post, and then post a comment that says which of the Five Finalists you vote for. And add 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!
Next Question: What is the theme for August’s Photo Contest? And when is the Deadline?
Answer: The theme is Pets. You must send an image of your pet that shows us their personality. Deadline is at midnight, the last day of August! Send your images to contest@fioria.us.
Last Question: What is the Workshop Combo going to be for December 6th and 7th 2008?
Answer: We’re going to spill the beans tomorrow! If you haven’t voted yet on what workshop combo you want, make sure you do today! Go here to vote on the workshop stuff!
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For more fun photo exercises, check out our popular Instructional DVDs Refuse to Say Cheese , our 101 Kits for starting or expanding a business in photography, click on the words of your choice! The Chicago Workshop is sold out. But the December one is going to open for registration soon!
August 21st, 2008 at 10:11 am
Holy Moly! I am DEFINATELY going to have to vote for #5, Millennium Park, by Amber! The feeling that her photo captured is just, well, there are no words! Great job Amber!
August 21st, 2008 at 10:29 am
Number 2 took me a long time to get…lol
Love # 3 and 4…so hard to decide.
I will have to say 3
August 21st, 2008 at 10:34 am
#5 – hands down!
August 21st, 2008 at 10:36 am
My vote is for #5! for years my friends and I have always said we can “hear” a picture, and in #5, I hear absolute silence, and that is a good thing. for me, its a calming silence. i absolutly adore when a child lays their head down and just plays. its so innocent, and I miss that innocence in my everyday life.
Great job, Amber! And great job to the other finalists!
August 21st, 2008 at 10:59 am
Can I vote twice in one comment? 😉
My husband wants me to vote for # 1, so that vote is for him… I on the other hand love # 2 and 4! hmmm… #2 is so beautiful it reminds me of fairies dancing, but I will have to go with #4 for the colors and the pure joy that was captured in the image. I miss having those summer breaks!
August 21st, 2008 at 11:02 am
#3 Love the suprise on the boys face!
August 21st, 2008 at 11:08 am
Wow… What great finalists! I have to vote for number 5. I love how quiet it feels, how even though there is a lot going on around this sweet girl, you would never know it. It does not seem like she knows it either. Great shot!
August 21st, 2008 at 11:12 am
I love Dancing on Water for its uniqueness.
August 21st, 2008 at 11:24 am
Can I vote for Phelps photo? That is my favorite 😉
Ok, seriously… I am going to have to go with #4… because it is a great picture and I feel sorry for the guy at the bottom– looks like he got a little too much chlorine in his eye 🙂
August 21st, 2008 at 11:29 am
I vote for #5. It’s so unexpected and different from the water picture that I would imagine. I love it. It’s great.
August 21st, 2008 at 11:31 am
putting in my vote for #2… very unique perspective and I love the fact that it makes your mind work… almost like an optical illusion… unless you see it right away you’re kinda puzzled and then once it comes into focus it’s like “of course, how did I not see that” very cool.
August 21st, 2008 at 11:36 am
All such great shots.
I love number 1 b/c it reminds me of places I’ve been, and the water not only captures contrasts, but so does the sky.
2 is so interesting. Was she standing on glass w/photog. underneath? Kind of like those underground tunnels in Pioneer Square?
3 just so caught my eye. I love it! The capture on that little guy’s face is priceless.
4 captures summertime pooltime perfectly.
And 5. You certainly can “feel” the silence. And I love the story behind it — it adds to the depth of the silence that the photo communicates.
In the end though, I’ll go with number 3. As I did my initial scroll through, it was 3 that just lit up for me. I love it.
Great contest!
Aileen
August 21st, 2008 at 11:45 am
I vote for #4, its just such a fun picture!
August 21st, 2008 at 11:46 am
#4 — you just can’t beat those great expressions!
August 21st, 2008 at 11:51 am
So hard to choose! I think #4 for the sheer smile factor.
They are all so great!!
August 21st, 2008 at 12:10 pm
Oh my goodness….they all so how awesome summer is! I found myself smiling at all of them. AHHH, to be a kid again! Since we have to select one (and since I am a dog lover/owner of 3), I have to go with #3. Anyone who has given a dog a bath can relate to the surprise “shake”!
August 21st, 2008 at 12:18 pm
#4! It just screamed out to me! You can almost hear the girls squeals! Love the colors and the comp. everything!
Awesome photo!
August 21st, 2008 at 12:24 pm
#5 definitely!!! I love that one because of the contrast between a darling little girl in pink…lying in muddy water. Beautiful and fun.
August 21st, 2008 at 12:26 pm
they are all amazing but my vote goes to #5…amazing! 🙂
August 21st, 2008 at 12:29 pm
I’m with you on #2, that’s an amazing perspective. I love it!
August 21st, 2008 at 12:30 pm
I vote for #2.
August 21st, 2008 at 12:40 pm
#5 – what is the lighting story here? Was the sun the only source? Or was there some diffused secondary lighting? It’s really amazing.
August 21st, 2008 at 12:42 pm
Those images are astonishing! Hard to decide, but I think I favour #5 Millenium Park – its amazing and says so much about life, contemplation, observing the world. Congrats to all the finalists for their excellent work!
August 21st, 2008 at 1:03 pm
I had a really hard time deciding. All of the images are beautiful and evocative. I think, though, I will have to go with #5. I have seen my son play just like this so many times. My favorite part of this shot is the color. I love the rich dark browns of the sand and water and the muted, subtle pink and blue of the girl’s swimsuit and the dozer. It’s truly a fantastic shot.
August 21st, 2008 at 1:09 pm
#1
It looks exactly like outside of our beach house in Lincoln City, Oregon
August 21st, 2008 at 1:11 pm
Wow, what incredible images! Each one is so special and full of meaning. But in the end it’s #5 that gets my vote.
August 21st, 2008 at 1:13 pm
#3 – it is framed very well, was great timing, full of action/fun
August 21st, 2008 at 1:15 pm
They are all fantastic shots! I think I have to choose number 4 by Deene – that one makes me feel the most nastalgic for my childhood! LOVE the faces of the top of the totem and the bottom the most!
August 21st, 2008 at 1:18 pm
Number 3!
All the finalist did a wonderful job!
It was a hard choice.
August 21st, 2008 at 1:20 pm
my favourite is number 4. I love the kids playing – it brings back so many happy summer holidays!!!
August 21st, 2008 at 1:21 pm
love #3 – classic. 🙂
August 21st, 2008 at 1:28 pm
Very tough. I will vote for #5 but they are all amazing. I have learned so much since I started reading your site!
August 21st, 2008 at 1:39 pm
Finalist #2, Dancing on Water, by Kirsten.
I love the murky but still ethereal quality to it.
August 21st, 2008 at 1:55 pm
hello there!
i like #1 the best. first off i love the ocean, which puts this shot ahead from the begining…but, i also love the faded color in it. i love how the waves are in the distance yet they still seem intense. also…i love the very opaque rainbow…is that a rainbow? i think so. i would make a canvas of this and put it up in the living room. great job heather!
August 21st, 2008 at 2:19 pm
they’re all great in different ways, but i vote for #5 b/c it caught my eye the most at first glance. i like the “moodiness” of it. =)
August 21st, 2008 at 2:38 pm
#3!! it feels like your there! i almost want to shield myself from the water when i see this picture! true summertime fun everyone can relate to 🙂
August 21st, 2008 at 2:41 pm
#3 i love the wet dog photo, what a precious memory for this little boy and his best friend sam, way to go!
August 21st, 2008 at 2:42 pm
#3
I love all the photos but based on the contest theme of water #3 did it for me.
Great job everyone!
August 21st, 2008 at 3:01 pm
My vote is for #2. For being so new at this, Kirsten is an amazing photog. She has a great eye and really understands how to bring out the most in a photo.
August 21st, 2008 at 3:05 pm
[…] 21, 2008 by Kirsten Geyer Hey everyone! I am honored to be a finalist in a photo contest over at Me Ra Koh Photography Blog! On a whim I decided to enter one of the pictures I took on my New York trip. The contest’s […]
August 21st, 2008 at 3:32 pm
I vote for #5. It is stunning. It’s personal, it’s got landscape, fabulous colors, great mood, unique & interesting.
They are all very great photos though & I enjoyed looking at them.
August 21st, 2008 at 3:43 pm
Id like to vote for number two please. I love those fantasy type shots – I’ve never been very good at them, which might be why I love them so much. Really good job everyone! The first one is REALLY beautiful as well – and of course the one of Michael Phelps – YUM!
August 21st, 2008 at 4:13 pm
Yeah.. #5 does it for me. I love when a moment like that is captured. It may never come again, but she has preserved it forever. 🙂 Wow!
August 21st, 2008 at 4:23 pm
numero cinco!
Just to be different I said it in Spanish. 🙂
They are all awesome.
August 21st, 2008 at 4:25 pm
#5 is amazing
August 21st, 2008 at 4:27 pm
I vote for #4! You can just hear those kids laughing and screaming. It would have been fun to see what happened right after that very moment!
I so want to win the random voter prize!!!!
They are all amazing photos. It took me a while to figure out number 2, but when I did, it is cool!
August 21st, 2008 at 4:34 pm
My vote is for #5.
August 21st, 2008 at 4:41 pm
Definitely #5! WOW!
August 21st, 2008 at 4:42 pm
I vote for #1 because my heart relaxed as soon as I saw that pic. I know I need a little R&R and that picture made me feel like I was there and relaxed at least for a few seconds anyway. Lovely shot!
August 21st, 2008 at 4:54 pm
hahah #3 made me laff out loud!!!! just the shear water flying off the dog! hahaahahahah 🙂 was so great!!!!
so #3!!!!!!
they are all so great though.
August 21st, 2008 at 4:58 pm
My vote is for Finalist #4, Summer Reunion, by Deene Souza! It just embodies the feelings of summer fun. It’s one of those pictures that make you happy. 🙂
August 21st, 2008 at 5:09 pm
They are all amazing in their own unique ways…It’s hard to pick just one, but #5 gets my vote.
August 21st, 2008 at 5:10 pm
#2, I love the movement and the colors.
August 21st, 2008 at 5:11 pm
My vote is for #3. It makes me smile, like MeRa, I can feel the water splashing and smell the ‘wet dog’. That’s a hard shot to capture and to make it look good too. I’ve tried that before and the dogs face is all distorted b/c his jowls flopped over his face…LOL.
Runner up for me is #4. So fun!
August 21st, 2008 at 5:11 pm
number 3!!!!!!!!!!
soooooo adorable!!!!!
love it!!!!!!
August 21st, 2008 at 5:19 pm
I LOVE number 5!!! All the pictures were great number 2 definitely caught my attention too!
August 21st, 2008 at 5:25 pm
I vote for Picture #2. It’s so dreamy! I love the fact that it leaves me wondering…it gives me just enough but doesn’t spell it all out. How did you take this?
August 21st, 2008 at 5:37 pm
#5. Loved them all, but this one speaks to me.
August 21st, 2008 at 5:40 pm
i adore #3 the action is amazing… and that boy!!! is he not the cutest thing in the world!
August 21st, 2008 at 5:42 pm
that are all amazing, but i am going to have to go with number 3 as well, so much fun, takes me right back to my younger years….
August 21st, 2008 at 5:48 pm
All of them are beautiful, but #5 absolutely blows me away. I would love to know how she captured that image. The composition, the lighting, the emotion of the little girl — all of it is remarkably perfect.
August 21st, 2008 at 6:03 pm
My vote is for #5…such an amazing picture,such serene silence.
August 21st, 2008 at 6:16 pm
I vote for #1.
August 21st, 2008 at 6:17 pm
My vote goes to #5. After looking at all the photos I went back and just stared at this one. So many stories can come from this photo. It is amazing.
August 21st, 2008 at 6:22 pm
They are all fantastic–but I vote for #3 because it brings back so many memories of my childhood dog. Also, the timing of the shot had to be perfect. Congrats to all on some fine work.
August 21st, 2008 at 6:30 pm
oh my word how to choose?!
i am in love with the mystery of #2 but #3 is by far my fave ~ it is like some thing out of a book about the fun times of summer! and how did she capture this moment?! beautiful!
August 21st, 2008 at 6:36 pm
whoa, #2 is really cool, frankly #5 kinda gives me the creeps!
August 21st, 2008 at 6:36 pm
We have an English Mastiff too! she loooooves the water!
I’m going to have to go with #3 because i am so familiar with this scene! and the movement is stunning, well done to all… they are all beautiful but Ali… you hit the mark!
August 21st, 2008 at 6:38 pm
#2, dancing on water. I just love the dreaminess.
August 21st, 2008 at 6:38 pm
number 3 number 3 number 3 number 3!!!!!!
wish i had been there! it looks like such a fun time!!!
August 21st, 2008 at 6:46 pm
Number 2 and I want to know how it was done. Wow!
August 21st, 2008 at 7:03 pm
I vote for photo #3 – so fun!!
August 21st, 2008 at 7:05 pm
all gorgeous. the purity of #5. the excitement of #4. the motion of #3. the fantasy of #2. and the tranquility of #1.
but in my opinion #3 really captures the essence of water: the movement, the uncontrolled, the surprise, the trill, the refreshment.
Hats off Ali
August 21st, 2008 at 7:17 pm
I vote for #5 definitely! The lighting is amazing and the picture really makes you want to know the story behind it. Awesome picture!
August 21st, 2008 at 7:34 pm
What a great group of finalists! I vote for #2, “Dancing on Water” in all its unusual, ethereal, doubletake-worthy glory.
August 21st, 2008 at 7:39 pm
They are all amazing! Number 1 reminds me of home….oh how I miss California! Number 2….I want to know how it was done…it’s simply amazing. Number 3….makes me laugh and smile as does number 4. And number 5 tugs at my heart with all the emotion it conveys.
But…..I’d have to say #3 wins it for me. I love his smile as he gets soaked by the dog. The picture makes me so happy and brings me back to my childhood summer breaks!
😀
August 21st, 2008 at 8:10 pm
I love #3. Its a classic scene, almost like a Norman Rockwell painting, capturing true Americana.
August 21st, 2008 at 8:13 pm
#3! It reminds me of my childhood. I miss my puppy. 🙁
August 21st, 2008 at 8:18 pm
Number 5, hands down! It’s breathtaking!
August 21st, 2008 at 8:25 pm
I vote for number 2, so very unique! But all of these photos are amazing!!
August 21st, 2008 at 8:26 pm
WOW! How do you narrow down from awesome choices? I’d probably say #1, simply because the lighting is almost personified in the photo. The shadowy areas and the smoothness of the brightly lit areas play off each other so beautifully that it’s mezmerizing.
August 21st, 2008 at 8:48 pm
Love, love, love #2 – Kirsten. I love how this shot is so different from anything I have ever seen. What great perspective and the water really shows the dancer’s motion. She did a great job and blew it out of the ballpark on this one. 🙂
August 21st, 2008 at 8:56 pm
First I want to say congrats to all of the finalists!! Great Job! I have been watching Me Ra’s blog every since a friend told me about it, and love all of the tips and inspiration I find on the site. I feel truly honored to be one of the finalists.
August 21st, 2008 at 9:08 pm
Love this photagraph lighting is great looks like you are there. This is were I would lke to be with my photos.
August 21st, 2008 at 9:17 pm
Amber! She captured the essence of how photography should be looked at…your interpretation and that only! Congrats and very well done…you’re a star 🙂
August 21st, 2008 at 9:18 pm
YAY!!! You can ask my sister how loud I squealed when I found out that my image was chosen to be one of the finalists…I’m sure she’ll need an eardrum transplant. What an honor…thank you MeRa for all your inspiration and encouragement! All the other finalists have wonderful shots…I feel blessed to even be apart of the group 🙂
August 21st, 2008 at 9:21 pm
i love the 1st water entry .i vote for ist one
August 21st, 2008 at 9:42 pm
#3: what a talented and patient mom to work with a kid, a giant wet puppy… and make it work… wow-wee
August 21st, 2008 at 9:58 pm
all the pictures are amazing.. but i have to vote for no. 1..
having just come back from the beach.. this picture brings back memories of such good times that i spent with my family on the beach..
August 21st, 2008 at 9:58 pm
#5-my heart was drawn to this. i’m a mother to little girls and this picture captures so much of a child…wonder, emotion, and pure innocence. it is an amazing captured moment. great work!
August 21st, 2008 at 10:00 pm
i vote for 4
August 21st, 2008 at 10:10 pm
#5. Love the composition. It’s simple, yet leave you lots of thoughts and childhood memories.
August 21st, 2008 at 10:32 pm
I swear the voting gets harder and harder with each contest!!!!
My vote is #5. It is so calming and peaceful. I can feel the quietness of that image.
August 21st, 2008 at 10:40 pm
ME RA! Thank you for picking my photo as a finalist! I’m so honored! I truly love your blog and read every ounce of it. I absolutely LOVE your videos too. SO WORTH EVERY PENNY . . .but that Brian . . . I tell ya, he’s cute and all, but do you sometimes just have to wonder? HHMMMM.
All kidding aside, thank you for picking my SUMMER REUNION entry (check out my blog for more background info on the meaning behind this photo) and most of all, thank you for all you do by sharing your knowledge and inspiring photographers everywhere around the world, everyday through your blog. Thank you!
August 21st, 2008 at 10:46 pm
My vote is for #5. I think Amber did a wonderful job of capturing a mulitude of emotion.
August 21st, 2008 at 10:46 pm
I pick #4….all the expressions on the kids face is priceless.
August 21st, 2008 at 11:13 pm
My vote is for #2, Dancing on Water, by Kirsten. I love how you can just feel the sensuousness of the water, and what an amazing angle too!
August 22nd, 2008 at 12:58 am
Number one is really beautiful. I love the color and the calm feeling you get when you look at it
August 22nd, 2008 at 3:30 am
It is very hard to pick just one… I will have to go with #3
August 22nd, 2008 at 3:30 am
It is very hard to pick just one #3
August 22nd, 2008 at 5:29 am
#5 for sure!
August 22nd, 2008 at 6:22 am
Number 4 makes me smile. I love the range of emotions on everyone’s faces.
August 22nd, 2008 at 6:37 am
#5 grabbed me and made me gasp. It is absolutely stunning. It shows such carefree abandon – a cute girl in a cute bathing suit just doesn’t care that she’s laying in muddy water, so content, so beautiful.
August 22nd, 2008 at 6:52 am
#5
August 22nd, 2008 at 7:01 am
I like #3 for the action captured in the shot…
August 22nd, 2008 at 7:01 am
I love all the finalist photos. I am stuck between 2 and five. But I think I will go with five. I love water and reflection pictures 🙂
August 22nd, 2008 at 7:23 am
I vote for #1. Besides having a major soft spot for ocean photos, I just love the ying and yang of this photo. The strong harsh ocean right next to the calm peaceful creek. Beautiful. I really love how the one surfer is so perfectly outlined by the crashing wave–very cool!
August 22nd, 2008 at 7:32 am
It looks like the dog is laughing if you look really close, that’s why I like #3
August 22nd, 2008 at 7:48 am
#4!
I love the vibrancy & color in #4. That can be tough to pull off in the summer sun. Also, the expressions are classic! Love it!
August 22nd, 2008 at 7:49 am
#4
The color & vibrancy is amazing. That can be so tough to pull off in the summer sun. Also the expressions are classic! Love it!
August 22nd, 2008 at 7:52 am
my vote goes to ali #3
August 22nd, 2008 at 8:10 am
#4 for my vote. Wish I could vote for all, but, since I am a grandmother, Deene’s photo tugged at my heartstrings.
August 22nd, 2008 at 8:38 am
I have to go with #1 – I love the beauty of nature in that one. It’s just gorgeous. They are all wonderful images, though.
August 22nd, 2008 at 8:57 am
#3—What an amazing picture! I also have a big dog and a little boy—I can relate to this awesome picture!
August 22nd, 2008 at 9:01 am
Ali Brown’s photo captured the vibrant spirit of a child and an animal! What an amazing picture! When a photo makes you smile, you know that the photographer is sincere in their passion to capture emotion. Ali displays her amazing gift….keep it up!
August 22nd, 2008 at 9:02 am
I vote for #3 – Ali. The picture has great detail and makes you feel like you are there enjoying all the fun.
August 22nd, 2008 at 9:05 am
I love dancing on water (#2). Amazing shot!
August 22nd, 2008 at 9:38 am
I love #3 this is an amazing picture. It really captures the moment.
August 22nd, 2008 at 9:41 am
gotta go with #5 because of the stillness of the water, you would think, a kid in the water, gonna be ripples, but it’s just smooth and creates some wild irony to the entire composition. Amazing shot.
August 22nd, 2008 at 9:57 am
#5, the composition grabbed me immediately but I was blown away when I read that she was surrounded by children b/c the shot just looks so ‘quiet’.
August 22nd, 2008 at 9:58 am
Ok so it was rough…I came on here thinking I was going to vote for one, but one totally made me think twice. I love #3 I love the difficulty of how it was to capture, and the time and energy to capture it. But # 5 is so sweet and full of emotion as well. But in the end I totally think that #3 wins! Well done Ali!!
August 22nd, 2008 at 10:01 am
I love them all, but I think #5 evokes the most emotion from me.
August 22nd, 2008 at 10:11 am
Oh very tough! It was a toss up between #4 & #5. Oh decisions, decisions….#4 I just kept going back to it! Summer water fun, love it.
August 22nd, 2008 at 10:20 am
Finalist #2, Dancing on Water, by Kirsten. is my winner – I agree how did she do that – WOW 🙂
Great shots though, I was amazed by them all! 🙂
August 22nd, 2008 at 10:41 am
Great entries… I first thought that Michael Phelps picture was one of the entries and I thought, “WOW! How did one of our ladies get that???” Silly me. 🙂
#1 for me! It’s so beautiful and serene with the still water overlooking the crashing tide. It could be a postcard! And a beautiful look at both the gentleness and raw power of water.
All 5 pictures were fantastic, though, and I had giggles for the shakey dog and pool totem, and an “awww” moment for the little girl playing by herself in the puddle.
August 22nd, 2008 at 10:46 am
#3! love it!You captured a perfect moment!
August 22nd, 2008 at 10:53 am
Wow, this is a tough one. I am going to have to go with number 5, I just keep coming back to it.
August 22nd, 2008 at 11:16 am
All of the photod were awesome. I have to say #5 hands down!!! That photo took my breath away!!! That sweet little girl in that muddy water, lost in her own thought…. JUST PRICELESS!!!
August 22nd, 2008 at 11:40 am
#3 #3 #3!!! What a picture that is not only difficult to get but in such great detail.
August 22nd, 2008 at 11:52 am
[…] been so exciting to watch people vote and comment on the Five Finalists for the Water Photo Contest! Aren’t they all […]
August 22nd, 2008 at 11:58 am
#4 is by far my favorite. That’s my vote. That is a hard shot to capture with the bright sun and keep everyone from blurring. #5 is weird. I thought it was a dead child at first. Composition or not, it didn’t feel good to me.
August 22nd, 2008 at 12:21 pm
#3 Rocks—-GO ALI!!!!
August 22nd, 2008 at 12:23 pm
#3—#3—-#3—-It must have taken all day to capture that exact picture!
August 22nd, 2008 at 12:29 pm
#3!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Great entries!
August 22nd, 2008 at 12:29 pm
They are all great but #3 is my favorite!
August 22nd, 2008 at 12:38 pm
They are all wonderful, but I vote #5. Every time I look at it I feel a different emotion. It’s the kind of art you love to look at again and again. Nice work Amber!
August 22nd, 2008 at 12:41 pm
#4 – it is just such a fun shot that evokes some many memories of summer
August 22nd, 2008 at 12:45 pm
My vote is for #1
August 22nd, 2008 at 12:47 pm
#3 great detail!
August 22nd, 2008 at 12:48 pm
Love #2. Any picture that makes you stop and look twice is a great picture.
August 22nd, 2008 at 1:07 pm
# 3!!
I love the little ones expression, shock and excitment! Perfect timing to capture that shot.
August 22nd, 2008 at 1:11 pm
I absolutely love “Finalist #5, Millennium Park, by Amber”. Everytime I look at it I think I feel a different emotion. But each time I feel that emotion in the depths of my heart. It is timeless, amazing and beautiful. Thanks so much for sharing!
August 22nd, 2008 at 1:31 pm
I love #1 it gives me such a peacefull feeling just looking at it
August 22nd, 2008 at 1:36 pm
This was the best contest yet, I think! So hard to choose…
#1 is breathtaking
#2 is intriging and tres cool
#3 is an awesome action shot
#4 is just plain fun
but #5 keeps pulling me back in
Gotta go with #5!
August 22nd, 2008 at 2:29 pm
#3 – Wet Dog
August 22nd, 2008 at 2:34 pm
#5 because any can take photo’s of water and people, but this is exceptional and real talent
August 22nd, 2008 at 2:39 pm
Great shots ali! Really capture the moment! Make you feel a part of the action.
Sincerely,
David
August 22nd, 2008 at 2:42 pm
I vote for #3 – kids, dog & water an unbeatable combination
August 22nd, 2008 at 2:42 pm
My vote is for #2……there is something mystical and mysterious about the picture at the same time! It leaves the viewer with lots of questions!
August 22nd, 2008 at 3:19 pm
#2 for me! It’s such an intriguing photo and Kirsten really captured the movement, bubbles and life between the water and the subject.
August 22nd, 2008 at 3:25 pm
gotta go #3!!!! rad shot girl!
August 22nd, 2008 at 3:28 pm
spectacular job one and all!!!!
number 3 is the one i <3!!!!
August 22nd, 2008 at 4:02 pm
I Love #4. Summer for children should be All about fun, and this picture depicts it PERFECTLY.
August 22nd, 2008 at 4:04 pm
I love #5! It’s so different.
August 22nd, 2008 at 4:18 pm
I vote for #1. I just loved the composition and the tranquility. Nice image.
August 22nd, 2008 at 4:32 pm
My vote is for #1.
I love the picture for so many reasons. One being that what you said about it is so true! I love your writing! So expressive!
I also liked the “fun-ness” in #3!
August 22nd, 2008 at 4:41 pm
I vote for #3. There is just something special about a boy and his dog. Maybe it’s your new puppy, or the love I have for my own two crazy pugs, but I kept going back to #3.
August 22nd, 2008 at 4:45 pm
Ooh, so hard to decide! I like No. 1 and No. 5 the best, but if I HAVE to choose (LOL) I’m going to pick No. 5! But, GREAT job to ALL five finalists! You guys totally rock!
August 22nd, 2008 at 5:54 pm
I vote for Dancing on Water. It’s the most unusual, not rooted in a season or a specific vignette, no familiar cast of characters. Could be any girl I know. Could be a phantom. Could be me. That’s why I like it.
August 22nd, 2008 at 6:00 pm
These are all awesome- my vote goes to #3- I loved that Ali took away from the DVD series enough to use it in action!
August 22nd, 2008 at 6:10 pm
I love #3. What fun!
August 22nd, 2008 at 6:13 pm
#5 – it is just so rich and thought-provoking. They are ALL beautiful images though – such a diverse selection!
August 22nd, 2008 at 6:25 pm
I vote for #5. There is something otherwordly about it. It looks like it belongs in an art museum.
August 22nd, 2008 at 7:02 pm
#3 is my choice. All are great shots, but 3 makes me smile.
August 22nd, 2008 at 7:32 pm
I vote for number 3!!!!!! Sooooo precious!!
August 22nd, 2008 at 7:40 pm
#2, how in the world was this shot taken?
August 22nd, 2008 at 8:00 pm
it was a very tough decision for me between #1 and #5, but in the end i choose #5. it just so evocative of that fleeting childhood innocence of long hot summers and daydreams and playing outside and being small in this huge world.
August 22nd, 2008 at 8:19 pm
#4 is pure summer fun & makes me wish my children mern’t already back to school! Amazing, Deene!
August 22nd, 2008 at 8:21 pm
Maybe I should go back to school to learn how to spell weren’t!! HA!
August 22nd, 2008 at 8:47 pm
#4 – It makes me smile every time I look at it. You can just tell that they had so much fun doing this.
August 22nd, 2008 at 9:35 pm
Loved the energy in #4. chicken fights rock! all the photos are beautiful. #4 takes it for me though. this captures summer beautifully
August 22nd, 2008 at 10:23 pm
#3–I love the composition of the oversized dog spraying the undersize boy. Great detail!
August 22nd, 2008 at 10:31 pm
#3 is my pick. Detail is amazing.
August 23rd, 2008 at 6:47 am
#4 – what wonderful expressions !
August 23rd, 2008 at 7:42 am
Number 4 gets my vote. I too love their difference expressions. Good work Deene!!
August 23rd, 2008 at 7:43 am
Congratulations to all of the finalists, great work!
Photo 1 is stunning and technically perfect. So crisp and sharp, yet serene and soft all at the same time. I could see this being sold as a print…
Photo 2 is interesting and ethereal. I love how she captured the beauty of motion and fluidity in water. Reading through her blog you unravel the mystery of how this was shot…but I love how not knowing keeps the viewer guessing.
Photo 3 is just a joyful photo, one you want to look at. It warms you from the inside, reminds you of childhood, summertime, your favorite family pet. She also really captured the moment here in a BIG way.
Photo 4 is one of those shots you try and try for and just get so excited when it finally works. Getting a shot of 4 people (kids) where they all have amazing expressions, well it can seem like an outright miracle! Great job catching the action and vibrance of summer.
Photo 5 is simply AMAZING. Thought provoking, beautiful, emotive, and as some comments have expressed slightly controversial. And to all this I say good. This photo to me is fine art. It stay with me. It reminds me that in the murk of the world there still lies innocence, beauty and wonderment.
With all that said my vote is for Photo 5, it is a photo I wish I would have taken.
Great job and Congratualtions to all!
(Me Ra so excited you’re giving away Lightroom to a random voter, I SO need that program! looks like you may get to 400 this time…)
August 23rd, 2008 at 7:47 am
#2 ~ I would love to know how it was captured! Amazing! Dancing on the car sunroof with the sprinkler going? haha 🙂
August 23rd, 2008 at 7:51 am
What wonderful pictures. the first one makes me wish for a vacation. the next draws you in wondering if the picture taker was in the water or what. the next two are just plain fun. the last one is another thinker. I like this one best because it’s a moment in time, timeless wonder. I can imagine that if it were my child it could pick up her layed by personality and the ability to take a moment anywhere when she tired. I would treasue the story it tells. So my vote is for #5
August 23rd, 2008 at 8:05 am
#4 – I love the color and the expressions!!
August 23rd, 2008 at 8:24 am
This is a toughie because they are all so good.
But my first instinct is…
#3
August 23rd, 2008 at 8:26 am
#4
So much fun! Makes you smile.
August 23rd, 2008 at 8:46 am
I vote for #3. Technically, it is a wonderful image, but more important is the way it makes me feel. I can relate to the litte boy…lol. The photo is fun and brings back many good memories.
August 23rd, 2008 at 9:17 am
I pick number 4. Great action shot.
August 23rd, 2008 at 9:17 am
This one was really hard! But for capturing water during the Summer, I have to make my vote for #4. 🙂
August 23rd, 2008 at 9:25 am
Im voting for #4!! As a mom, I know how hard it is to get just one kiddo to have a good expression, let alone 4!!! Love it!!!
Hayley
August 23rd, 2008 at 9:28 am
Awesome action shot!!
August 23rd, 2008 at 9:30 am
# 3 rocks! Wonderful pic Ali!
August 23rd, 2008 at 9:33 am
#5!!! Gorgeous shot!
August 23rd, 2008 at 9:33 am
#5!! A GORGEOUS SHOT!
August 23rd, 2008 at 9:34 am
#5!! Such a great shot!
August 23rd, 2008 at 9:50 am
I’m voting for #5. It shows such wonderful emotion. I just wish I knew which one. LOL
August 23rd, 2008 at 9:51 am
#3 It looks so fun!
August 23rd, 2008 at 9:58 am
I LOVE #5!
August 23rd, 2008 at 10:17 am
These all look great — my personal favorites are #3 and #4. I felt that #1 is a lot like what I have in my photo collection (and I am strictly an amatuer photographer). #2 is kind of strange — I didn’t care for that one. #5 seems to be very posed and stiff/rigid.
But when it comes right down to it — I vote for #4. It might be because it’s really hot here right now and that I would like to be one of these kids.
August 23rd, 2008 at 10:29 am
#4 – it just says summer!
August 23rd, 2008 at 10:35 am
I love #4 – reminds me of fun times in the pool with all my cousins when we were little.
August 23rd, 2008 at 10:35 am
#4 gets my vote- it captures the true innocence of summer through a childs eyes. Every mom can appreciate those smiles!
August 23rd, 2008 at 10:41 am
I vote for Deanne’s picture…#4. The range of emotions is hilarious. Plus, I think her kids are so cute.
August 23rd, 2008 at 10:41 am
#2 just totally speaks to me. It’s dreamy and surreal. It is beautiful! (#5 was a close 2nd!)
August 23rd, 2008 at 10:46 am
All pictures are great, but #4 is priceless! It’s the most joyful one out of them all and captures a moment in time! CLASSIC!
August 23rd, 2008 at 10:57 am
Great photo! #4 has great expressions and color.
August 23rd, 2008 at 11:27 am
#4 has by far captured my heart. You can just put yourself right in the picture and the excitement of it all. Great job.
August 23rd, 2008 at 11:37 am
I vote for #4. Very fun shot.
August 23rd, 2008 at 11:38 am
#4 is great!
August 23rd, 2008 at 1:45 pm
I vote for #4, such fun!
August 23rd, 2008 at 11:51 am
#4 by deene souza!!
August 23rd, 2008 at 11:59 am
My vote’s for #4! Looks like so much fun!
August 23rd, 2008 at 12:00 pm
I have to vote for #4! I love Deene’s work!
August 23rd, 2008 at 12:18 pm
I pick finalist #4 Summer Reunion because I love the expession of each child in this fun summer activity. I love the pool and this is the kind of stuff I think about when I think of water.
August 23rd, 2008 at 1:27 pm
I love everything about #4. Definitely reminds me of everything summer.
August 23rd, 2008 at 1:48 pm
I vote for #5, great job….aren’t little girls just precious!!!!!
August 23rd, 2008 at 2:16 pm
My vote is for #5. I really wonder what thoughts are going through her little head.
Mary Ann
August 23rd, 2008 at 2:24 pm
I vote for #4, It is so much fun to see the children laugh-great shot.
August 23rd, 2008 at 2:29 pm
# 4 WHAT A SHOT OF KIDS AT THE BEST TIME OF THE SUMMMER.
August 23rd, 2008 at 2:33 pm
#4
August 23rd, 2008 at 3:25 pm
Millenium Park by Amber. Breathtaking.
August 23rd, 2008 at 3:26 pm
#5
This is an amazing shot. a view I would never imagine. Totally captures “in the moment” GREAT PHOTO!
August 23rd, 2008 at 3:29 pm
Finalist #3, Wet Dog, by Ali
This shot is so cute! Love the action!
August 23rd, 2008 at 4:04 pm
#5. Different than anything I’ve ever seen.
August 23rd, 2008 at 4:11 pm
My vote is for #5. It is an amazingly beautiful picture.
August 23rd, 2008 at 4:25 pm
#3 wet dog! Amazing Action
August 23rd, 2008 at 4:36 pm
I love all of them, but Number 4 reminds me of my kids….love it!
August 23rd, 2008 at 4:53 pm
Number four. Really neat photo. The little girl on the top is so cute and the kid at the bottom’s face is priceless
August 23rd, 2008 at 4:58 pm
I vote #5! This picture is wonderful! It’s so mysterious and even though I know a photographer shot this, it makes me wonder who is really looking at her? Is she the last surviving girl on this planet? Or has her journey come to and end? Great job!
August 23rd, 2008 at 5:06 pm
They are all wonderful and for different reasons. Hard to pick just one.
I think number 5 though is the one I keep looking at……
August 23rd, 2008 at 6:15 pm
Pure Joy #4…Did you catch the spalsh? So Fun!
August 23rd, 2008 at 6:40 pm
number one is my favorite. I like the light and the waves
August 23rd, 2008 at 6:44 pm
I love a couple of them, but I think in the end, I have to go with number 5. Amazing! I loved it even more when I read your comments about them and learned that she was surrounded by chaos, but found this tiny piece of solitude.
August 23rd, 2008 at 6:55 pm
I like #3. It is really cool.
August 23rd, 2008 at 7:35 pm
#5 – AMBER!!! All the way – gorgeous photo. It not only draws your attention, but it holds onto it and keeps you there. Great job Amber!!
August 23rd, 2008 at 7:41 pm
My vote is for #5! What an adorable little girl. It is a timeless treasure.
August 23rd, 2008 at 7:47 pm
Have 2 kids that love to swim, I’d have to say #4. The look on the kid on the bottom is priceless. I also think it is amazing that they were able to get 4 high. I also like how the image just “pops” out to me. I like all the others, and it was a close tie for me between the dancing with water and the pyramid. In the end, I like #4.
August 23rd, 2008 at 7:48 pm
#4 what fun!
August 23rd, 2008 at 7:48 pm
I vote for #4. It captures the fun of summer.
August 23rd, 2008 at 8:00 pm
Finalist #5 – Amber’s Milennium Park. I absolutely LOVE the composition. It is really striking and caught my eye right away.
August 23rd, 2008 at 8:25 pm
I’m in dilemma for #3 and #4.
I love #3 for the right exposure and shutter speed. the dog is not too blurry, but we still can see the motion of the dog.
#4. I love the color and the expression of the people. It’s the picture I wish I have when I’m playing in the pool with my children.
In the end, I guess I will vote for #4.
August 23rd, 2008 at 8:30 pm
I love the expressions in this one! They’re having so much fun and she captured them at just the right moment!
August 23rd, 2008 at 8:37 pm
I vote for #4 – looks like a lot of fun!!!
August 23rd, 2008 at 8:38 pm
I think #4 shows the most expressions!
August 23rd, 2008 at 9:07 pm
I love #4, those expressions are just perfect! I love how you explained the photo, that definitely sold me! And you know in just a second they were all in the water. Oh, and how do none of them LOOK WET?!?!? ^_^ LOL Well except on the bottom.
August 23rd, 2008 at 9:36 pm
#5 – no contest. The composition, the texture, the blending of the hard and the soft, the angular and the curve, dark and light come together in such a way that the girl becomes a pupil of an eye looking back at us, sending us the image. Both concrete and surreal at the same time. (Hey Me Ra, this is Genie’s Lauren!)
August 23rd, 2008 at 9:41 pm
Tough choice! If I’m voting for the best composition and image, it’s #5. If I’m voting for the best moment captured (with great color and lighting) it’s #4! Sigh…I guess I’ll go with…..#4! All are beautiful in different ways. Wonderful job everyone!
August 23rd, 2008 at 10:46 pm
I am going to cast my vote for #3!! Great Job Ali. Captures such a pure and simple moment of childhood that everyone can relate to.
August 24th, 2008 at 1:20 am
i am voting for #4 beautiful picture
August 24th, 2008 at 1:21 am
cool pic #4 is the best
August 24th, 2008 at 4:38 am
Wow! I have to go with # 5 by Amber. It really catches your eye.
August 24th, 2008 at 4:51 am
#5 is my favorite. It is unique and completely unexpected.
August 24th, 2008 at 8:07 am
Picture #5 – hands down!
August 24th, 2008 at 9:32 am
My vote has to be for #2, Kirsten’s Dancing on Water.
It is so unusual and intriuguing. I love that you can tell a foot is in the image and water is somehow involved but you would never in a million years figure out how she did it. I also like the subject on the left in the image and the blur and how the black background sets it all off.
Really a once in a lifetime kind of shot.
August 24th, 2008 at 9:48 am
i vote for #5
August 24th, 2008 at 10:08 am
I like #3 the best. The water spray has made it into a slight abstract in which the feeling of the moment is captured very well.
August 24th, 2008 at 11:28 am
They’re awesome. Each entry tells it’s own story.
I’m totally amazed and mesmerized by #5. I find myself staring at it wondering what the little girl is thinking. It gives the viewer a sense of imagination…asking “where is the little girl? Is she in a different world? Why is she there and is she alone?” Absolutely incredible!!!
August 24th, 2008 at 11:28 am
They’re awesome. Each entry tells it’s own story.
I’m totally amazed and mesmerized by #5. I find myself staring at it wondering what the little girl is thinking. It gives the viewer a sense of imagination…asking “where is the little girl? Is she in a different world? Why is she there and is she alone?” Absolutely incredible!!!
August 24th, 2008 at 11:39 am
#4, brings back memories and reminds us to enjoy the simple things in life!
August 24th, 2008 at 12:23 pm
I vote #4 – Deene Souza because this is my family and I LOVE the picture! They crack me up 🙂 And Deene is a WONDERFUL photographer!!!
August 24th, 2008 at 12:29 pm
No.4 Think that is a wonderful picture of a group of kids having a great, great time.
August 24th, 2008 at 12:40 pm
Love #3. The little boys expression tells it all!!
August 24th, 2008 at 12:42 pm
#4 – loved the kids in the pool. Would love to have a shot like that of my own 4. Great, great shot!
August 24th, 2008 at 2:06 pm
oh, this is hard. I loved the kids in the pool and Kirsten’s feet shot but my favorite is number one, where creek meets ocean – fantastic. Speaks to my own desire for adventure and tranquility.
August 24th, 2008 at 2:08 pm
#5 gets my vote.
August 24th, 2008 at 2:44 pm
Wow they are all great but I vote for #1
August 24th, 2008 at 2:56 pm
This is a toughy! But I’ll have to say it’s between #1 and #4. #1 just for the powerfully contrasting elements and #4 because it epitomizes kids and summer fun. It just makes you smile to look at it!
August 24th, 2008 at 3:53 pm
I vote for #3, given the water theme and the expression on the little boy’s face.
August 24th, 2008 at 5:06 pm
Totally #2. I would hang that on my wall.
August 24th, 2008 at 5:54 pm
I vote number 5. So sweet!
August 24th, 2008 at 6:34 pm
I love #4! Good job Deene, color is perfect! To be sure. Actually, If I could vote for more than one, 3 is fun and 5 is amazingingly pure!
August 24th, 2008 at 7:46 pm
# 5 !!!
Beautiful.
All of them are very good though.
August 24th, 2008 at 7:52 pm
#5. Love the simplicity of the picture.
August 24th, 2008 at 8:07 pm
#5
All of the photos are AMAZING and evoke many thoughts and feelings, but #5 reminded me of a moment I’ve tried to catch with my two year old. She’ll be dancing and running around with such an excitement when all of a sudden she stops, as if to take everything in. This brief pause she does always reminds me to stop and take in every moment of life for myself. The photo of the little girl just gave me that same feeling- great job capturing the stillness of the little girl’s “moment”!
August 24th, 2008 at 8:49 pm
#4!!!!!!! Hard to get kids to do ANYTHING for pictures 🙂
August 24th, 2008 at 8:56 pm
#2….I like the fact you have to look (more than once) to figure out just what you are looking at!!! Great photo.
August 24th, 2008 at 9:49 pm
I love them all! I vote for the #2 image.
August 24th, 2008 at 9:56 pm
My hubby and I just got home from a weekend vacation and after scooping up and kissing my kids I went directly to your blog to see if the new class registration had been announced. When I saw that you had picked my image, I think I scared my kids with my scream of excitement. Anyway I absolutely loved your description of it and it is just what I would have said myself if I was talented in any way what so ever when it comes to writing. When I sent you the image I was literally running out the door with my kids and I had about two seconds to get it sent off. We have this picture framed in our office and every time we look at it, it just relaxes our souls. So THANK YOU again for choosing it and I really hope to meet you soon in person and learn fabulous things from you 🙂
August 25th, 2008 at 1:08 am
Amber’s #5. As a mom, I have tons of smiling, playing, full-of-life images of my children. It is the quiet solitude that is so hard to catch without interrupting and yet so fleeting in our memories. Beautiful art and a beautiful moment for a mother to cherish.
August 25th, 2008 at 5:33 am
[…] I went to bed last night, I was so excited to see that we were up to 273 VOTES!! I was so […]
August 25th, 2008 at 5:45 am
Wow, they are all fantastic. I’m voting for #5. It’s a beautiful shot and it doesn’t show a typical beach scene.
August 25th, 2008 at 6:20 am
They are all so beautiful! But I think I’m going to have to go with #3.
August 25th, 2008 at 6:21 am
Number 3 all the way!
August 25th, 2008 at 6:25 am
#3. Great lighting and awesome clarity.
August 25th, 2008 at 6:27 am
I love #3! Its totally a summer picture!! And you can totally feel this picture! So great!
August 25th, 2008 at 6:41 am
I vote #3
August 25th, 2008 at 6:43 am
Wow….#5 for me. I do love the moments when can catch kids just being….kids.
August 25th, 2008 at 6:44 am
#4 I love number 4 because I remember those summer reunions myself. My cousins would come over and we would all get on top of eachother and have wars. So much Summer Fun! Deene the facial expressions on the kids are priceless!
August 25th, 2008 at 6:48 am
My vote is for #2 – this is just such a different perspective and unique shot that I think it deserves to win.
August 25th, 2008 at 7:02 am
I vote for #1. The madness and serenity all captured in one photo is breathtaking. And the three oblivious surfers just make it all reality. Great photo!
August 25th, 2008 at 7:05 am
I vote for number 3. I really think that is a look of summer. GREAT picture!!! Sherrie
August 25th, 2008 at 7:09 am
I’m voting #4, Summer Reunion
August 25th, 2008 at 7:23 am
I adore and vote for #3 “Wet Dog”. I can picture this being my son and dog and it cracks me up every time. Great job to everyone!
Julie
August 25th, 2008 at 7:27 am
My vote is for #3. All the pictures look great. I have experienced the “dog splatter” in the past, but never saw anything like this in photography!
August 25th, 2008 at 7:30 am
I vote for #3. Big dog, little kid, memorable experience, very cute picture.
August 25th, 2008 at 7:37 am
Number 2. Is beautiful.
All are get photos no matter who wins.
August 25th, 2008 at 8:07 am
#4 gets my vote. So fun!
August 25th, 2008 at 8:10 am
#4 You can hear the laughter of all these kids!
August 25th, 2008 at 8:14 am
I vote for #4!
August 25th, 2008 at 8:20 am
Tough choice, but I think #2 gets my vote. It’s just so interesting!
August 25th, 2008 at 8:27 am
#5. Great capture. I love the lighting.
August 25th, 2008 at 8:42 am
Tough one! I vote for #4 because I can feel what’s coming. Perfect timing and the expressions are fantastic. That’s a fun family and Deene caught it!
August 25th, 2008 at 8:47 am
oh gosh ! 3,4 and 5 ! I’m going to go with 4 ,love the expressions and the feeling.
August 25th, 2008 at 8:51 am
Keep voting people!
August 25th, 2008 at 8:51 am
Great job on all but I like #4 the best.
Thanks
Jess
August 25th, 2008 at 8:52 am
I like them all, but I really enjoy #4.
Thanks
Jess
August 25th, 2008 at 8:54 am
Ohhhh, number 5 is wonderful!
August 25th, 2008 at 8:56 am
#5 she’s so focused…so untouched by what is going on around her, she looks as comfortable as if she was lying on her own soft, dry bed. This is the kind of moment that disappears once another child comes running through the puddle or yells her name! A fantastic capture. . . .
August 25th, 2008 at 8:57 am
I love #3!!
It felt the most real and unposed to me. Just a natural, fun moment that makes you smile!
August 25th, 2008 at 9:00 am
Number 1 by Heather. The way she capured the peacefulness of the day is superb. How could you not want to be there. Great job.
August 25th, 2008 at 9:20 am
#4
All the photos are stunning, for all the reasons already listed!
I can feel summertime in this image – it also makes me think of how nostalgic these kids will feel looking back on this photo as adults – how it will bring them back to this time of life.
August 25th, 2008 at 9:28 am
My vote is for #1. Beautiful photo Heather! It really gives that calm and peaceful feeling we all have when we are at the beach. Fabulous job.
August 25th, 2008 at 9:32 am
I am loving #1 – It is stunning! So clear, clean, and crisp. It’s just beautiful!!!
August 25th, 2008 at 9:35 am
Finalist #5, Millennium Park, by Amber
August 25th, 2008 at 9:42 am
For many reasons I am drawn back to #1. (If I have to vote for just one)
It’s the hidden details & the untold story within the picture. I just noticed the little one walking down the sand towards who I assume is her family. Where a Creek Meets the Ocean is beautiful, peaceful, warm, crisp, powerful, and fun…to me.
August 25th, 2008 at 9:49 am
This was tough since they are all such beautiful photos, but the two that moved me most were #3 & #5. In the end my vote is for #3.
August 25th, 2008 at 10:22 am
I have to vote for number 5 because it is the image that sticks in my mind long after I have scrolled to the bottom of this page. It evokes so many questions in my mind and I think that is what makes it the winner for me. The others were great too but Amber’s pic gets my vote.
August 25th, 2008 at 10:52 am
no. 2.
such a different take on the theme.
August 25th, 2008 at 11:01 am
I am voting for # 2 because the theme is water. The photo captures the water for me. I can imagine the feel and movement of the water.
(# 5 is a brilliant, brilliant photo, and my first instinct was to vote for it but I see the child more than the water).
August 25th, 2008 at 11:38 am
My vote is for #5.
August 25th, 2008 at 11:49 am
We took a poll in our house and we just can’t get past the sheer exuberance of #4. I also love the ways the colors really pop.
That’s our collective vote: #4
August 25th, 2008 at 11:50 am
Love the colors and characteristics of #4.
August 25th, 2008 at 12:07 pm
They are all really emotion filled pictures but the one I like the best is #4. The expressions on the kids faces are priceless. It brings me back to a time when I didn’t have a care in the world, except for having fun. Good job Sis!!
August 25th, 2008 at 12:08 pm
My vote is for #4 – Summer Reunion
The colors are all so bright and vibrate – which reflects the expressions on all of the faces. It makes you smile when you look at it!
August 25th, 2008 at 12:14 pm
Um, wow! SO hard to pick just one! I truly love them all! I have been inspired…Not just the pictures, but the people and blogs that are behind them! So after days of trying to decide which one to vote for, here it is:
#3, Wet Dog, by Ali
Why? Well, I love that I almost feel like doing a little shimmy myself when I see this image. Not only do I feel like doing a shimmy, but I can also smell the “wet dog” too! 🙂 I have a HUGE soft spot in my heart for dogs, so I think that may have contributed as well. 🙂
Fun stuff!
August 25th, 2008 at 1:11 pm
#4. Love the expressions
August 25th, 2008 at 1:25 pm
I pick number 1 because it reminds me of the harmony of God’s creation.
August 25th, 2008 at 2:14 pm
#4 lovely expressions!
August 25th, 2008 at 2:26 pm
#1…much emotion w/o people. It’s peacful to look at…
August 25th, 2008 at 2:53 pm
voting # 4
WOW great Pic!!!
August 25th, 2008 at 3:49 pm
These are all so fantastic, but I am completely in love with #4 – so that gets my vote!
August 25th, 2008 at 3:58 pm
Vote! Vote! Vote! We are so close to 400! 73 more!
August 25th, 2008 at 4:22 pm
I absolute LOVE #5. It reminds me of my little girl. The look of innocence and wonder on her face is absolutely priceless! GREAT shot!!
August 25th, 2008 at 4:24 pm
#5 – What a precious moment in time captured forever!!
August 25th, 2008 at 4:28 pm
I vote for #3 “Wet Dog” I like the comp and it completely captures summer fun being had by a boy and his dog. I like the nostalgic feel.
August 25th, 2008 at 4:51 pm
I vote for # 5.
It really shows a peacefullness. The simpleness of one toy and an incredible imagination busily at work.
August 25th, 2008 at 4:53 pm
Beautiful work! I really love the image (#5) of the little girl ‘day dreaming’ while gazing at her pin wheel . . . reminded me of my childhood and all the wonderful times we spent at the beach!
August 25th, 2008 at 4:56 pm
I love #3. The detail in the picture along with the timing of the shot are spectacular. I can see my own son and dog in this same shot! Well Done!
August 25th, 2008 at 5:19 pm
I loved #1 and your thoughts on it. I have a feeling the photographer Heather appreciated your perspective.
August 25th, 2008 at 5:24 pm
#4 captures the simplicity of summer with the innocence of children having fun. The pool water looks amazing in that light.
August 25th, 2008 at 5:31 pm
#3 – it’s a perfect reflection of both kids and summer.
August 25th, 2008 at 5:32 pm
#5 Love this because it is so calm and real. What is she thinking about?
August 25th, 2008 at 5:41 pm
#4 you just can’t fake expressions like those! all were wonderful!!
August 25th, 2008 at 6:08 pm
I love #3
It’s so lively!!!!!!
August 25th, 2008 at 6:17 pm
My vote is for #5.
August 25th, 2008 at 6:22 pm
#5 is my pick! As a mother of girls, I felt sweet delightful compassion for this little angel.
August 25th, 2008 at 7:15 pm
#3 is the best
August 25th, 2008 at 7:35 pm
#3 for sure! Amazing.
August 25th, 2008 at 7:41 pm
Boy this is always so tough
August 25th, 2008 at 7:42 pm
#3 forsure
August 25th, 2008 at 8:02 pm
#3 is my vote
August 25th, 2008 at 8:15 pm
I vote for #1 – this is the kind of shot you get once in a lifetime! Truly beautiful!
August 25th, 2008 at 8:36 pm
I hope it’s okay for me to vote even though I’m one of the finalists (I REALLY want that lightroom) 🙂
I’m not going to be obvious and vote for my own photo…my vote is for #5!!! I love this picture! It is so interesting, my husband and I have been talking about it on and off for days now. It would fit perfectly in a gallery show. Great work!
August 25th, 2008 at 8:51 pm
my vote is for #3.
great picture, awesome timing, classic pic of a kid and their dog.
very detailed.
August 25th, 2008 at 8:59 pm
Love #4 and #5. My vote will go to #5.
August 25th, 2008 at 9:10 pm
I vote for number one. I love the color of that water, makes me want to dive right in!
August 25th, 2008 at 9:31 pm
I pick #1. I find myself wanting to stay there and explore it’s every detail. It just draws me back again and again. Great picture Heather. I love it!
August 25th, 2008 at 9:33 pm
Though I wavered for a bit between images
#2 and #5, I will definitely say that my vote goes to #2. I love the abstract quality of the photo and the energy that is captured.
August 25th, 2008 at 9:37 pm
I love them all but the one that captured my eye is #5
August 25th, 2008 at 10:29 pm
Love the simplicity and realness of #3!! Great Job!!
August 25th, 2008 at 10:38 pm
#3–no wait, #4– no wait, 1! hold on, #5. No– 2!
Geez, this is really hard, so many good pics and so diverse. i’ve been looking at them for a few days and each time i like a different one…. but i guess the one that strikes me on the most complex level, the one that stays with me and makes me think, the one that seems to (in my opinion) transcend the theme, is #5.
So yea. i vote for #5. nice work!
August 25th, 2008 at 10:39 pm
It was a hard decision, but #1 stands out to me.
August 25th, 2008 at 11:14 pm
I’ve had such a hard time deciding! I’m going to have to go with #3 I just can’t get over the perfect detail. All those water drops… Wow! If I were to capture this image I would have been sooo excited! Congrats!
Oh so close to 400 hooray!
August 25th, 2008 at 11:17 pm
#3 gets my vote. staring at that little picture it took no time at all before i was lost in the wonder of how the scene unfolded from there. pure joy!
August 25th, 2008 at 11:18 pm
definitly #3!!!!!
the water droplet detail is astounding!
August 26th, 2008 at 2:08 am
Numero 3 is rocking. thats my vote. Its amazing to see so much action frozen all at once. It’s an explosion of movement frozen in an instance. Good eye
August 26th, 2008 at 3:11 am
*3 does it for me!!
the all american summer!
August 26th, 2008 at 4:29 am
I vote #5. The light, the texture, the emotion , the color, all contribute to the moment time stopped. Wonderful inspiration!
August 26th, 2008 at 5:32 am
I vote for number 3, because it is so not “staged” looking. I am sure it took hard work to get the shot but it just doesn’t look that way. Plus I love the childlike attitude towards something like this…fun rather than annoyance which would be my attitude. Great shot!
August 26th, 2008 at 6:05 am
#3 Wet Dog – sometimes capturing great spontaneity takes a little planning.
August 26th, 2008 at 6:58 am
I vote for #4. I love love love the way the facial expressions go from struggling at the bottom to pure joy at the top.
August 26th, 2008 at 7:16 am
They are all great. This was a tough choice! But I just love #5. Just like a child. Looks like she’d played hard and wore herself out. Took me back to when my girls were little. Great shot!
Sherry Mason
August 26th, 2008 at 7:26 am
I have come here to vote several times and each time I do a different picture is my favorite…they all have such a different mood to them, and they are all wonderful.
So, I am going to vote for the one that spoke to me first…#2.
August 26th, 2008 at 7:26 am
I really adore #5, it’s just amazing the feeling it evokes. I can just imagine the world this little girls is in at the moment. Thanks for a great shot.
August 26th, 2008 at 8:19 am
Number 5 is my favorite
August 26th, 2008 at 8:51 am
Wow. I just LOVE this blog.
It was immediately between #3 & #5 for me, but since I can only vote for one picture. I have to vote for #3. Both images stir such emotion for me, but I can’t stop smiling at #3. And when I put both of them side by side, #3 is the one I want to stare at.
Awesome job to all of the photographers!
August 26th, 2008 at 9:25 am
I like picture number 3 the most!
August 26th, 2008 at 9:52 am
#1. That is a beautiful image.
August 26th, 2008 at 10:08 am
Someone’s going to win LIGHTROOM and Starbucks! YIPPEE!!!
August 26th, 2008 at 10:16 am
I’m voting for #3. I love the expression on that little guys face. Priceless!
August 26th, 2008 at 11:41 am
I vote for #3 – it’s classic summer and a priceless capture! AWESOME set up!!
August 26th, 2008 at 11:41 am
Photo #3 Great Photo
August 26th, 2008 at 11:56 am
#3 – i love the picture of the little boy with the wet dog!!! SO cute.
August 26th, 2008 at 12:40 pm
All the pics are FANTASTIC – but I vote for # 3!! Great picture:)
August 26th, 2008 at 12:46 pm
#5…..this picture captures a contemplative moment that kids easily slip into and all adults wish they could find again. Tough decision though ’cause ALL the pics were great in their own right!
August 26th, 2008 at 12:55 pm
All of the entries were great and so different it made choosing the one i like most difficult. In the end i have to go with #5 because it stirred up such emotion in me when i saw it. I took in a sharp breath.and then i just kept starring at it. I see it in two ways: a child completely lost in her own imaginary world where everything is calm. and then there is other thought that comes to mind like it’s a little creepy…like kids in a scary movie. i’m just waiting for something to happen..kids dont play that calmly (at least my 3 dont) and the water it is too smooth, too still, she’s been lying there still for too long….something is wrong! and then i just keep starring at it to figure it out. wierd thought i know, and that’s not like me, but that’s where my mind went.
August 26th, 2008 at 1:12 pm
#3 I just love everything about it! It makes me smile. There is emotion, action and texture. What an awesome shot!!
August 26th, 2008 at 1:48 pm
I think #2 because it is so unique.
August 26th, 2008 at 2:05 pm
#1!!! It looks so peaceful and powerful a the same time. The light is gorgeous too!
August 26th, 2008 at 2:58 pm
#3!! I love it it’s great!
August 26th, 2008 at 3:14 pm
#1 Hands down! I love it!!!!
August 26th, 2008 at 3:35 pm
Since the theme is water, #1 and #5 spoke to me loudest about water. I’m so torn because the two pictures evoke such different feelings.
But I’m going to choose #1 Where a Creek Meets the Ocean by Heather. When I think of water I think of a large force, even in smaller quantities. I think of something that is chameleon-like; it can be calm and flowing one minute, then pounding, crashing and loud the next.
All the pictures are absolute beautiful, but that one says “Water” to me the most.
August 26th, 2008 at 3:57 pm
My vote is for #2. It is very interesting, please let us know how you did it!
August 26th, 2008 at 4:50 pm
[…] Click here to cast your ballot for the top Water Themed Finalist! […]
August 26th, 2008 at 5:01 pm
I love #5!
August 26th, 2008 at 5:02 pm
I love number 2 because of how different it is from every other and it shows that the photographer thinks outside the box.
The blur it has adds motion to the photo which really makes it different.
August 26th, 2008 at 5:21 pm
HOly MOly at the # of votes!!!
that is awesome!
I LOVE #3!!!!!
August 26th, 2008 at 5:22 pm
they’re all wonderful!
i vote for #5 because it’s unique (other than the fact that my daughter has that same suit! 🙂 ). i love how deep in thought the little girl is. it’s a wonderful moment.
August 26th, 2008 at 5:30 pm
I absolutely love number 5. It makes me wonder what she is thinking about and why she is there and so content.
August 26th, 2008 at 5:46 pm
#2 is my favorite
August 26th, 2008 at 5:48 pm
# 5, so beautiful.
August 26th, 2008 at 5:51 pm
#3–love the movement and feel of this photograph!
August 26th, 2008 at 5:52 pm
After reviewing these photos for some time, I have finally came to a decision.
My vote goes for #4.
I can’t get over their expressions and how much fun they were having being together. What a perfect swimming pool picture.
I would also like to reiterate the fact that all these photos are simply AMAZING. I would totally hang #1 on my wall, #2 is so definitely unique and simple but so captivating also, #3…can we get any more of the detail here? I mean come on! and #5, the sweetness of that little girl playing…I would absolutely love a shot of this with MY little girl!
CONGRATULATIONS to all the finalists…your photos are truly breathtaking. Keep shooting! 😉
August 26th, 2008 at 5:52 pm
#1, beautiful picture. Makes me want to go on vacation!
August 26th, 2008 at 5:53 pm
#5, how precious is that little girl. What a moment.
August 26th, 2008 at 5:54 pm
#3, I would love this photo of my precious pup!
August 26th, 2008 at 5:56 pm
I got turned onto this blog by my coworker and WOW these shots are amazing! Are these all professional photographers? AND…do I really have to pick just one?
After much decision making and breaking I am in love with #2.
August 26th, 2008 at 5:56 pm
#5
I imagine this little girl laying in a dinosaur foot print and alone in the world.
August 26th, 2008 at 5:57 pm
#5
August 26th, 2008 at 5:58 pm
I love #1. That’s the type of place I’d like to sit and read or drink a glass of wine. 🙂
August 26th, 2008 at 6:14 pm
the others are all lovely, but #4 is so vibrant and happy, so that’s my official vote.
August 26th, 2008 at 6:17 pm
My vote is for #5…there is something so ethereal and quiet about it, more of a fine art quality.
August 26th, 2008 at 6:22 pm
#5 is my vote. I love the lighting. I love the windmill. I love the point of view. This photo is excellent.
August 26th, 2008 at 6:26 pm
I’m voting for my home girl Ali finalist #3!! She is an amazing photographer and she deserves to win this! Good Luck Ali
August 26th, 2008 at 6:26 pm
#4 – all the expressions are perfectly captured and the composition and color is awesome!!
August 26th, 2008 at 6:33 pm
# 4 is the winner, but wow they are all great!
Awesome shot girl!!!
Betsy
http://www.betsyandjohn.net/blog
August 26th, 2008 at 6:39 pm
My pick is #5. I just love how the little girl seems lost in her own world. Beautiful composition!
August 26th, 2008 at 6:44 pm
Love #3!
August 26th, 2008 at 6:46 pm
My vote- #3. I’ve been trying to catch such an image of my bullmastiff and my two year old all summer. Great timing- boys face says it all!
August 26th, 2008 at 7:07 pm
wow, tough. and such variety! hmmm… tough choice.
#3. Love everything about it.
August 26th, 2008 at 7:10 pm
I love the action in number 3: Wet Dog.
August 26th, 2008 at 7:16 pm
I vote for wet dog!
August 26th, 2008 at 7:18 pm
I’m going with the minority and saying #1. It’s so technically strong and just a gorgeous photo. The other ones are beautiful moments too. Great contest!!!
August 26th, 2008 at 7:19 pm
#3.
August 26th, 2008 at 7:21 pm
I love #4! Grabbed me right away!
August 26th, 2008 at 7:26 pm
i love all,but #5 it is.
August 26th, 2008 at 7:38 pm
#3 (I do love #1) tough decision. Hope you get the 400 votes!
August 26th, 2008 at 7:48 pm
I’m proud to see that Amber has found her creative side with photography. I’m hoping she can teach me a thing or two. So I vote for my wife, #5.
August 26th, 2008 at 7:54 pm
I like #3 (although #1 is pretty close to the top for me too). I can totally relate to this moment and it brings me back to being a kid playing with my dog. I feel like I’m right there in the moment laughing and trying my hardest to escape this wet dog!!
August 26th, 2008 at 8:34 pm
I vote for #3, cause Ali just knows how to snap a picture, she’s awesome!
August 26th, 2008 at 8:38 pm
#2 please
August 26th, 2008 at 8:42 pm
#4! Just love the kids expressions! 🙂
August 26th, 2008 at 8:43 pm
#4! I just love the kids!
August 26th, 2008 at 8:54 pm
#3- picture captures that moment perfectly if you’ve been there… which i definitely have!
August 26th, 2008 at 8:55 pm
#3.
August 26th, 2008 at 8:55 pm
#1 Rocks!!! Beautiful stuff cangrats to all th efinalists!
August 26th, 2008 at 9:05 pm
#3 -great shootin!
August 26th, 2008 at 9:13 pm
#4-great shot Deene!
August 26th, 2008 at 9:14 pm
#4 great shot Deene!
August 26th, 2008 at 9:18 pm
VOTE! VOTE!
August 26th, 2008 at 9:26 pm
I vote for #4. I love the pure joy and all of the expressions on their faces.
August 26th, 2008 at 9:27 pm
I vote #3 I love it!
August 26th, 2008 at 9:28 pm
i vote #3 yay i love this photo!
August 26th, 2008 at 10:41 pm
I’m diggin the dog shot! The kid’s face and all that water, great shot. #3
August 26th, 2008 at 10:50 pm
These images are so strong, I like them all. How did you ever narrow it down? I can only image how many other goodies you had submitted. It’s a toss up for me I love the whole fantasy aspect of #2, the quietness of #5, they giggles from #4, The waves crashing in #1 but my vote goes to #3. It makes me happy and looks like an ad for summer time. Congratulations to all the finalists.
August 26th, 2008 at 10:55 pm
I love #1! It reminds me of spots we saw on Kauai, HI. 🙂 Oh, to go back!
August 26th, 2008 at 11:01 pm
I have to vote for #5.
To me, these contests are not about who is technically correct but more about the ‘art’ of photography and the feeling the photograph evokes in you. #5 is very artistic. The photographer saw this and immediately knew this would be a photograph that was intriguing and evoking of emotion & feeling.
The girl lying in the mud makes me so uncomfortable!! And to contrast that uncomfortableness I’m feeling with how extremely comfortable the little girl is feeling, is amazing!
August 26th, 2008 at 11:07 pm
I love this picture!
August 26th, 2008 at 11:08 pm
Photo #5
August 26th, 2008 at 11:15 pm
#3 wet dog all the way!
August 26th, 2008 at 11:17 pm
#1 I guess I better tell wich one I love…
August 26th, 2008 at 11:30 pm
My vote goes to 3
Photographer set up a great shot, had good timing and got it all in detail! Color is great too!!!
August 26th, 2008 at 11:41 pm
Millenium park. I am so there, lying in the mud, oblivious to the fact that I’m lying in mud.
August 27th, 2008 at 4:54 am
I had such a hard time choosing this time. #3 shows a fun action of water…I love the droplets…#4 was hilarious, love the expressions of the kids being IN water…but #5 took water to a different dimension…it wasn’t the silly or usual type picture you’d take surrounding water…
Therefore, I go for the different one…my vote is for #5…wonderful pictures everyone!!!
August 27th, 2008 at 5:49 am
Okay, that was really hard but #5. That little girl just appeals to the mom in me. Someone give her a popsicle.
August 27th, 2008 at 6:56 am
Definitely #3.
August 27th, 2008 at 6:59 am
#5…really beautiful..
August 27th, 2008 at 11:06 am
#5 is great
August 27th, 2008 at 12:21 pm
Wow! All of them are amazing! We moved to Denver, Colorado after living in Seattle for the past 10 years and all of these images made me really miss the water!!! My vote is # 1 – I felt very peaceful when I saw it.
August 27th, 2008 at 12:45 pm
#4. Summer reunion. I feel like I’m there. So Fun. All of these are great!
August 27th, 2008 at 3:34 pm
#4 Summer reunion – this picture istantly put a smile on my face and reminded me so much of childhood summers. The girls expressions are priceless. Great emtotion!! #4
August 27th, 2008 at 4:09 pm
I love them all — wow, tough choices, but my favorite from the first time i saw them was #5! I just love how this photo was captured! It’s amazing and so sweet
August 27th, 2008 at 4:10 pm
My vote is for #5. It is so wonderful to see a child so into a single moment of play that all else is oblivious. Who knows what wonderful things she is imagining while laying in the warm sun with her feet and part of her body submerged in cool water.
August 27th, 2008 at 4:17 pm
#5 is my vote! It’s so beautiful and evocative!
August 27th, 2008 at 4:24 pm
# 5 is absolutely gorgeous!!! I love it.
August 27th, 2008 at 4:27 pm
Definitely #5 – it literally made me gasp when I saw it…
August 27th, 2008 at 4:29 pm
My vote is for #1. I especially like landscapes. I love the crashing waves in the background, but yet, it’s totally still. Just beautiful.
August 27th, 2008 at 4:40 pm
My vote is for # 5. It’s a work of visual art that only an artist would find in our everyday activities.
August 27th, 2008 at 5:17 pm
love them all, but I think #3 is my most fav, love the innocence that is captured and the fun of the moment.
August 27th, 2008 at 5:19 pm
#4. I love the S curve created by the kids. The color is exceptional and I just love taking pictures of children and appreciate a true capture!
August 27th, 2008 at 5:22 pm
Hi,
I vote for #4! You can just hear the kids laughing when you look at the picture. It makes you really wonder what happened after the pic was taken. Who got hurt in the tumble to the water! It also makes me wish for our hot weather to come back!
August 27th, 2008 at 6:38 pm
#2 – It is so creative and unique – LOVE IT.
August 27th, 2008 at 7:04 pm
I vote for #1. I’d like to be there right now.
August 28th, 2008 at 1:26 am
Number 3! Made me miss my own puppy!
August 28th, 2008 at 7:26 am
#4, i think this photo really captures memories of summer.
August 28th, 2008 at 7:45 am
I love #2. It is creative and unique. What a great photo.
August 28th, 2008 at 9:51 am
#5 for me, it’s such a great image, reminds me of those quiet moments when you’re a kid, everything is moving about you but it can’t take you away from your thoughts. If only it was as easy to be that way as an adult!
August 28th, 2008 at 10:51 am
I vote for #2, it is absolutely breathtaking!!!
August 28th, 2008 at 3:27 pm
I love number 3.
August 28th, 2008 at 3:48 pm
I like the mystery but also happy funky action on this photo — Finalist #2, Dancing on Water, by Kirsten.
August 28th, 2008 at 9:13 pm
I remember this pose, and the position I was the in the middle always..with my cousins.. love and my vote is for #4 it brought back a childhood memory….
August 29th, 2008 at 10:37 am
I vote for #5. It is my favorite, hands down. It really does take me to a different place!
August 29th, 2008 at 8:57 pm
#4 for me! I love the energy of the image.
August 30th, 2008 at 6:55 am
I absolutely LOVE #3!!!
August 30th, 2008 at 7:00 am
#4 is my vote. It’s definitely got life to it.
August 30th, 2008 at 8:24 am
I would have to say #3. It really grabbed me. Reminds me of being a child:) It’s just a “feel good” image….. I love those:)
August 30th, 2008 at 10:55 am
I love #4! It is fun and it is difficult to get that in full sun…I love it!
August 30th, 2008 at 8:55 pm
Number 4!! Made me laugh. 🙂
Tracy
August 31st, 2008 at 6:25 pm
# 5!!!!!!!!!! gorgeous!
August 31st, 2008 at 11:33 pm
#5, Mellinnium Park. All photos are stunning and evoke some kind of emotion, but with photo 5, it’s such a vivid image. You immediately wonder about the entire story behind the little girl with her pinwheel. She is in her own little world. The contrast of the photo is very eye-catching. Well done!
September 1st, 2008 at 4:39 pm
It’s hard to choose one-they are all great-but I’ll vote for #4-such a fun picture!
September 2nd, 2008 at 4:53 pm
#1! Awesome color!So much power conveyed. You can feel the energy come right through this photo.
September 3rd, 2008 at 12:10 pm
[…] are also going to announce the winner of the Water Photo Contest and the Random Voter Award Winners this week! AND, you all AMAZE me because we got 440 votes by the […]
September 11th, 2008 at 6:54 am
#5
September 12th, 2008 at 11:29 pm
[…] This blog thought my picture was rad enough to make it a finalist in their photo contest…and they said my blog was “cute” (not exactly what I’m going for, but I’ll take it!) […]
September 13th, 2008 at 6:16 pm
wow. wow. wow. how to decide?
ok…um, #2!
September 22nd, 2008 at 4:49 pm
[…] you ready to hear who the winners are for the Water themed Photo Contest? Some of you may be thinking “It’s about time!” BUT, I think I’m keeping […]
October 3rd, 2008 at 5:46 am
[…] they captured the pet’s personality in a unique way. If you thought voting was tough with the Water Contest, wait till you see these Five Finalists! (See below for voting […]
October 26th, 2008 at 3:07 pm
#3!!! this picture truly defines what i want water to be all about….fun!
Ali, your amazing!
♥catt
March 22nd, 2009 at 10:45 am
[…] contest obsessed. And I did it again. One of my photos that I took this summer at a family reunion has been chosen as a finalist for a monthly photo contest by one of my favorite photographers, Me Ra Koh. So naturally, I need […]
May 13th, 2009 at 11:18 am
Number #5 is the one I really like, the child and the horse is excellent !
September 10th, 2009 at 7:20 am
[…] helpful thing is when I met a good friend on Me Ra’s blog. Ali won a photo contest for the “wet dog” picture, so I emailed her and we’ve been friends ever since. She had started a photography business […]
December 18th, 2009 at 12:28 pm
Hey – whats up. Thanks for the blog. I’ve been digging around for info, but there is so much out there. Google lead me here – good for you i guess! Keep up the great information. I will be popping back over in a few days to see if there is any more info.
May 22nd, 2010 at 2:48 pm
hi!, thx for the info, this post was very very nice ! I just received a copy of a interesting Mastiff Book. Wow! I recommend it for anyone thinking of getting a mastiff !