PhoozL

2013 Winners Showcase: ‘Weekly Wednesdays’

(Click here for the 2012 Winners Showcase)

Your current Winners (and Honorable Mentions) from the completed 2013 Weekly Wednesdays Photo Contests. You can also see the complete 2013 Weekly Wednesdays PhoozL Points rankings for this contest type and the Overall Top 10 Phoozleers (to date). We are awarding “PhoozL Points” to all different contest winners (and Honorable Mentions) to see where we end up at the close of 2013 (or maybe earlier if we feel like it!).

(also see: 2012 Winners Showcase – Super-Judged Photo Contests)
(also see: 2012 Winners Showcase – Photo Assignments)
(also see: 2012 Winners Showcase – Insta Alphabetography A-Z)

NOTE: Images below are cropped. Click into images to see them larger and in their full-frame aspect ratio.

‘B&W: Curves’ — judge: Kevin O’Connor

May 8 – 15, 2013
Click here for the full results post with more information

  1.

    ‘B&W-Curves’ – 1st Place

    “drip drip drop drop” by Samina Farooq
    Judge’s Comment: We don’t think of curves and men usually; in fact, I was expecting to see multiple images of women’s curves entered, so this image was a complete surprise. Curves in this image join with its juxtaposition of light and dark to produce a masterpiece of technical and aesthetic elegance, winning this image first place and setting a high bar for the other contestants.
    PHOOZL POINTS: 25

  2. ‘B&W-Curves’ – 2nd Place

    “Ready to Fly” by nance kay
    Judge’s Comment: The curves here are both subtle and stylized; an excellent example of expressing the theme in an unanticipated and elegant way. This is a very difficult shot to do well, with all this metal and specular highlighting to manage, and you did it very nicely. Kudos to you.
    PHOOZL POINTS: 20

  3. ‘B&W-Curves’ – 3rd Place

    “Up and Up” by Kay Beausoleil
    Judge’s Comment: We’ve all seen this shot before, but it’s done very nicely here. As a note to the artist, I’d like to see this image worked on a bit more. IF you were to modify the original file by burning down the edges on all four sides -- or, if available by using: Adobe Bridge/Effects/Post Crop Vignetting value of −20 -- the edges would darken in a subtle fashion that directs the viewer’s eye to the curve at the center, and enhance this image’s effectiveness.
    PHOOZL POINTS: 15

  4. ‘B&W-Curves’ – Hon. Mention A

    “Ottawa Museum of Civilization” by leka huie
    Judge’s Comment: This image wins an Honorable Mention for the effectiveness of its composition. If this image had been managed more effectively, with the bright areas pulled down enough to show more detail, the dark areas pulled out to show more detail, and the sky darkened further down, it would have placed even higher.
    PHOOZL POINTS: 10

  5. ‘B&W-Curves’ – Hon. Mention B

    “Curves” by Stefano M
    Judge’s Comment: This image shows good mastery of dynamic range, holding detail in light and shadow. Note to contestant: this and another of your images would benefit from cropping that is not quite so centered. You might also want to investigate ‘focus stacking’ as a means of fully expressing the best of what your good eye is seeing.
    PHOOZL POINTS: 10

  6. ‘B&W-Curves’ – Hon. Mention C

    “Twisted Balcony” by mhilbush
    Judge’s Comment: This image couples curves with a repeating geometric pattern that’s quite effective. My eye kept hoping to discover a point of interest, such as a person, at one of the nodes of the Rule of Thirds. Had such a point of interest been present, this image would have placed even higher.
    PHOOZL POINTS: 10

‘The Elements: Water’ — judge: Tracy Valleau

May 1 – 8, 2013
Click here for the full results post with more information

  1.

    ‘The Elements – Water’ – 1st Place

    “Holy Water” by Uttam Kamati
    Judge's Comment: This is chaos; this is delight; this is life; this is worship. The infectious delight and mass of humanity at the water's edge is a deep and telling story. I'm a little surprised at my selection of this as #1, but it just kept coming back to me. This image truly ties water and life together. It is joyful photo.
    PHOOZL POINTS: 25

  2. ‘The Elements – Water’ – 2nd Place

    “Water” by Mikael Sundberg
    Judge’s Comment: What a contrast in style from #1! But the simplicity of form and the elegant fading to paper-white at the top take the viewer on any journey he or she desires. I like the simple elegance of this photo, and despite its serious intent, it comes with a bit of whimsy as well.
    PHOOZL POINTS: 20

  3. ‘The Elements – Water’ – 3rd Place

    “Ripples” by nance kay
    Judge’s Comment: Here's one that could live on my wall, too. The two broad swathes of color have an intricate interplay, and the painterly vertical lines of the trees stitch it together. Print this large and hang it!
    PHOOZL POINTS: 15

  4. ‘The Elements – Water’ – Honorable Mention A

    “Rough Water” by Stefano M
    Judge’s Comment: This is another image that holds on to me and won't let me easily go. I'm going to chalk that up to its ambiguity: it's right between moonlight/daylight; the water on the sand is rushing back to the sea, and the waves are rushing toward land; that glow on the horizon... or is it just wave-mist? The strong diagonals in the sky. And that weather-beaten stump framed by the only serene flow in the image. Lots of ambiguity to chew on.
    PHOOZL POINTS: 10

  5. ‘The Elements – Water’ – Honorable Mention B

    “Harbor Reflections” by Jim
    Judge’s Comment: There's nothing deeply philosophical about this image, but the colors are simply striking. It reminds us that water is the source of unending mystery and beauty.
    PHOOZL POINTS: 10

  6. ‘The Elements – Water’ – Honorable Mention C

    “Soaring in Niagara” by Kay Beausoleil
    Judge’s Comment: Here the power and majesty of water is on full display. The seagulls (wingspan: 4 feet) provide the size perspective, and the photographer has done a good job of capturing the shape of the rock pile as it spreads out from the center of the image. One can almost hear the roar.
    PHOOZL POINTS: 10

‘Trio’ — judges: Richard & Abby Marks

April 24 – May 1, 2013
Click here for the full results post with more information

  1.

    ‘Trio’ – 1st Place

    “Laughs in Uganda, Africa” by saritsal
    Judges’ Comment: We love that this image is full of joy. It looks like the children have sprouted out of the red earth beneath them. Our urbane knowledge of their potential material poverty is contradicted by the richness of their spirits. The earth and their playful harmony exhibits life force, and the viewer is privy to a moment of freedom.
    PHOOZL POINTS: 25

  2. ‘Trio’ – 2nd Place

    “The Conversation” by Kay Beausoleil
    Judges’ Comment: We couldn't stop coming back to this photo, and we kept making up different stories for these three women. Did they have a fight? Are they related? Did two of them gang up on the third? Will they make up? Was this a painful goodbye? Who are these women to each other? Is life always like high school where someone always gets left out? We love the details of the women's hair and clothes and the contradiction of the modern and antique with the stone wall as the backdrop of the image.
    PHOOZL POINTS: 20

  3. ‘Trio’ – 3rd Place

    “The Look” by sujan-photography
    Judges’ Comment: We didn't want to like this photo because it's so sad, and we weren't sure if we liked the combination of color and black-and-white, but these children are extremely compelling. They are together, but they live in their own worlds, as individuals. Their eyes haunt us in their focus on the camera or away from it.
    PHOOZL POINTS: 15

  4. ‘Trio’ – Honorable Mention A

    “Trio 3” by Mikael Sundberg
    Judges’ Comment: While we are incredibly glad to not be riding our bikes through the snow, we love the image.
    PHOOZL POINTS: 10

  5. ‘Trio’ – Honorable Mention B

    “Three Baobabs” by Sandra A.-B.
    Judges’ Comment: This photo can tell many stories: It's two Davids and a Goliath. Or, the silhouetted trees with their thick trunks and lack of leaves are a single mother with her two children just trying to get by. Or, the arid landscape with three leafless trees represents the life and death struggle that exists everywhere. Or, these three trees are the landmarks that mean one is close to home after a long day of work. And, simply, as the sun sets, it is beautiful.
    PHOOZL POINTS: 10

  6. ‘Trio’ – Honorable Mention C

    “Spring Trio” by nance kay
    Judges’ Comment: These flower buds are very pretty and stand out from their black background in this technically proficient image.
    PHOOZL POINTS: 10

‘Small Is Beautiful’ — judge: Mike Pasini

April 17 – 24, 2013
Click here for the full results post with more information

  1.

    ‘Small Is Beautiful’ – 1st Place

    “Thimbles” by Layton
    Judge’s Comment: I loved this image the moment I saw it. And I loved everything about it, too. The row of thimbles recedes from us, but even the last remains in focus (requiring a 30 second exposure at f/36). And the reflection only doubles my pleasure. But what draws me into the image are the thimbles themselves, each with a story to tell, a virtue to proclaim, a beauty to unfold.
    PHOOZL POINTS: 25

  2. ‘Small Is Beautiful’ – 2nd Place

    “Bumblebee” by Mikael Sundberg
    Judge’s Comment: You might think that a macro shot of something small would be revealing enough. But this unfamiliar look at a common insect draws you even further in to inspect the details: that "fur," the pollen stuck to it, and -- wait -- the lens of its eye (my favorite detail). What's to fear?
    PHOOZL POINTS: 20

  3. ‘Small Is Beautiful’ – 3rd Place

    “FLOWER-flower” by leka huie
    Judge’s Comment: The composition delightfully leans the flower toward the little surprise you might not notice at first glance. The background nicely echoes the main subject's color without competing with detail of its own. Highlights on the main flower's petals are nicely held, setting off the droplet in its own little world.
    PHOOZL POINTS: 15

  4. ‘Small Is Beautiful’ – Honorable Mention A

    “Daddy Loves Owen” by nance kay
    Judge’s Comment: I particularly applaud this heart-shaped embrace of little feet not yet pitter-pattering because it doesn't exclude the infant's sleeping face. The peeling skin, the tiny toenails have a luminance that's been nicely preserved in this non-flash composition.
    PHOOZL POINTS: 10

  5. ‘Small Is Beautiful’ – Honorable Mention B

    “The Fly” by Jil Norberto
    Judge’s Comment: The almost abstract quality of this black-and-white shrouds the subject with an air of mystery. Looking more closely, you see it's a fly, and even more closely, a dead fly, it's wing angled in a last salute. The reflection is nicely blurred so the only sharp thing in this squared image is the wing that will never fly again.
    PHOOZL POINTS: 10

  6. ‘Small Is Beautiful’ – Honorable Mention C

    “Barbie Vs’ Me…” by Charlena
    Judge’s Comment: I kept coming back to this one, unable to resist its humor. The real shoes cascade like a waterfall against the fabric background, the toes pointed outward in an asymmetrical arrangement I found just right. And when I looked a little more closely, the doll shoes mimicking the pose put a smile on my face.
    PHOOZL POINTS: 10

‘The Elements: Earth’ — judge: Tracy Valleau

April 10 – 17, 2013
Click here for the full results post with more information

  1.

    ‘The Elements – Earth’ – 1st Place

    “The Forest” by Mikael Sundberg
    Judge’s Comment: A surprising number of people submitted images of trees for the Earth contest, and this is an elegant and beautiful image, with strong motion and life in it. The image speaks to the dynamics of life and its sense of urgency, drive and passion. The color are excellent and the intent is fully realized by the technique. A large print of it could easily live on my wall.
    PHOOZL POINTS: 25

  2. ‘The Elements – Earth’ – 2nd Place

    “Northern Spirit” by Sandra A.-B.
    Judge’s Comment: Finding an image of the earth itself, among the many delightful ones submitted, was difficult, but I finally landed on this one. It is, in many ways, a complement to the #1 winner: cold, barren and unflinching; nature without idealization (beyond the Inuksuk structure). Yet in all of that, there is the passing of a human. Recent? A thousand years ago? This is a very strong and deep image that invites contemplation. It is well-composed, although I would have cropped a bit off the right hand side to strengthen it.
    PHOOZL POINTS: 20

  3. ‘The Elements – Earth’ – 3rd Place

    “The Eloquence of Little Things” by Kay Beausoleil
    Judge’s Comment: Frankly, the humor of this image appeals to me. But then, upon reflection, there is more here than first meets the eye. The person has lugged heavy gear out into the middle of nowhere to take what appears to be likely an inconsequential photo. Why? And what does that say about how we relate to our environment, or even more, ourselves and our passions? While the second photographer does add to the statement of the image, I find that the statement would be stronger were he edited out. (I suspect this is a better photo than one the foreground subject took... :-)
    PHOOZL POINTS: 15

  4. ‘The Elements – Earth’ – Honorable Mention A

    “Protect Our Mother Nature” by deb1992
    Judge’s Comment: Simply put, this image is here because it is so poignant. It is elegant and simple and comes with a range of meanings. Whatever it may lack in sophistication is certainly made up for in its moving statement.
    PHOOZL POINTS: 10

  5. ‘The Elements – Earth’ – Honorable Mention B

    “Pollution” by Aditi
    Judge’s Comment: This is nicely conceptualized and well-executed. I like the composition, and my only suggestion would be to have toned down the highlight reflection of the bag at the bottom/center of the image.
    PHOOZL POINTS: 10

  6. ‘The Elements – Earth’ – Honorable Mention C

    “Giant Sequoias” by venjinx
    Judge’s Comment: Honestly, I'm seldom a fan of super-wide-angle shots, but this one succeeds. I've camped under those trees and spent some time among them. This shot nicely captures their imposing qualities, without the claustrophobic canopy that often blocks the sky in such images. With the foreground rooting the trees in (and showing us) the earth, the photo invites me to explore. This is one of the most successful images I've seen that captures the essence of “being there.”
    PHOOZL POINTS: 10

‘Foodtography’ — judge: Christina Børding

April 3 – 10, 2013
Click here for the full results post with more information

  1.

    ‘Foodtography’ – 1st Place

    “Sushi” by Mikael Sundberg
    Judge’s Comment: The photo has a very bold composition, is expertly lit and has some really nice reflections. The photographer has placed the focus perfectly on the hero of the dish and made sure that the lighting emphasizes that focus.
    PHOOZL POINTS: 25

  2. ‘Foodtography’ – 2nd Place

    “Red Velvet” by HerThirdEye
    Judge’s Comment: Although a bit messy and slightly tilting, this photo does exactly what food photography is supposed to do: it gives you very sensory thoughts about how moist the cake is and just how good it would taste in your mouth!
    PHOOZL POINTS: 20

  3. ‘Foodtography’ – 3rd Place

    “BBQ Beef Stick” by leka huie
    Judge’s Comment: This is a bit psychedelic for food photography, but I think it works brilliantly. There are some really nice reflections in the meat, the food looks delicious and colorful, and in spite of all the different colors the photographer has managed to control the white balance perfectly.
    PHOOZL POINTS: 15

  4. ‘Foodtography’ – Hon. Mention A

    “Snowing Flour” by Sandra A.-B.
    Judge’s Comment: The photographer has managed to make a less-interesting product look interesting by using light and motion. I think there is a brilliant atmosphere in the photo, and there is something intriguing about the flour frozen in time.
    PHOOZL POINTS: 10

  5. ‘Foodtography’ – Hon. Mention B

    “Summer Fruit” by nance kay
    Judge’s Comment: This is a professional-looking photo with very bright colors in the fruit. The photographer shows good control over lighting and reflections, and the white background is perfectly overexposed.
    PHOOZL POINTS: 10

  6. ‘Foodtography’ – Hon. Mention C

    “Breakfast” by saritsal
    Judge’s Comment: Beautifully lit photo with some very nice reflections and brilliant colors. This is a very professional photo. To me it seems a bit tightly cropped, but apart from that it could easily be used commercially.
    PHOOZL POINTS: 10

‘Color Blind’ — judge: Kevin O’Connor

March 27 – April 3, 2013
Click here for the full results post with more information

  1.

    ‘Color Blind’ – 1st Place

    “Smile” by venjinx
    Judge’s Comment: This superb image shows just how good street photography can be. The light in the eyes, the tonality, the non-distracting background, the expression — all combine to make one great image.
    PHOOZL POINTS: 25

  2. ‘Color Blind’ – 2nd Place

    “Color Blind? No” by Mikael Sundberg
    Judge’s Comment: Beautifully shot. The nose, eyes and ears are razor sharp; luminosity is at its best. Could use a touch more detail in the lower chest, but easily done with one mouse click. Overall, a great image.
    PHOOZL POINTS: 20

  3. ‘Color Blind’ – 3rd Place

    “Peaceful” by steve67
    Judge’s Comment: The dreamy, Zen-like quality of this image, with the darker objects floating in the sea, makes me wish for a large print of this on the wall, so I could lose myself in the image. Ah, serenity!
    PHOOZL POINTS: 15

  4. ‘Color Blind’ – Hon. Mention A

    “kickin cancer in the ass” by nance kay
    Judge’s Comment: This image shows marvelous tonality and control of light and shadow. The composition is one of the most lyrical submitted. Very nice job.
    PHOOZL POINTS: 10

  5. ‘Color Blind’ – Hon. Mention B

    “The Bird” by Jil Norberto
    Judge’s Comment: I have rarely enjoyed a composition as much as I enjoyed this image’s composition. It makes me smile, knowing that bird photography can be quite challenging. This photographer rose beautifully to the challenge.
    PHOOZL POINTS: 10

  6. ‘Color Blind’ – Hon. Mention C

    “Step” by Anna
    Judge’s Comment: This shot shows mystery, elegant light, repeating geometric forms reinforcing the composition, and rich shadows. Where is she going? What is she carrying? We don’t know, and are left to wonder, while enjoying this excellent image.
    PHOOZL POINTS: 10

‘Spring Fever’ — judge: Andrew Darlow

March 20 – 27, 2013
Click here for the full results post with more information

  1.

    ‘Spring Fever’ – 1st Place

    “Red Anemone” by saritsal
    Judge’s Comment: “This photo of a red anemone took the top spot in my eyes for a few reasons. First, it is masterfully framed (or cropped), with a ‘hero shot’ approach that captured my attention right away. Next, the bright red translucent color of the flower is very nicely paired with the olive/sage green of the leaves and background. And it just screams ‘Spring!’"
    PHOOZL POINTS: 25

  2. ‘Spring Fever’ – 2nd Place

    “New Beginnings” by Armineh29
    Judge’s Comment: “The beauty and exquisite lines of this nest make it look almost like a sculpture. Birds' nests are a common symbol of Spring, and the green foliage is a perfect complement to the main subject. The dark border, vignette and square crop (Instagram?) also help to direct focus toward the nest. And I’m left wondering: ‘What was inside?’”
    PHOOZL POINTS: 20

  3. ‘Spring Fever’ – 3rd Place

    “Little Bluebird” by Lesley Ackman
    Judge’s Comment: “From a bird's nest to a lovely bluebird on a tree. This photograph reminds me of an Asian silk painting. I love the colors of the background, and the star of the show is truly stunning. The framing, with a lot of space at the top and quite a few leaves, gives it a feeling of space and being outside, which is another great part about Spring.”
    PHOOZL POINTS: 15

  4. ‘Spring Fever’ – Hon. Mention A

    Hyacinthus Orientalis & Honey Bee by leka huie
    Judge’s Comment: “I chose this photo of a honey bee partly due to its technical merits: the bee is sharp, and the framing, beautiful colors and depth of field work together brilliantly. But even more important to me was the bee's head area, which is so well lit and defined that she looks almost as if she were drawn for a picture book. And there is no denying that, much like flowers, bees and Spring go together!”
    PHOOZL POINTS: 10

  5. ‘Spring Fever’ – Hon. Mention B

    “Ducklings” by marlene frankel
    Judge’s Comment: “There is something very moving and delicate about this photograph, and it's that emotion that earned it an honorable mention. The ducklings look so determined to get somewhere, and they also look quite content in their surroundings. The bits of green in the foreground and background help them stand out in a landscape that matches their fur. The selective focus adds further interest to the image, and though I would have preferred to see all three ducklings tack sharp, the two that are sharp have so much detail that you can almost reach out and pet them (though their parents probably would not like that much!).”
    PHOOZL POINTS: 10

  6. ‘Spring Fever’ – Hon. Mention C

    “Unfolding” by Sandra A.-B.
    Judge’s Comment: “Flowers are synonymous with Spring, and this photograph of a daffodil is truly stunning. I love the way the light falls on the flower, and I'm drawn to the subtle change of color between the outer petals and light pink corona. The framing is superb, with just enough green to bridge the gap between the background and the head of the flower. The black background adds mystery to the image, and leaves me wondering whether the photographer brought a black piece of paper or board outside, or whether this was done inside.”
    PHOOZL POINTS: 10

‘Bending Reality’ — judge: JD Jarvis

March 13 – 20, 2013
Click here for the full results post with more information

  1.

    ‘Bending Reality’ – 1st Place

    “Seeding No. 1” by DgKaufman
    Judge’s Comment: “While the undulating black shape running horizontally across this piece encourages me to think of it as a landscape, the sensuality of the other forms suggest something quite different. It may have begun ‘with an apple,’ but the careful control of a distortion filter and a subtle application of an organic texture make ‘Seeding’ something much more. It is not a landscape; it is not strictly an abstraction; and it certainly isn’t only a photograph. Digital techniques and imagination have synthesized this image into something else and makes it a prime example of what I was looking for in this contest.”
    PHOOZL POINTS: 25

  2. ‘Bending Reality’ – 2nd Place

    “Letting Off Steam” by Armineh29
    Judge’s Comment: “Purely fun with a new toy, but there are some subtleties that make this composited-mirrored image my choice for second place. The distressed edge along with a sepia-toned, tintype effect is designed to make us think of traditional early photography, but the image itself is clearly not your great grandfather’s photo. There is the suggestion of depth, which may have been heightened by placing the central, sharply focused element a bit higher in the frame. And, the ‘shadow’ could express a greater sense of (sur)realism by incorporating the cigarettes into its shape. But, I like the use of new tools and the feel of spontaneous good humor that accompanies this piece.”
    PHOOZL POINTS: 20

  3. ‘Bending Reality’ – 3rd Place

    “Fly Away” by nance kay
    Judge’s Comment: “I chose this entry for third place because it pokes fun at the notion, so often promoted by software marketing, that you can make your photos ‘look just like oil paintings,’ which is exemplified here by the filter that has been applied to the background. But, here the butterfly is trying to escape that fate and keep it real. I appreciate that the artist sought to mix ‘photo art’ with ‘reality.’ So where is the butterfly’s shadow?”
    PHOOZL POINTS: 15

  4. ‘Bending Reality’ – Hon. Mention A

    "Nightmare..." by Charlena
    Judge’s Comment: "Nothing bends reality like a good nightmare, and this composite image does a good job of conveying that. The central compositional element is a distorted window, which is nicely placed. The bare trees could be mistaken for lightening bolts, and the eyes are, of course, almost a required element in any picture of a nightmare. I think this piece could have used one other element that is in sharp focus with clear, natural colors to complement and balance with the window. The spider, perhaps?"
    PHOOZL POINTS: 10

  5. ‘Bending Reality’ – Hon. Mention B

    "Beware of the Pear" by Mikael Sundberg
    Judge’s Comment: "Several people entered good examples of collage or montage. I prefer the term ‘composite’ to acknowledge this genre of contemporary digital art. This piece, designed to bring two disparate images together into a seamless, believable composite, is what I think of as an example of the older term ‘montage.’ Isolated in a white field, this object is very striking (pun intended), but I could also imagine a whole tree full of these. Can’t help thinking that using an apple instead of a pear would have given this image ‘biblical’ implications."
    PHOOZL POINTS: 10

  6. ‘Bending Reality’ – Hon. Mention C

    “MoMA Level Rhapsody” by zinetv
    Judge’s Comment: “W.W.E.D. (What Would Escher Do) if he had had digital tools? This image combines several photos into a new, somewhat-cohesive whole. But since each piece maintains a bit of visual independence, this is a good example of a digital ‘collage.’ I do have an issue with the piece that runs the length of the composition at bottom. I feel it cuts off the nice diagonal lines and forms that carry us from the top toward the bottom. Since everything else is at an oblique angle, this straight edge seems to put a halt to an otherwise activated composition. I appreciate the connection to a bit of art history and the excellent way this image allows us to rethink that work in the context of new digital tools and techniques.”
    PHOOZL POINTS: 10

‘Me, Myself & I’ — judge: Mike Pasini

March 6 – 13, 2013
Click here for the full results post with more information

  1.

    ‘Me, Myself & I’ – 1st Place

    “A Farmer’s Hand” by vipfineart
    Judge’s Comment: “It's the simple unbuttoning of a shirt after a day spent working in the fields. You see it from above but rotated, subtly shifting the point of view so it isn't introspective. In painting this portrait the photographer also tells the story of a life.”
    PHOOZL POINTS: 25

  2. ‘Me, Myself & I’ – 2nd Place

    “Me Happy :)” by aggie
    Judge’s Comment: “The only full-body shot and the only entry shot within a landscape expresses a jubilance that looks strong enough to knock over stone obelisks. The landscape colors are nicely modulated with just a hint of vignetting to focus attention on the subject.”
    PHOOZL POINTS: 20

  3. ‘Me, Myself & I’ – 3rd Place

    “Who Am I Today!” by Charlena
    Judge’s Comment: “And these aren't all her shoes, the photographer tells us. But two things make us think about this portrait a little bit more. First, the rather shy unshod feet (they aren't tapping their toes) haven't made up their minds. Second, the muted colors of those shoes, which (ahem) are not paired with their mates. In the end, the high-key legs pierce the dark circle of muted shoes, asserting the person is the subject, the shoes just props.”
    PHOOZL POINTS: 15

  4. ‘Me, Myself & I’ – Hon. Mention A

    “Me, Myself and I Power Three” by Julien Labrosse
    Judge’s Comment: “The description reveals this shot is a compilation of 27 images taken in three minutes. Like Alberto Giacometti's drawings, in which the line is redrawn over and over to indicate something more than a static figure, here the subject is captured over and over, each new image superimposed on the others. Just before it turns into a Rorschach test though, the ghostly profiles and the haunting eyes reveal what you can't see about the subject.”
    PHOOZL POINTS: 10

  5. ‘Me, Myself & I’ – Hon. Mention B

    “Kafka and Me” by Kay Beausoleil
    Judge’s Comment: “A projector casts the photographer's shadow onto a screen at the Kafka Museum in Prague. So no, those are not the photographer's eyes. But it isn't a homage to Kafka either. He appears like the moon, as an influence. The photographer's silhouetted hand on the camera looking back at those eyes are calibrating just how much influence. A haunting, dramatic, revealing portrait.”
    PHOOZL POINTS: 10

  6. ‘Me, Myself & I’ – Hon. Mention C

    “Red Corner” by Scott Galle
    Judge’s Comment: “At first glance it appears to be a conventional portrait but on closer examination, the face is screened with the same pattern of the red wall. The light from below makes it a spooky shot, but the screen pattern tempers it with a bit of humor, too. That's tough to pull off.”
    PHOOZL POINTS: 10

‘A Still Life’ — judge: Bruce Frazier

February 27 – March 6, 2013
Click here for the full results post with more information

  1.

    ‘A Still Life’ – 1st Place

    “Nicki’s Silver” by marlene
    Judge’s Comment: “The unique composition caught my attention at first glance and remained the front runner. The geometric shapes, curves and straight lines, and the radial design of the element on the left, are well balanced. If not for the fork coming in from the right, the objects are unrecognizable, but it doesn’t matter; I don’t need to know what they are to appreciate the image.”
    PHOOZL POINTS: 25

  2. ‘A Still Life’ – 2nd Place

    “Wooden Bowl” by Lesley Ackman
    Judge’s Comment: “For this image, it is once again the composition that won me over. It is much more than a picture of a wooden bowl. It is overlapping ovals contained by diagonal lines. It is the texture and the color of the wood and the fabric and the window sill that make this a great image.”
    PHOOZL POINTS: 20

  3. ‘A Still Life’ – 3rd Place

    “Bokeh...” by aggie
    Judge’s Comment: “The colorful bokeh background, the blue reflection of the perfume bottle, off-center and framed in white, may appear simple, but this image is well-planned and difficult to achieve. It’s a well-executed camera capture.”
    PHOOZL POINTS: 15

  4. ‘A Still Life’ – Hon. Mention A

    “Espresso” by Mikael Sundberg
    Judge’s Comment: “Technically well-done, this looks like a commercial product shot. The various shapes work well together, and shooting from the side enables the coffee drops to be captured against the black background. One suggestion: I might have liked a more interesting background such as a graduated light-to-dark or a glow behind the product.”
    PHOOZL POINTS: 10

  5. ‘A Still Life’ – Hon. Mention B

    “Shadow of What Once Was” by nance kay
    Judge’s Comment: “A unique approach to a rose in a bud vase. This image is, of course, as much about the shadow as it is about the the rose. It stands out against the stark white surrounding the image. I think a little more definition in the base of the glass and tighter cropping would help.”
    PHOOZL POINTS: 10

  6. ‘A Still Life’ – Hon. Mention C

    “Sunshine” by Ran Dionysus
    Judge’s Comment: “Beautiful lighting and good exposure of the sky while still holding shadow detail. A nice composition of cute Milo balanced with the cloud and diagonal lines of the window frame. You can’t deny the cute factor, but still a very strong image.”
    PHOOZL POINTS: 10

‘Circles’ — judge: Tracy Valleau

February 20 – 27, 2013
Click here for the full results post with more information

  1.

    ‘Circles’ – 1st Place

    “Knob that Leads to New World” by Crouddell
    Judge’s Comment: “Here the circles are on both the levels I was seeking: the doorknob is the obvious circle. The hallway leads to the door. One twists the knob, enters and exits... back down the hall. That implied cycle continues.. but for how long? Weeks? Years? How many different people turned that doorknob? Trod that circular path up and down the hall, in and out of the door? This image succeeds on both the levels in the assignment, and since it raises as many questions as it answers, could live on my wall.”
    PHOOZL POINTS: 25

  2. ‘Circles’ – 2nd Place

    “Circles and the Web” by Mikael Sundberg
    Judge’s Comment: “The new, pristine, man-made circles -- the tube -- was obviously in place before the spider cast its web... but there in the center lies nature’s prototypical circle: the hub of the web. The lighting is wonderful, and the image shows technical excellence, including a great use of tonal range.”
    PHOOZL POINTS: 20

  3. ‘Circles’ – 3rd Place

    “Shaker Simplicity” by Lesley Ackman
    Judge’s Comment: “One of the time-tested techniques of photography: make it strong by stripping out the superfluous. Here the photographer has succeeded quite well. The strong line of the hat rack, and its dark tone (and small circular pegs), complements the large circle of the light straw hat. Notice that the image would not have succeeded nearly as well without the hints of the dark hatband. And, of course, the simple image would appeal to the Shakers, too.”
    PHOOZL POINTS: 15

  4. ‘Circles’ – Honorable Mention A

    “And the View Is...” by Armineh29
    Judge’s Comment: “What’s not to like? Framed by trees on three sides, the mirror points toward the open corner, and sets its place in reflection. That reflection of sky and trees merges with the background, providing a moment of confusion and inclusion. This image literally draws the viewer into the circle of the mirror and offers an intriguing glimpse of what lies beyond the frame.”
    PHOOZL POINTS: 10

  5. ‘Circles’ – Honorable Mention B

    “Daffodil” by Sandra A.-B.
    Judge’s Comment: “Simply a lovely image. Three circles, light tones, and the reflection of the flower balances the image. The large circle around the flower extends beyond the top and bottom edge, and the image has a great relationship to its frame. While there are no deep metaphors here, the image meets the requirements of the contest; it’s easy on the eyes and shows creativity.”
    PHOOZL POINTS: 10

  6. ‘Circles’ – Honorable Mention C

    “Steel Wool” by aggie
    Judge’s Comment: “Lit steel wool in motion isn’t a new idea, but it’s well-done here. Placing the actor in the center of the archway caused the embers to trace the “D” shape of the underpass, gracefully echoed in the framing of the shot. Cropping is excellent with one sparkling ember tracing its way directly to the lower right corner. The lines lead the eye continually back into the image. Nicely done.”
    PHOOZL POINTS: 10

‘Minimalismo’ — judge: Xavi Carerras

February 13 – 20, 2013
Click here for the full results post with more information

  1.

    ‘Minimalismo’ – 1st Place

    “Ready for Take Off” by Lesley Ackman
    Judge’s Comment: “If someone had told me that I would consider an image of a bird taking off as a winner for a Minimalism contest, I wouldn't have taken it seriously. This photo has a lot of power, energy, strength, speed, motion, and other describers that do not normally "belong" with what people consider minimalism. But sometimes a brave and determined photo deserves the prize.”
    PHOOZL POINTS: 25

  2. ‘Minimalismo’ – 2nd Place

    “L.A. Street at Night” by Mark Mason
    Judge’s Comment: “This image has solitude, sadness, and all in a very nice color palette. I can imagine a complex story behind it.”
    PHOOZL POINTS: 20

  3. ‘Minimalismo’ – 3rd Place

    “On the Wind” by nance kay
    Judge’s Comment: “I don't know if the creator of this image captured it as fast as the wind blows the leaves, or if was just good timing or perseverance. Regardless, it looks great, fresh and energizing.”
    PHOOZL POINTS: 15

  4. ‘Minimalismo – Honorable Mention A

    “Alone” by zarnoosheh
    Judge’s Comment: “It's rare that a minimalist shot can be cropped or recomposed and still work. This is one of those shots. I have to admit that I did not see the man on the slope on the first round of the selection!”
    PHOOZL POINTS: 10

  5. ‘Minimalismo – Honorable Mention B

    “White Moon Rising” by Armineh29
    Judge’s Comment: “I love the color palette of this shot, plus the lines and shapes. Forgive me if I consider it a modern pictorial-inspired minimalist shot.”
    PHOOZL POINTS: 10

  6. ‘Minimalismo – Honorable Mention C

    “Silver Sea and Distant Showers” by Kay Beausoleil
    Judge’s Comment: “Yes, it only has a line, a couple of showers reaching the line, and some waves adding texture toward the line. But emotionally powerful.”
    PHOOZL POINTS: 10

‘The Shadow Knows’ — judge: Margo Taussig Pinkerton

February 6 – 13, 2013
Click here for the full results post with more information

  1.

    ‘The Shadow…’ – 1st Place

    “Boogeyman” by samina-farooq
    Judge’s Comment: “This is an imaginative, well-constructed and composed treatment of the subject, both eerie and whimsical at the same time. And a case where only The Shadow Knows!”
    PHOOZL POINTS: 25

  2. ‘The Shadow…’ – 2nd Place

    “My Shadow Dog” by nance kay
    Judge’s Comment: “This is a strong graphic image, and there is no question of what the subject is without actually showing it. The shadow tells us the story. Oh, Noble Beast, attentive, perhaps hearing its owner.”
    PHOOZL POINTS: 20

  3. ‘The Shadow…’ – 3rd Place

    “Heart” by aggie
    Judge’s Comment: “This image shows some forethought in its composition. Catching the light just right was critical to the success of the photo, and turning it into a friendship or wedding band by the shadow is wonderful.”
    PHOOZL POINTS: 15

  4. ‘The Shadow…’ – Hon. Mention A

    “A Couple Shadow” by leka huie
    Judge’s Comment: “This strong shadow image tells a story, perhaps, of a couple gazing at the Hong Kong statue.”
    PHOOZL POINTS: 10

  5. ‘The Shadow…’ – Hon. Mention B

    “The Fence” by Mikael Sundberg
    Judge’s Comment: “This conveys a sense of mystery. Why is the flip-flop there in the shadow of the fence? Where is the other one?”
    PHOOZL POINTS: 10

‘The Rural Life’ — judge: Clayton Swatzell

January 30 – February 6, 2013
Click here for the full results post with more information

  1.

    ‘The Rural Life’ – 1st Place

    “Morning Groom” by Talya Arbisser
    Judge’s Comment: “This is a wonderfully composed photo that also uses a grand example of backlighting. I get a great sense that the man and the horse are 'sharing' their moment together. I have the feeling of how those in rural areas not only appreciate the land but also the animals they often depend upon. This photo also makes use of only a couple of main elements keeping the composition simple and easy to view. And I like how the colors of the sky contrast with the silhouette of the subjects, being just vivid enough to give us a feeling for the quiet of the day.”
    PHOOZL POINTS: 25

  2. ‘The Rural Life’ – 2nd Place

    “Red Barn in Winter” by nance kay
    Judge’s Comment: “This photo has wonderful leading lines, the fence guiding the eye towards the vivid red barn and bright blue sky. The negative space to the left of the barn is balanced by the fence starting at the left edge leading my eye into the frame to the right edge of the photo. The vividly colored barn with the contrasting sky and snow then pulls me back into the frame.”
    PHOOZL POINTS: 20

  3. ‘The Rural Life’ – 3rd Place

    “Working in the Field, Georgia” by saritsal
    Judge’s Comment: “I felt like this photo told a very accurate tale of what life in rural areas is really like. The rugged look of the man with sweat on his clothing leading an animal pulling a wagon of his day’s work. The young girl gives the contrasting view of the man as she is enjoying the ride upon the hay. The subjects are well-placed in the frame giving me a sense of walking from right to the left. This also shows good depth of field with the main subjects in focus with a nicely blurred background.”
    PHOOZL POINTS: 15

  4. ‘The Rural Life’ – Hon. Mention A

    “Red Barn” by Mikael Sundberg
    Judge’s Comment: “This photo shows a dramatic sky with what looks like a typically serene and quiet landscape. The vividly colored barn contrasts nicely against the green grass and shadows created by the menacing clouds. I felt that this was another photo that kept the composition simple with the bright red barn as an anchor point in the frame.”
    PHOOZL POINTS: 10

  5. ‘The Rural Life’ – Hon. Mention B

    “Staredown” by Kay Beausoleil
    “Staredown” by Kay Beausoleil Judge’s Comment: “Often in rural areas we find abandoned buildings near pasture areas that are being actively used, and this photo is a wonderful illustration of just that. The composition with the (softer) animal in the foreground also gives me a feeling of depth in the photo. The animal’s attention is toward the viewer’s position, effectively placing us into the scene.”
    PHOOZL POINTS: 10

  6. ‘The Rural Life’ – Hon. Mention C

    “Blue...” by Charlena
    Judge’s Comment: “I was first drawn to this photo because of the richly colored sky. The colors are enough to capture attention, but when the setting sun is framed by the stark, barren trees with just enough foreground to anchor the photo, I felt it was a contender. The composition provides us with a leading line to the setting sun.”
    PHOOZL POINTS: 10

‘Duo’ — judge: Richard Marks

January 23 – 30, 2013
Click here for the full results post with more information

  1.

    ‘Duo’ – 1st Place

    “The Ultimate Duo” by Mikael Sundberg
    Judge’s Comment: “The beauty of the colors as well as the sentiment of this ‘going home’ photo make it especially memorable. Every aspect of it is wonderfully thought out, and yet it captures something ethereal and timeless.”
    PHOOZL POINTS: 25

  2. ‘Duo’ – 2nd Place

    “Love Comes in Many Ways...” by Charlena
    Judge’s Comment: “The whimsy and calm of this photo make it very attractive and lend it substance. The horses are beautiful, and the gesture of kindness is thoughtfully rendered within the context of a soft world that appears magical. With its coloring, this photograph feels like a classic painting.”
    PHOOZL POINTS: 20

  3. ‘Duo’ – 3rd Place

    “Swan Lake” by Matt Heffernan
    Judge’s Comment: “This is the moment between moments. The water ripples encircle the swans just before their heads come up. As a viewers, we are left wanting to know what's under the water, knowing we'll never see that view. I love the texture and the abstraction of the format and structure of the photo.”
    PHOOZL POINTS: 15

  4. ‘Duo’ – Honorable Mention A

    “Exercise with a Friend” by nance kay
    Judge’s Comment: “A wonderful reflection image, although I would have liked the frame tipped down just a bit. Cute captured in duo!”
    PHOOZL POINTS: 10

  5. ‘Duo’ – Honorable Mention B

    “The Seagull Brother” by leka huie
    Judge’s Comment: “I like the meeting of urbanity and nature in this shot. The light through the wings of the birds is great, and their synchronicity is a sight to behold.”
    PHOOZL POINTS: 10

  6. ‘Duo’ – Honorable Mention C

    “My Girlfriend and I” by Carlos Mateo Garcia
    Judge’s Comment: “Wistful and grounded by the road edges, this is the secret kiss but caught by whom?”
    PHOOZL POINTS: 10

‘Show that Song – The Beatles’ — judge: Harald Johnson

January 16 – 23, 2013
Click here for the full results post with more information

  1.

    ‘The Beatles’ – 1st Place

    “Yesterday” by Kay Beausoleil
    Judge’s Comment: “Here you have a great interpretation of this incredibly beautiful song (‘Yesterday’), which is supposedly the most 'covered' song in the history of popular music. What better way to illustrate the past and 'what could have been' than with a single wilted flower. And with a wonderful display of tonal range and lighting. Good job.”
    PHOOZL POINTS: 25

  2. ‘The Beatles’ – 2nd Place

    “A Day in the Life” by Sandra A.-B.
    Judge’s Comment: “This great motion-blurred image captures not only the song's title (‘A Day in the Life’) but also the essence of its first lyric line (‘I read the news today, oh boy’) and ultimately its existential message of 'What is it all for?'. Well done.”
    PHOOZL POINTS: 20

  3. ‘The Beatles’ – 3rd Place

    “Do You Want to Know a Secret” by epshita
    Judge’s Comment: “This is such a sweet and spontaneous photo that nicely illustrates not only the song's title (‘Do You Want to Know a Secret’) but also mirrors one of its classic lyric lines: ‘Let me whisper in your ear.’ The soft dreaminess of the image only reinforces the song's age and meaning.”
    PHOOZL POINTS: 15

  4. ‘The Beatles’ – Honorable Mention A

    “Come Together” by leka huie
    Judge's Comment: "This gorgeous jellyfish shot literally illustrates this song's title ('Come Together'). It didn't rank higher only because the song is actually about keeping the four band members together, but if it had been four jellyfish here, who knows?"
    PHOOZL POINTS: 10

  5. ‘The Beatles’ – Honorable Mention B

    “Strawberry Fields Forever” by Armineh29
    Judge’s Comment: “A highly stylized image to illustrate this Sgt. Pepper song: ‘Strawberry Fields Forever.’ The photographer quotes one of its memorable lines: ‘Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see.’ And here you have a closed eye in sharp focus, and even a strawberry tint in the shadows. And FYI: Strawberry Fields is a place John used to visit as a boy.”
    PHOOZL POINTS: 10

  6. ‘The Beatles’ – Honorable Mention C

    “Help, I Need Somebody” by saritsal
    Judge’s Comment: “These song lyrics (‘Help’) were supposedly written as a plea (by John, I believe) for help from all the craziness of Beatlemania in which the group found itself trapped. And the photographer's photo artfully communicates this longing for Help.”
    PHOOZL POINTS: 10

 

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