Thanks to all who participated.

Guy Danella 11_10_09

As photographers we can only photograph in the present tense. The past and the future lie outside our grasp. We can only photograph what resides in front of our lens at this very moment. No, I won’t deny the ability of the computer to create deft composites that might defy these constraints, but as regards the more blatant digital manipulations I can only say that my gauge of photographic success often lies in a photographer’s skill at hiding his or her hand. Embracing constraint with elegance is, for me, a significant share of photography’s inexhaustible challenge, that of seizing a singular moment of clarity and balance, creating a more clearly visible version of the plain fact.

We found ourselves at an intersection. September 26th and 27th was our time. Central New York was our location.

Selecting these images was no simple chore. There was far more wheat than chaff in the submitted work. In the end I chose subjects close to my heart, subjects that best exemplify the humanity of the photographer and that photographer’s skill at capturing those elusive slices of time. These are photographs that are resonant of place, of humanity, intelligence, and of moment.

Though I viewed these images anonymously, I suspect that the photographers who made them are as interesting as the photographs themselves.

L.P. Pacilio
2009

I look forward to next year!

I do wish I did not have PC issues that pushed me out of the event…

D

I DO agree with the suggestion that the “shooting” days be extended. Maybe instead of a 2 day weekend, perhaps a 4 or 5 day window to shoot. The Mohawk Valley is pleantyfill with photo ops…I just think that 2 days isn’t enough time, especially with the lovely weather we’ve experienced this year.

Congrats to all the winners and runners up!! Well Done!!

John D Hubbard • 2007 Competition Judge

Since your judge mentioned the name of Niépce and perhaps not many Americans are familiar with this man who took the first photograph, I’m enclosing the web site for the French photography school SPEOS, founded by my friend Pierre-Yves Mahé, who was instrumental in having Niépce’s house restored. The site might also inspire fellow photographers from our Mohawk Valley to take a trip to France: Paris, where the school is located, or Burgundy, where Niépce’s house can be found, along with fabulous wines!

Here’s the site: http://speos.fr/

(The pictures of Niépce’s house can be found under “Special Trips.”)

Regards,

John

John C. O’Neal

I have to say the parameters of the contest intrigued me enough to participate. Knowing I had two days made it a challenge and it was a good one. When I first read about the contest I knew exactly what I wanted to do. I was going to shoot the aqueduct over the Erie Canal in Camillus, NY. It’s a magnificent structure (just completed this summer,) and I thought including a kayaker would highlight it’s scale and add some human interest. I visited the spot two weeks prior to figure out where the best shot would be and where I needed to be to get it. Then I calculated where the sun would be, what time of day would be optimal. After all that planning, I submitted a totally unplanned shot, taken while running back to the car, following my kayaker along the canal.

This weekend I finally viewed the show and I was so impressed with the local talent! I honestly thought the “recognition awards” were the strongest in the show. I feel honored to be in the winning group. There were others that were equally deserving.

Thanks to all involved. LOVE the concept, wouldn’t change a thing. And especially: thanks for the inspiration to try something new.

Karen Barnes

I loved your photo! Did you Photoshop this at all ???? It is just an incredible shot!

I loved the challenge of two day limit. It was interesting to see what everyone else captured in the 48 hr crunch. The photos were great!
I look forward to next yr. cindy law

I think the 48 hour limit AND the inclement weather forced some who didn’t get out Saturday morning (when it was clear) to shoot in the rain and they got great shots ~because it was raining. When the “sky’s the limit,” (ex: a week of sunny days or a contest w/ no limitations) I think it’s harder to figure out what to do. Give me some guidelines and I’m much happier. Then creativity comes into play. Without this contest’s theme and 48 hour deadline, I wouldn’t have entered this contest at all. I’d rather see more guidelines than less.

I think what I enjoyed most of all was looking at the book (just the copy, the sale copies hadn’t arrived yet) and getting a lot of background from Guy. It was tough to get him out of his shell but he finally began to grudgingly give his opinion. I wanted to find out about so many of the photos I liked or felt lukewarm about. I had been curious if the kayaking and new beginnings photos had been Photoshopped (before I read Karen’s comment). Wow, both are just stunning. Either way they were both gorgeous but, I was so certain that they couldn’t be real! If you haven’t gone in to talk to Guy, find time.

P.S. I think everyone should stick a camera in the hands of a kid. One of the students from our middle school art program clicked away and got some nice results. One of her photos was in the show. And I am not trying to be bossy, just a suggestion!

Karen’s Kayaking shot is simply outstanding!

Wells

Wells - awesome job on your photo! To me, it was THE standout!! You’re right - ITS ALL ABOUT THE LIGHT!

I would personally judge them much differently, however, I’m not positive what all the criteria were. I’m also glad to see that they were photos; not art work created with Photoshop. Again, a personal choice…

KEN