The North Carolina Blogger Network Photo Contest 2015 • The Mast Farm Inn, The North Carolina Blogger Network, and The Professional Photographers of North Carolina, are honored to announce the winners of the awards, prizes, judge’s choice awards, and honorable mentions, for The NCBN Photo Contest 2015 sponsored by The Mast Farm Inn, with the artistic & technical support of The Professional Photographers of North Carolina Association. To learn more about the awards click here.
This brief announces the winners, and more information will be provided in the days ahead on the photographers, photographs, and on the Professional Photographers of North Carolina Association judges. Full size high-resolution versions of these images with captions can be viewed on the Google+ album available by clicking here, and in a FaceBook photo album available by clicking here.
FIRST PLACE Image • 19828211 by Tommy White
"A Blue Ridge Parkway winter scene. Two trees share a nurturing relationship on this Parkway hillside."
SECOND PLACE Image • 21482534 by Adrian Henson
"Working boats of Atlantic, North Carolina"
THIRD PLACE Image • 21323180 by Jeff Knox
"Snow on the Edenton waterfront."
FOURTH PLACE Image • 19830140 by Tommy White
"Bodie Island Lighthouse rests at the edge of the marsh. The clouds, energized by a long exposure provide the intensity to an otherwise still scene."
FIFTH PLACE Image • 21491333 by Jeff Knox
"Roanoke River Lighthouse, Edenton, North Carolina"
HONORABLE MENTIONS
The judges didn’t want to miss the opportunity to designate as "Honorable Mentions" some of the main finalists and other remarkable entries. The Mast Farm Inn & The North Carolina Network will each also be announcing in the days ahead their own Top20 honorable mentions. Stay tuned for those announcements and pages, and when those pages are completed we will link to them from here.
Honorable Mention Image • 21426797 by Brittney Brown
"A group of black skimmers calmly bickers and naps in the marsh on Middle Core Banks, Cape Lookout National Seashore."
Honorable Mention Image • 21786005 by Matt Williams
"The forest reflecting the late afternoon light on the still waters of Big Lake in Umstead State Park."
Honorable Mention Image • 17824700 by Impressions10
"Wanchese Nets and Rope"
Honorable Mention Image • 21678149 by Clarence Burke
"Durham Bus Station and the historic NC Mutual Insurance Company building."
Honorable Mention Image • 21482858 by Adrian Henson
"Black rat snake found in Reelsboro, North Carolina"
Honorable Mention Image • 18589325 by Ben M. Shields
"Surf City Pier II – The pier at Surf City is a long exposure photographer’s dream."
JUDGES & JUDGES’ CHOICE AWARD WINNERS
The North Carolina Blogger network and The Mast Farm Inn partnered in October 2014 to design, present, and manage The NCBN Photo Contest 2015. If you had participated in the contest shortly after its launch on January 5th, 2015, you may have noticed how it had gained significant momentum, and was well on its way to becoming highly successful, in fact beyond our expectations. You would also notice that on Tuesday February 10th, 2015, we upped the ante considerably in terms of prizes and awards. We added five cash awards for a total of $2,150 to the initial awards as presented at launch. This is due to the fact that The Professional Photographers of North Carolina had agreed to compose a qualified professional jury, to determine the five winners for the professional jury awards on our behalf. This new capability, to integrate specialized professional photography judges, not only enabled those new awards and prizes, but contributed to enhancing the artistic and creative quality, and the quantity of submissions by professional photographers in our state. The seven Professional Photographers of North Carolina judges are presented below as well as one image they considered highly worthy of their personal Judges’ Choice Awards, and their comments on those images.
Mona Sadler • PPNC Judge • WebSite
Photographer Mona Sadler holds the Professional Photographers of America conferred degrees of Masters of Photography, Master Artist and the Craftsman degree. She is also a Certified Professional Photographer. Her studio specializes in pet photography. She currently lives with three rescued dogs and enjoys bird and flower photography.
"A group of black skimmers calmly bickers and naps in the marsh on Middle Core Banks, Cape Lookout National Seashore."
Mona Sadler Judge’s Choice Selection • Image Number 21426797 by Brittney Brown
I think the colors and the attitude of the birds just makes for a good and interesting photo, then it gets topped off with the incoming bird. Makes me smile.
Emma Lupton • PPNC Judge • WebSite
Emma Lupton is a photographer in the coastal county of Pamlico. She earned her degree in Portrait and Studio Management from Randolph Community College in Asheboro, NC. One of Emma’s earlier photos, "Foggy Harbor" taken in her hometown of Oriental, was selected as photo of the day by Kodak and was displayed on their billboard in New York City. She has enjoyed studio work and event photography. Being mostly retired now, photographing the back roads of North Carolina has become her focus. From sea and surf to mountain waterfalls she hopes to capture it all from a different point of view.
"A Blue Ridge Parkway winter scene. Two trees share a nurturing relationship on this Parkway hillside."
Emma Lupton Judge’s Choice Selection • Image Number 19828211 by Tommy White
This is my overall pick. I loved it from the first time I went through the entries. The trees remind me of an old couple who have learn to grow with each other, each giving way for the growth of the other. Stark, barren, cold, and beauty all made an interesting image.
Tom McCabe • PPNC Judge • WebSite
Born in Chicago, Ill in 1946, Tom is a retired US Marine who has travelled extensively. He is an award winning photographer and is currently the owner of Coastal Light Photographic Arts. He is also the former co-owner and operator of First Flight Photography of Havelock, NC. Tom lives in New Bern, NC and has been a member of Professional Photographers of North Carolina (PPofNC) and Professional Photographers of America (PPA) since 2005 and has actively participated in many PPofNC and PPA events. Tom received his Certification as a professional photographer from PPA in September 2013 and his Master of Photography Degree in February 2015. In 2012 he received the Kodak Gallery Award and was awarded the 1st Place in Women’s portraiture at the 2012 PPofNC Convention in Raleigh. Tom is the past president of the Professional Imaging Group of Eastern North Carolina and is the current president of the Coastal Photo Club in New Bern.
"Currituck County By The Sea"
Tom McCabe Judge’s Choice Selection • Image Number 16268006 by RvingBob
I simply thought it was creative, whimsical, (sunglasses on a sunflower) and since I had photographed some sunflowers myself recently I thought it fit the NC theme. It just struck me as clever and was removed from most of the rest of the images. That’s why I liked those two kids too.
Rose Mary Cheek • PPNC Judge • WebSite
Rose Mary Cheek has established herself in the past 25 years as one of North Carolina’s premier portrait artists. Her interest in photography grew from her classes in her Commercial Art curriculum where she received an Associate Arts degree. She received the Fellowship of Photography from North Carolina Professional Photographer’s Association, her Photographic Craftsman degree from PPA in 2009, and her Photographic Master’s degree in 2014 from PPA. Rose Mary lectures and teaches photography design and her expertise goes well beyond the realm of traditional photography. Mentoring photography students is an important part of sharing her time and talents. Because of Rose Mary’s desire to stay on the very cutting edge of what’s new in professional photography; this has opened doors to creative new ideas and that’s why her work is always fresh. Creativity, imagination, done with craftsmanship – that’s what sets her apart. Rose Mary finds that some of the most successful images occur on their own when the subject forgets they are being photographed and reacts naturally. She considered fine art portraiture a sacred art and will always treasure her " God-Given" talent. Her studio is in Hickory, NC.
"Roanoke River Lighthouse, Edenton, North Carolina"
Rose Mary Cheek Judge’s Choice Selection • Image Number 21491333 by Jeff Knox
Loved the harmony, the maker chose the right time of day to photograph this beautiful piece.It’s so inviting, ‘makes you feel like you want to go right there and spend some time in that beautiful house on the water.
Ned Winn • PPNC Judge • WebSite
Owner and founder Ned Winn has spent more than 30 years developing his strengths and skills as a professional photographer. He is one of less than 2,000 certified professionals worldwide. He holds a degree of Photographic Craftsman from Professional Photographers of America (PPA), recognized as both a photographic artist and an instructor of certified professionals. He is an active member of numerous other professional communities, including American Society of Photographers, National Association of Photoshop Professionals, Professional Photographers of North Carolina, and Photographic Society of the Triangle. He currently serves as state certification liaison for PPA. Ned serves his clients at Winn Portrait Studio with a dedicated passion for bringing their ideas to life on the printed canvas. As a lifelong storyteller, Ned works to create a rich, visual-storytelling experience within his portraits, customized to each individual’s interests.
"Tobacco Sets Highway 88"
Ned Winn Judge’s Choice Selection • Image Number 19019021 by Blue Ridge Focus
Until the 21st century, agriculture was always the number 1 industry in N.C. We were a state made up of communities filled with family farms where tobacco was main cash crop. It was common to see old and young working together in the field. Now it is the hope of farm families that anyone in the next generation may continue to keep the family farm going. A Grandfather driving the tractor, with a Grandson on the back, helping plant this year’s crop, represents hope for the future of NC farms.
Paul Wingler • PPNC Judge • WebSite
After graduating from Cascade High School in Hendricks County IN, Paul toured with the U.S. Marine Corps Band from 1973-1977. Paul then moved to North Carolina and took some basic photography classes at the Durham Arts Council in Durham; NC, he pursued his studies at the New York Institute of Photography where he earned a certificate of graduation. Since then he has studied with various photographic artist at the East Coast School in North Carolina. He also completed a five year study with Master Photographer and ASP Fellow Jay Stock as well as other noted photographers. After his studies, Paul’s quest began to merge the fine arts and storytelling style of work. His passion for creating fine art and telling stories through his imagery didn’t stop when the digital age came into play, but rather was another journey to merge the old with the new and still maintain his style of work. As Mr. Wingler continued to define his art, he found it more as a converging art through his use of substrates, old masters concepts and digital technologies, It began to shape a new style, a new era of his art. Paul continues to create "traditional" style portraits for families, as well as continue his own unique style of art.
"Early morning fog on the Cape Fear River. I camped in Raven Rock State Park during a canoe trip down the river."
Paul Wingler Judge’s Choice Selection • Image Number 18646061 by Matt Williams
I loved this image… great exposure, placement, story was fantastic… the boats had a wonderful metallic feel… just beautiful… the mood… loved it, HOWEVER, what held me back from rewarding this more was I was constantly fighting to stay with the subjects, the boats, due to a lot of negative space to the left side of the images and it’s tonality was bright enough, to me, that kept pulling me away or competing with the subject. I believe cropping out some of the negative space would help keep the viewer into the the area of the subject. There is a lot of wonderful things happening within that tighter composition (cropping) that the few inches on the left side of the print was not necessary and didn’t add to the impact of the image. It is generally said if something adds to the image, leave it in. If it doesn’t add to the image, do something with it, whether you remove it through cropping or tone it down through burning or clone the area as necessary.
Adrian Henson • PPNC Judge & Jury Chair • WebSite
Henson owns and operates Adrian Henson Photography in New Bern North Carolina with his wife Heather. Their studio specializes in High school Seniors, Commercial Photography, and Dance School Photography. When not producing great photographs, he enjoys traveling and sharing his knowledge of image making. Adrian has a degree in Mechanical Drafting and Design and first used those skills as a project manager for the first 8 years of his professional life. In 2001, after many years of not having any creative outlet, Adrian discovered his love for photography. While the change from project manager to photographer was huge, the skills and talents learned in his design training proved to be useful in both careers. He is a self described "hobbyist" and is always on the lookout for new and exciting hobbies to explore. He has been involved with many hobbies from aquariums to metal detecting and from cave exploring to sailing. While photography started out as a hobby, it was the one hobby that stuck with him and rocked him to the core. Many hobbies have come and gone but photography quickly evolved into much more, it became a core passion that will define him forever. Every hobby now seems to revolve around and come back to photography and Adrian always finds a way to combine new hobbies with his love of photography. Today, Adrian is heavily involved with his state organization (Profession Photographers of North Carolina) as well as PPA as a council member. Adrian regularly travels throughout the world teaching and speaking and is an International Print Committee Juror in training. He is also very committed to print competition and has been honored with the Diamond, Platinum, Gold and Bronze awards as well as NC’s and SEPPA’s Photographer of the year award, just to name a few. Adrian considers print competition the greatest informal education and owes the bulk of his photography success to it.
"Sea Oats on Pea Island"
Adrian Henson Judge’s Choice Selection • Image Number 19148744 by Charles Register
Great use of tones and composition to create and dramatic feel to a peaceful scene. Great work.
Photographers and voters, we would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude and sincere thanks for your outstanding participation throughout. We would also like to honor the dedication and long hours of very hard work by our partners at The North Carolina Blogger Network, and The Professional Photographers of North Carolina. This project has required six months and many people in those organizations contributed a great deal of time, energy and focus to developing and managing the awards.
REFERENCE
• www.themastfarminn.com/nc-photo-awards-2015
• www.themastfarminn.com/ncbn-photo-contest-en
• www.themastfarminn.com/ncbn-vote
• www.themastfarminn.com/ncbn-reminder
• www.wishpond.com/lp/490292
• www.ncbloggernetwork.com/photo-contest-2015
• http://bit.ly/ncbn-peoples-choice
• http://bit.ly/ncbn-juried-award
For More Information
WebSite • www.themastfarminn.com
FaceBook • www.facebook.com/mastfarm
Pinterest • www.pinterest.com/themastfarminn
Google+ • www.bit.ly/mfi-google-plus
Twitter • www.twitter.com/MastFarm
Stay in Touch • www.themastfarminn.com/stay-in-touch
The Mast Farm Inn is an award-winning historic country inn & restaurant in the Valle Crucis Historical District of North Carolina, which has been welcoming guests since the 1800s. The Mast Farm Inn is a Historic Hotels of America hotel, a Select Registry Inn, and is on The National Register of Historic Places.
The NC Photographer Awards Winners is a page from: The Mast Farm Inn, Historic North Carolina Country Inn
The post The NC Photographer Awards Winners appeared first on The Mast Farm Inn.