An unforeseen moment when the ordinary turns to the extraordinary -- when a camera lens captures something ephemeral. That's the moment this year's photo contest winners seized.

From the planks of a pier that at sunset appear like keys on a piano to the haunting image of mannequin's face in a Vienna store window, the images captured by the shutterbugs honored in this year's twelfth annual photo contest are intriguing reflections of everyday life.

Winners, few of which are professional photographers, make the art of photography an integral part of their lives. They seek inspiration in architecture, people, urban landscapes and nature - looking for the rare moment when, through the lens of a camera, something terrific occurs.

"The eye and the camera see different," one winner noted.

This year's four judges chose from 252 entries by 190 contestants. The winning photos will be exhibited at the Palo Alto Art Center, 1313 Newell Road at Embarcadero, from May 27 to June 11. The winners will receive prizes from local businesses. First-place winners will receive $250 in cash and $100 gift certificates from University Art Center. Second-place winners will receive $150 in cash and a $100 gift voucher from UCSC Extension Art + Design Department. Third-place winners get $100 in cash and a $100 gift certificate from PhotoTime. Youth winners will receive a $70 gift certificate from University Art Center for first place and $30 gift certificate for University Art Center for second place.

Photo Contest Judges

Photos that were chosen for exhibition