Judges' comments Judges' comments (June 01, 2005)

Norbert von der Groeben
Peninsula People

"In my opinion, a great people photo is one that elicits a definitive reaction from the viewer. After looking at the photo, you either want to meet the person or run as far away from him as you can. Chris Marolf's photo - 'Sunflower' -- has that magic. I wanted to know more about who was behind that sunflower. ... The starkness of the black-and-white photograph drew me in completely. I seriously doubt the composition would have worked as well in color; it probably wouldn't have forced the viewer to take a second look.

Dave Hibbard
Peninsula Images

"The lattice work of lines and shapes is intriguing of itself, but our eye is drawn to the dark figure seemingly trapped within it all. The photograph records a simple action -- a person walking across a catwalk -- yet it is so much more than that.

Joe Quever
Youth

"There was wonderful work, in all categories. What stuck with me most, though, was the youth category. I think of my own photography before the age 16, and to be quite honest, it didn't even come close to the majority of the vision and creativity I saw in this year's entries. The attention to lighting, composition, (selective) focus, mood, and creativity were very inspiring. There were a wonderful variety of techniques - both technical and visual."

Brigitte Carnochan
Manipulated Images

"Manipulating photographic images is tricky business these days -- in more ways than one. There are many digital tricks to play on the viewer, and it's easy (too easy) to get lost in the buttons, sliders, masks, plug-ins and filters that can turn an image into incoherent neon color and confusion. It was refreshing to see that the majority of entries in the manipulated category displayed a subtle, sure touch. Our three winners each had an idea that was clearly realized -- the manipulations not random but in service of an artistic concept. On reflection, I realize that our choices followed a theme. We chose three images each addressing the question of history, whether personal history, art history, or political history."

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