16th Annual Palo Alto Weekly Photo Contest
Third Place, Views Beyond the Peninsula

"Sunday Afternoon"
By Stan Zychlinsky

About Stan Zychlinsky

Click on photo for larger image.

Stan Zychlinsky captured the scene depicted in "Sunday Afternoon" at a lake near Berlin in 2006.

Depicting peaceful people relaxing in a park on a sunny day, sailboats drifting lazily by, the photo seemed strikingly similar to "Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte," the iconic painting by Georges Seurat, which also portrays Europeans relaxing in a park near water.

Zychlinksy, 81, was born in Poland, spent many years in Mexico and moved to Palo Alto with his wife, Fanny, about four years ago to be near his daughter, a Stanford University alum.

Zychlinsky said he has been taking photos for more than 60 years. He's not sure why he started, and he doesn't have any special tricks or tips or even a favorite subject.

"I take about everything; I am not prejudiced," Zychlinsky said. "(I take photos) mainly to remember the image of all I see. Lately I am looking more at details."

He received a first prize award in the Weekly's photo contest last year and has produced more than 12,000 slides and more than 5,000 prints over the years. He has no plans to display them, though.

"I enjoy it," Zychlinsky said.

He regularly volunteers for Habitat for Humanity, where he contributes his photography and language skills. He's also quite 'Net-savvy.

His family travels regularly as well. He recently went to New York City for a grandson's graduation and is headed to one of his favorite spots in Mexico this summer.

Zychlinsky was pleased to hear he won again.

"I am glad. It's a nice surprise," he said.

--Becky Trout