First I want to say a big thank you to regnaD kciN! Besides taking the initiative in creating the seasonal contests, he really has done just about all the work behind the scenes, making it very easy for me to be the public face of this first contest. So a round of applause and drinks for everyone!
:applause: :toast: :applause: :toast: :applause: :toast: :applause: :toast: :applause: :toast: :applause:
Now on to the winners!
1st Place
Cobalt VioletLittle Pond
“Little Pond is GORGEOUS! A request: is there a bigger version of it somewhere so I could use it as my desktop wallpaper? Thanks!” – janesez :applause: :toast: :applause: :toast: :applause: :toast: :applause: :toast: :applause: :toast: :applause:
2nd Place
graywarriorEvans Notch
"Whoever did Evans Notch, PM me? I want that!” –48percenter :applause: :toast: :applause: :toast: :applause: :toast: :applause: :toast: :applause: :toast: :applause:
3rd Place
F.GordonAutumn Daze
“I loved Autumn Daze! Haunting” – StephenB48 :applause: :toast: :applause: :toast: :applause: :toast: :applause: :toast: :applause: :toast: :applause:
While we loved absolutely every piece submitted, and I can go on at length about every single one of them (and will if prompted - ask the people I live with!), we still had to come up with our Host’s Choice Awards (two hosts, two awards).
Host’s Choice
Ms. ToadUntil next year…
Conjuring themes of the passage into death and winter, "Until Next Year..." is a phenomenal photograph, which captures both the harsher and softer sides of the fall season through texture. The fuzzy tendrils bring to mind mohair sweaters and warmth, but at the base of the plant the sharp, bare center reminds us of fall's stark temperament. The clarity of the photo serves to draw us into the picture, expressing the season with an evocative eye towards detail and texture.
:bounce::bounce::bounce::bounce::bounce::bounce::bounce::bounce::bounce::bounce::bounce::bounce:
and
Host’s Choice
JeffR“…but I am not resigned”
"... but I am not resigned" elicits a quiet elegance that evokes the passage of time and the changing of seasons. The gray of the stone contrasts with the bright yellow of the trees in the background - emphasizing the link between life and death. However, the clarity of the tombstone (complete with an angel who recalls the past season with the plant she holds) in contrast to the faded leaves brings to mind the death of summer and the passage into winter.
:bounce::bounce::bounce::bounce::bounce::bounce::bounce::bounce::bounce::bounce::bounce::bounce:
I have nothing but awe for the quality of pieces submitted. I have enjoyed every submission and I wish that I could single out each one for its amazingness. I think ConsAreLiars said it best with, “The stunning thing about these contests, apart from the photos themselves, is the fact that each of the images tells some important truth about our world and each gets (and deserves) several votes. In this way, the contests show that each of the entries is "the best" and the most compelling for several people. My problem in voting is that I want to vote for every single one. Like trying to pick the best "music" when types touch you in some way.”
Every photo in this contest is deserving of a prize.
:applause: :toast: :applause: :toast: :applause: :toast: :applause: :toast: :applause: :toast: :applause:
edit for my bad grammer.