Below The Knees Photo Contest Finalists!

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Thank you to all the photographers that shared their lower POV shots in this photo contest. We strive to promote creativity through these unique themes and we get so excited to see that the creativity of the participants over exceeds our expectations! Be sure to browse the gallery as there are so many amazing concepts and the quality of the images is stunning.

Congratulations to the following finalists (in no particular order) and stay tuned for the winner’s announcement:

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Congratulations to the People’s Choice:

 

Flying Photo Contest Finalists!

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Thank you to all the participants that shared their photos showing the main subject in the air. The variety and quality of submissions is stunning, from flying bugs to fighter jets and everything in between. Be sure to browse all the entries.

A special thanks to our friends at Spinlight360 for making this contest possible.

Congratulations to the following finalists (in no particular order), stay tuned for the winners announcement:

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Congratulations to the People’s Choice:

How I Took This Photo by Carsten Tuss

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Photo By Carsten Tuss
“I took this photo not far away from my house. Once you get the eye for it, you will see spiders all around you! For this shot I used my Nikon D300 with a Tamron 90mm f2.8 macro lens mounted on a full set of extension tubes to achieve even bigger magnification. The light source was an external flash mounted on the camera. To soften the hard flash light I built a selfmade diffusor (similar to Thomas Shahan’s one). My biggest inspiration is Thomas Shahan’s work, this man is the king of jumping spiders (check out his work!). When I saw his portfolio, everything I wanted to do is to take pictures like he did. And this is how my picture came up.” – Carsten

Introducing Chris Burkard, the Dawn Photo Contest judge

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burky_russia_1We are honored to have Chris Burkard as the judge of the Dawn Photo Contest.

Chris Burkard is a self-taught photographer and artist, based in Central Coast California, whose work is layered by surf, outdoor, lifestyle and travel subjects.

Burkard’s images are punctuated by energized landscapes and moments of bliss, by adventure seeking and the lifestyle that ensues, by movement and intuitive light-working capabilities. With ocean as his main muse, Burkard has consistently captured this subject in timeless and expansive photographic impressions, utilizing the tool of surfing to approach the ocean’s intricate personality and then extending out to include the human personalities that draw meaning from this same source. Searching for wild, remote destinations and offbeat landscapes, Burkard portrays the humble placement of the human in contrast to nature.

Iceland Surf Expedtion

At the age of 26, Burkard has established himself as a known name in the surf and outdoor industries, accomplished a deep body of work, held staff and senior photographer positions and has been recognized continually for his distinct creative compositions. Currently, Burkard serves as Senior Staff Photographer for Surfer Magazine, contributes regularly to various international publications and is a project photographer for Patagonia as well as several other respected brands. Burkard has completed two book projects, one with friend and co-author Eric Soderquist, titled “The California Surf Project” (2006) and the other, “Plight of the Torpedo People,” accompanying Patagonia body surfing film, “Come Hell or High Water” (2012).

In 2012, Burkard and his wife, Breanne, welcomed their first son Jeremiah and live in San Luis Obispo, not far from their home town of Grover Beach.

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Burkard Photography

Awards 

The World Open of Photography- Open Category Winner (2012)

Red Bull Illumination Winner I (2010)

Red Bull Illume Image Quest Overall (2010)

Invited to the 2010 Look Between Festival (2010)

First Annual Follow the Light Award Winner (2008)

Flame Grant Award for Best Emerging Photographer (2006)

Morro Bay Art Society Award (2005)

 

Sunlight Photo Contest Winners!

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Thank you to all the participants of the Sunlight Photo Contest and a special thanks to NANEU BAGS for providing professional camera bags for the Grand Jury Winner and the Top People’s Choice.

The Grand Jury Winner will be selected by Stacy L. Pearsall, a worldwide teacher and instructor for some of the biggest photography events like Photoshop World, NAB, Photo Plus, Maui Photo Festival, Shooting the West, Look 3 Festival of the Photograph and Eddie Adams Workshop where she has had the honor of serving as a Team Leader. She is an active consultant for Manfrotto and onOne: “I have to start by saying, “wow”. The top ten finalists have created beautiful images, all of which are completely worthy of a first place title. That alone made judging tough, so congratulations to all who competed. When photographing sunlight, timing is everything. Often it requires us as photographers to get up extra early or stay out really late. Also, scouting locations so you know where the sun will be to create the best possible image is paramount. All of the images demonstrated forethought, creativity and patience, not to mention the technical savvy that’s required to capture such imaginative images.” – Stacy

Congratulations to the pimpinnagawan winner of the NANEU C500 Camera Bag with photo Light From Heaven

 

“I’ve selected this photo as the Best Photo for many reasons. Aesthetically, the composition of the image draws me in and keeps my eye wandering throughout the frame. The gentle slope of the lush emerald field calls my attention; while the streams of light created by the sliver of sun and the wave-like arch of the rain soaked cloud directs me up and down and back again. The symmetry and balance of the picture is exceptionally pleasing, and the subtle nuances of the frame allow me to discover something new about the scene and beckon me to want more. And that is what every photographer wants to achieve; leaving their viewers wanted more.” – Stacy

Congratulations to Scott26_2 Runner Up with photo Barn for Canvas

“I chose this photo as my first runner up not just because it’s haunting mood and dream-like atmosphere, but also because there was much consideration in creating this image. It’s apparent, and admirable, that the photographer studied the location, discovered the best composition, and knew the time the sun would pass behind the barn, and was patient enough to wait for the right moment. As luck would have it, the flock of birds passed just at the right time too. The seemingly wicked vines add texture, the decayed barn relays age and the little white outbuilding is strategically place near the sun to draw the viewer into the right place.” – Stacy

Congratulations to martincrush the People’s Choice and winner of the NANEU C500 Camera Bag with photo A blast of early Morning Sun

 

“It’s an ethereal image packed full of delicate whimsy and revelation. The revelation isn’t anything to be taken literally, rather whatever the viewer infers from its light and mood. I have a pond behind my house similar to this one, and have often gazed on light such as this. Yet, I’ve not captured it so successfully as this photographer has with the hazy bands of sun, soft repetitious trees, and their placid reflections. The composition is stellar and the use of light is impeccable. ” – Stacy