Mindfulness: Photo Contest Finalists

The winners are in! A special thanks to friend and professional photographer Mark Morrow for his collaboration as a guest judge. Mark Morrow is a Virginia-based photographer with experience in real estate and architectural projects as well as commercial product and portraiture. Always an avid student of the craft, Mark enjoys sharing insight and inspiration with enthusiasts and aspiring pros as a contributing author with Photofocus.com.

Congratulations Grand Jury Winner "Craig and Blake1" by phillipfrench

"Mindfulness, as formally defined, is the state or quality of being mindful or aware of something and this touching image of father and child exudes this sentiment in near perfection. The thought invoked is one of authentic sincerity and love the moment the image comes into view. The juxtaposition of maturity and strength against such innocence and newness of life is evident immediately upon first sight, and thoughtfully provides the viewer with a tangible feeling of love as if present in the room. A beautiful composition captured with common diagonal lines and flattering angles that are easy on the eye, employing a sublime emotion-provoking use of monotones that further draw the eye to the true underlying subjects of unconditional caring and nurture." - Mark Morrow

Congratulations Runner Up "staring up into heavens" by azwarhans

"Equally thought-provoking as it is technically sound, this almost surreal composition immediately presents a thorough calmness and distinct feeling of presence within the scene. In terms of exposure, the artist's minimalist approach to time and color generates a couriosity bordering on mystery as to how long the subject has been perched comtemplatively upon his (or her) rock. How did they get there? Is the water shallow or deep? The artist flatters the scene and subject perfectly, and respectfully gives the viewer much to consider. Should the category be named as 'Contemplation', this image would be a true winner." - Mark Morrow

Congratulations Runner Up "Dotty finds a friend!" by krystadouglass

"A raw and contemplative capture exuding yet another mysterious curiosity in terms of precisely what our young friend might have on her mind. Having evidently started off in conversation (whether mentally or physically) with her newfound companions, her gaze appears to have drifted slightly downward and into a blanket of deeper thought. Further enhanced by an almost dreamlike use of depth-of-field, the artist draws the viewer in and respectfully opens a door of consideration on many fronts: Is she reminded of a dog of her own? Perhaps that Dotty kind of reminds her of herself? Or simply slipped into reminiscence of another kind entirely. A nicely composed and truly candid capture contained in a seemingly endless loop of youthful curiosity." - Mark Morrow

Congratulations Runner Up "Fishing, fireflies, crickets and frogs" by Lynzybrooke

"Possessing an appealing combination of subject, position and lighting, our young firefly-surrounded fisherman's attention has been comandeered by a distant thought or view. The image has the feeling that only the potential biting of a fish on his homemade line is imminent, and the only thing that will wake him from his late-afternoon slumber. Once again, we find ourselves adrift with him, wondering what he might be considering: Is there a fish biting over that way? Mesmerized by the golden-hour ripples? The composition is appealing and low, placing the viewer respectfully close to our subject's plane of position, employs a masterful use of depth-of-field to subdue an otherwise busy backdrop and allows focus to fall seamlessly on the insects and fireflies in the fading afternoon light. " - Mark Morrow

Congratulations People's Choice "Vernal Falls" by eastlyn_