• May 16th, 2013

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. Also we truly appreciate the collaboration of friend and professional photographer Joe Decker for selecting the following winners:

Congratulations to MarkJayne winner of the Spinlight 360 Extrem Modular System with photo Tornado GR4

“This is a wonderful, cinematic image with strong diagonals, a dizzying perspective, a clean color palette, decent sharpness, and a steady hand at the HDR controls.  There are lots of details to appreciate here, the texture of the background not only contributes to a sense of movement but also recalls camouflage patterns; the vapors around the wings emphasize the craft’s power.” – Joe

Congratulations to the following Runners Up:

MichalPetro with photo White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla)

“A really nice contrast between the sharp head and very blurred wings.  The staccato texture along the near wing is unusual, and left me wondering if this were really a composite rather than a single exposure, it creates some most unusual abstractions in any case. Great color contrast.  The tail has some very minor blown highlights.” – Joe

JDJohnson with photo Eagle taking off

“Nailed focus and unique perspective here, really brilliantly captured, the square composition, slightly off-center, works with the forms and action.  I almost want a little less local contrast in places, particularly in the surf.  The best photographs show us something new, something we haven’t’ seen before, and this does that job admirably.” – Joe

Congratulations to LinMarie the People’s Choice and winner of Spinlight 360 Event Modular System with photo Flying High

• May 6th, 2013

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

• May 3rd, 2013

Thank you to all the participants of this unique photo competition! It is very interesting to see the different interpretations of the theme “Out Of This World” purposely selected  to gather a group of amazing and amusing images.

A special thanks to professional photographer Conrad Hechter for his collaboration in selecting the following winners:

Congratulations to carstentuss winner of the Nikon Coolpix camera plus 400 Reward Points and a vintage camera case with photo Jumping spider full of pollen

“A beautifully captured moment, with great composition and the fact that it really captures the theme of this competition in its simplicity. There is a sense of latent anticipation.” – Conrad

Congratulations to the following Runners Up:

viven with photo Avatar on Steroids

“Incredible light and mood in this image that stimulates the imagination and transports you to another world.” – Conrad

marktanzhengyi with photo Angels Do Exist

“Moody and mysterious, this image implores you to explore its mysteries.” – Conrad

Congratulations to Orion41225 the People’s Choice and winner of the year of ViewBug PRO membership plus 300 Reward Points with photo Caught in the rain

• May 1st, 2013

Congratulations to all the following finalists (in no specific order) and thank you to all the photographers that shared their photos in this competition displaying one of the most essential concepts in photography: composition.

A special mention to our friends at SQUARESPACE for making this contest possible.

Congratulations to Janjoeng winner of the SQUARESPACE unlimited membership with photo Wide World

Congratulations to the following Runners Up:

tomato1236 with photo Untitled

sheenasneweyesinchrist with photo Grass for One

Congratulations to NinaKling the People’s Choice and winner of the SQUARESPACE unlimited membership with photo Pencil I