The First Light Photo Contest Winners

Thank you to all the photographers that shared their best photos showing morning's first light in the First Light Photo Contest with chances to win a Polaroid Cube and more!

A special thanks to our friend and professional photographer Sarah Marino for her collaboration as a guest judge in this photo contest. Sarah Marino is a professional nature and landscape photographer, photography educator, and widely published writer. She strives to capture personally expressive photographs that convey the elegance, beauty, and awe-inspiring qualities of the landscapes she visits.Sarah, along with her husband and fellow landscape photographer Ron Coscorrosa, splits her time between Colorado and living a nomadic life in an Airstream trailer, an opportunity that allows for extensive travel, exploration, and extended stays in some of North America’s most inspiring natural places.

Congratulations People's Choice "Enjoying the view" by mberon-photography

Congratulations Grand Jury Winner "Patagonia of North America" by terenceleezy

"Of all the grand landscape scenes presented as finalists for thiscontest, this scene from Terence Lee stands out. First, the scenery is new and fresh, bringing a sense of curiosity and wonder forthis viewer. I also appreciate that the photographer chose to present this scene in an natural way. The dramatic mountains and creek are allowed to speak the loudest, with the slight hints of color in the sky complementing the rest of the scene without being overwhelming for the viewer. The composition also shows significant care and skill in taking this scene and crafting it into a beautiful, compelling photograph." - Sarah Marino

Congratulations Amateur Winner "Dockey Wood, Ashridge" by gabornagy

"I selected this photograph as a runner-up because it shows an alternative interpretation of the contest theme. The edges of the day can be a good time to photograph smaller scenes, like this beautiful forest – not just epic landscapes under colorful light. Here, thebacklighting adds translucence and vibrance to the purple flowers and green leaves. The lighting also helps create subtle leading lines with the shadows, elevating the composition. I do wish theforeground branch was not blowing in the wind but such a minor imperfection is not enough to take away from the overall impact of this beautiful photograph. I feel like I could walk straight into this scene, smelling the fragrant flowers and feeling the warmlight. This ability to convey the feeling of a scene helps elevate this photo among the other finalists." - Sarah Marino

Congratulations Runner Up "Lake hut" by bruno001

"Photographing in the early morning does not need to include dramatic light for a photograph to be successful. Here, I appreciate the interesting but subtle light, with the lighting and mist adding depth and interest to the scene. A feeling of calm and serenity shines through, making me want to visit this place myself and contemplate sunrise over this pretty mountain lake." - Sarah Marino

Congratulations Runner Up "Morning haze" by sciepko

"In viewing the finalists for this contest, this photo stood out due to the soft mood. Here, the fog helps simplify the scene and add a sense of peace and calm. I also like that the sun is peaking through at the horizon, adding a point of interest for the viewer. This photo is a good reminder that a simple scene with only a few elements can become compelling with interesting weather and light." - Sarah Marino