Thank you to all the photographers that shared their magical portraits in this photo contest in collaboration with friend & professional photographer Lisa Holloway. Lisa Holloway is an internationally published, award winning fine art portrait photographer residing in rural Northwestern Arizona with her husband and 10 children. A Canon girl since day one, Lisa is completely self taught and works exclusively with natural light. She has been in business serving clients in the Las Vegas metro area since 2008. When Lisa is not pursuing her photography interests, she loves the outdoors, road trips, cooking, thunderstorms, and spending time with her family.

Grand Jury Winner

"This photo tells a story!  We have a mysterious woman on a journey, with her traveling companion, a raven.  Ravens inherently invoke a sense of magic and mysticism.  The back lighting is glorious as are the late afternoon colors.  The sun is getting ready to go down - she has her lantern ready for the dark journey ahead.  I wonder where she is going and what her mission is?  Is she safe?  Is she running from someone (or something)?  One could come to so many different conclusions here, and I think that really takes this photo from a pretty picture to a mysterious tale full of suspense and unknowns.  Well done in all respects!" -  Lisa Holloway

Amateur Winner

"This portrait is simple, natural, and very effective.  Those amazing blue eyes command your attention - her gaze is both piercing and hypnotic. I love her freckles!  (I'm a sucker for anyone with freckles)  The lighting is beautiful and dramatic. The fact that part of her face is obscured by the branches of a tree add a level of mystery and unknown to the image.  I instantly think of a beautiful eleven woman living in a magical forest. I love everything about this picture!" -  Lisa Holloway

Runner Up

"One way to melt me quickly and make me fall in love is to take a photo of a cute child with a cute baby animal.  Yep - this picture got me!  We have an ADORABLE little girl - that smile, those curls, her rosy cheeks...then we add in a precious baby lamb and I am 100% won over - this image pings the cute meter!  The background is fantastic and fits with the aesthetics of the image - it looks as though she's on a farm on an early winter day as we can see the snow beginning to fall.  She has her boots on - perhaps she is out helping mom and dad tend to the farm chores?  Whatever the story here, I absolutely love this.  It's a sweet image featuring 2 very sweet babies - you can't beat that!" -  Lisa Holloway

People's Choice

 

"This image has such a spiritual feel to it - everything ties together so well.  The beautiful woman, Native American costume, earthy, organic colors.  The lighting is rich and dramatic.  I love that this was shot in profile view as it lends a lot of mystery to the image.  Adding the element of music to the image was also a smart choice - it enhances the spiritual, enchanted mood created by the artist.  This is a very well done portrait that immediately captured my attention and imagination!" -  Lisa Holloway

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