Smart Focus Photo Contest Winners

Thank you to all the photographers that shared their photos that show a creative and effective use of focus in this photo contest made possible by our friends at SLRlounge.

We appreciate the collaboration of professional photographers Lin and Jirsa as guest judges in this contest. The goal of Lin and Jirsa is to bring together the best, most passionate, and most creative wedding photographers and videographers in the Southern California area to form a team focused on client service, attention to detail, and creativity. With a unique style of fashion and fine-art influenced wedding photojournalism, their high standards of quality and creativity, and their philosophy of putting clients first, LJP has become one of the leaders in the industry

Congratulations People's Choice "IMG_9003" by zulmusa

Congratulations Grand Jury Winner "Leap of Faith" by michael2015

"This is the winner of the challenge based on a variety of factors. Technically, this shot is great. The focus is perfect, right on the eyes of the subject, despite the quick movement. We also have room in the direction of movement (on the left of the image), giving our moving subject space to move in to. The lighting is soft, the colors pop, and overall, this is simply an interesting, cute, appealing image. We could see this in a calendar or magazine." - Lin and Jirsa

Congratulations Amateur Winner "Namaqualand Springbok" by CathyWithers-Clarke

"Love the colors and the isolation of the animal at the top of the frame. The simple, monochrome skies contrasts with the oranges and makes the colors stand out. Great composition and use of depth-of-field." - Lin and Jirsa

Congratulations Runner Up "Papilio Machaon Plus" by sononikonista

"There are many macro photos of insects and animals in this collection of images but this one stands out because of a few factors. First off, the two subjects create an interesting balance/imperfect symmetry. The leading line from the right corner of the frame brings the eyes directly to the subjects. Also the cleanliness of the background allows the viewer to focus on the subjects." - Lin and Jirsa

Congratulations Runner Up "Reflex Dot Sight" by VH21

"I love the composition, lighting, and tones in this image. The natural circular frame in the scene perfectly surrounds the isolated flower. Would liked to have seen the line between the water and sand cut through the horizontal plane at a different point and not through the top of the flower." - Lin and Jirsa

"rain drops" by christinabrannon