The Maryland Photography Alliance (MPA), a consortium of 18 member clubs, recently held its 3rd annual competition, and SSCC member’s  work was well represented among the top photos.  212 photographers submitted 409 entries in 4 categories:  Abstract, Black & White, Maryland Architecture, and Still Life.  There will be a gallery show In November (details below) highlighting the winners and other images that were highly rated.

Anne Golfer, who currently enters SSCC competitions as a Novice, was the only SSCC member to win an award, an Honorable Mention for her Abstract image “Spots Galore”.  All of the other photographers mentioned here enter the SSCC contests as Advanced shooters.

The following members were offered the chance to exhibit their work in the gallery show.  Their images were highly rated but did not win awards.

Photographer                        Category                    Image Title

David Blass                             Black & White             Dauntless Rock Climber

Karen Finkelman                     Abstract                       Handle With Care

Beth Koller                              MD Architecture          Eye Focus

Michael Tran                           Black & White             Searching

These SSCC members also were offered the chance to exhibit their work in the gallery show, but entered the contest as members of another club.

Photographer (club)             Category                    Image Title

Michael Koren (Photographers of the Washington/Baltimore Metro Area)

                                                MD Architecture      Fells Point Siren

David Terao (NIH CC)             Abstract                       Smoke Waves

Here are the images noted above and some comments by the photographers.

“It’s a true honor and privilege to have been awarded an Honorable Mention in the 2019 MPA Competition. My image, “Spots Galore,” was shot with an iPhone 6s. The origin of this photo was a piece of decorative glass angled from the top down. Using multiple cell phone apps, I turned it into a highly-saturated abstract image. I don’t use Photo Shop or Lightroom, so my editing tools for almost all images, both cell and camera, are cell phone apps. I’m constantly wowed by the beauty found in simple objects and scenes that are often overlooked — and to those I typically add a generous splash of color.”  – Anne Golfer

“This image was taken in the area of Joshua Tree National Park famous among rock climbers.  It’s an ideal spot in many ways, with difficult but accessible rock faces and virtually no chance of rain.  I think the clouds and the texture of the rocks are well shown in B&W.  Monochrome also serves to reinforce the imagery of a solitary, seemingly insignificant human who is willing to take on what appears to be an insurmountable challenge.  Though it looks as though the climber is high in the mountains, he was in reality only about 10 feet off the ground. I was standing at ground level about a hundred yards away and shot nearly level with a telephoto lens.”  – David Blass

“My taste has always leaned more toward the abstract side of art. So, I guess it follows that I also enjoy searching for abstract images to photograph. I love the different textures, patterns and colors found in nature as well as the effects that time has played on abandoned buildings and cars.  This image of a rusted door was taken at the D L Duncan truck graveyard in Columbia, VA.  The property is on several acres and is home to about 100 or more antique trucks and farm equipment which lie in various stages of deterioration.  I heard the owner of the property has since passed away, but his vintage collection of trucks still stands and is a wonderful treasure of Americana.” – Karen Finkelman

“The image “Eye Focus” was taken several years ago in the Baltimore area. The angularity of the spiral staircase is unique and was accentuated by the orientation that I used. It looked like an eye to me. The image was taken free hand hanging over a staircase railing–with the strap over my neck. The image was more realized with the advent of better processing tools. I would like to go back a shoot at a lower ISO with the camera attached to an arm overhanging the railing–still a scary thought.”  – Beth Koller

Michael Tran’s photo and comments were not available at the time that this article was submitted. The MPA 3rd Annual Photography Contest winners and highly rated images will be on display at the Activity Center at Bohrer Park, 506 S. Frederick Avenue, Gaithersburg, from November 1, 2019 until January 20, 2020.  There will be an Opening Reception on Saturday, November 9, from 2:00-4:00.

[Article by David Blass]