The April 2023 competition theme was: “On the Job. The judge was Bidyottam Mittrs
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First Prize
David Terao ~ Tree Removal
This image was shot last summer in my backyard when I had a tall pine tree cut down. I was impressed with the precision used to cut the tree in order to fell the tree with pinpoint accuracy. Although I took many shots, this was the only one that clearly showed the tree cutter’s face and the sawdust flying from his chainsaw.
Second Prize
Wendy Kates ~ Working the Soda Fountain
I took this image at a preserved, old-fashioned soda fountain in Asheville, North Carolina. I converted it to black and white to bring out the “retro” nature of the image. I used the program Exposure V for the conversion: it features multiple presets that attempt to simulate different black and white films. I chose an “Agfa” preset, which simulates a very high contrast black and white film.
Third Prize
Bob Catlett ~ Candyman
The photo was taken a few years ago in Mexico. I was in the town of Patzuaro, hanging around the market area. I was taking photos of the natives in the weekend shopping. I took only one shot of this man as he turned around when I pointed the camera at him. I was using a Nikon D3 with a 24-120 mm lens. ISO 800, f5.6 1/60. Handheld. Processed in Lightroom and Photoshop.
Honorable Mention
Ilona Linnoila ~ On the Job
The perks of retirement in a townhome include being able to do spring chores such as mulching through your camera’s lens from a rooftop deck. The picture was taken using Sony a7R IV camera with FE 70-200 mm F4 G OSS lens (126 mm) at 1/1250 sec, f/9, ISO 400.
Honorable Mention
Larry Gold ~ Scaffolding in Budapest
Honorable Mention
Wendy Kates ~ Pitch Perfect
I took this image at Nats Park one evening. Although I was not sitting very close to the field, I was using my Sony RX10 IV, which is a bridge camera with the equivalent of a 24-600mm lens, so I was able to zoom in on the pitcher. Although the camera works best in bright, sunny situations, the ballfield was so well lit that I did not have any difficulty obtaining a sharp, clear image.
Novice
First Prize
Thomas Allen ~ Professor’s Workplace
In my long career as an academic, I attended, maybe, three conferences a year, where I’d fly off, and live in a mammoth conference center for three days, during which I’d stand on a stage and present a twenty-minute paper (if I was lucky), or stand in front of a poster (more likely) for my allotted schedule time, and be a barker for my research. I’d always find a place, in the vast hallways adjacent to large conference center ballrooms, to sit, alone, go through my talk, and get ready to defend my findings. Often, I loved doing this. Often I um, didn’t. I will say it gave me opportunities to photograph on someone else’s dime.
Second Prize
Larry Brauer ~ If I had a Hammer
While taking my camera out for a walk one day, I went over to a nearby construction site for a new apartment building. There were many workers engaged in various activities. When I saw this young man with a sledge hammer, I took a number of photos from a distance at different shutter speeds. Fortunately, this photo captured what I was hoping for – – motion of the hammer plus a sharp image of the worker.
Third Prize
Jim Riley ~ Saxman at Work
The ‘Saxman at Work’ picture was taken in a nightclub from a live show by ‘Fast Eddie and the Slowpokes’. The lighting was average for a club and I was seated about 10 feet away. The difficulty of shooting a band member is that they move around and there are obstacles in the way such as mic stands and other band mates, and possibly dancing patrons. The Saxman needed a lot of editing in Lightroom to remove background distractions. I also emphasized some color and sharpened the image. Overall I recommend trying to shoot in this environment due to the challenges of lighting, obstacles, and movement.
Honorable Mention
Carmen Petruzzi ~ Barrista
While having coffee at a local bakery/coffee shop I asked the barista if I could come behind the counter to take a few pictures. I promised not to disturb his work and he agreed. I only took two or three shots and I like this one the best. I used my Canon 90D with Sigma zoom lens at 31mm, f/1.8, 1/60 sec, ISO 200.
Beginner
Miriam Struck ~ Working in LA 1
Miriam Struck ~ Working in LA 2
LA 1 and 2 were taken during my recent trip to Los Angeles, where I was born and grew up. The photos were taken with my iPhone 13 Pro, which has become my travel and go to camera.
My sister and a friend and I, were on an Art Deco architecture tour with the LA Conservancy. We were walking on Broadway, looking at the many old movie theaters that are now shells of their former, grand selves, when I noticed a traffic officer directing traffic. His movements were like a dance, graceful and expressive. I hope the images adequately convey it.