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September 3, 2008
The Right Way to Travel, Weekly Photo Tip
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FROM BIRTH TO BURIAL - WINNING ENTRIES
by Shelly Perry in Portland, OR

Last month's photo challenge, "From Birth to Burial - Ceremonies Around the World," yielded submissions that showed a variety of traditions and life experiences from around the world.  Thanks to everyone who submitted images.  Looking through them was a reminder of how diverse yet how much the same we all really are.

And the winners are...

**First Place goes to Van White for "The Kiss - The Look"

**Second Place goes to slappshotz for "Laid to Rest"

**Third Place goes to windycityart for "Scarlett's Baptism"

CM was last month's winner.  Here is what he had to say about his first place pick of "The Kiss" by Van White...

FIRST PLACE: THE KISS - THE LOOK

"After studying the images for last month's theme 'From Birth to Burial - Ceremonies Around the World' for me, 'The Kiss - The Look' encapsulates the theme best.

"Weddings are one of the most universal ceremonial proceedings that different human cultures have in common. This image captures that moment when the bride and groom have been pronounced a wedded couple, affording them the opportunity for that famous kiss in front of the congregation.

"What gives this photo so much impact for me is the fact that it was taken at a crucial moment when the expressions on both the bride's and groom's faces are of pure delight, longing, love, satisfaction and joy. The lady in the background is nicely out of focus, but you can still see that she is wiping away a tear of joy."

SECOND PLACE: LAID TO REST



This shot is definitely fitting for the theme "From Birth to Burial." The photo has good composition with the action moving into the image, the crop in this case appears to enhance the overall picture, getting in closer to the subject yet still leaving "breathing room" around the men. The photographer got good overall exposure even though it was shot in bright mid day light. Doing this shot with isolated color on the flag has given it a nostalgic feel and instantly brings awareness to the true subject of the shot. Nicely done.

THIRD PLACE: SCARLETT'S BAPTISM

 

"Scarlett's Baptism" is another excellent representation of the ceremonies of our lives. What I found interesting about this shot and several others submitted, was the gathering of people around the subject, indicating many of the ceremonies during our lives are done in the midst of family, friends, community. The perspective of this photo is nice, having been shot through the arms into the family circle and across to the main subject of Scarlett. Seeing her looking at the faces that are looking back at her is very sweet and touching.

Congratulations to each of our winners.

ENTER TO WIN!

The theme for this month's challenge is "How We Work" you have until Monday September 22 at 8:00 a.m. EST, to submit your photo. If you're a first-time user, you'll need to register first on the "register" link on the right side bar. Once you have a username and password, click "Enter to Win" to upload your photo. Only one photo per applicant will be considered.

[ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Shelly Perry from Portland, Oregon, specializes in people photography, what she calls documentary or lifestyle portraits. She is known especially for her imaging of children. Shelly's concern for people is reflected both in her sense of purpose and the images she produces.  Her images have been seen all over the globe on music CD covers, books, magazines, catalogues, web sites, ad campaigns and even on TV. Her work has also appeared in several local exhibits and gallery shows.

She'll be with us this October 23 - 28 for our photo expedition to Shanghai, China.  We're going to Beijing and Xi'an while we're there, too, and there's just two seats left.  Click here to find out more.]

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