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The Right Way to Travel, Weekly Photo Tip
June 6, 2007
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All Things Edible -- Winning Entries
By Shelly Perry in Portland, OR

I found no shortage of good photos entered in last month's challenge, the theme of which was "All Things Edible."

In part, I suppose, it was because everyone had easy access to the subject matter -- after all, we all eat.

But beyond that, I feel as if the caliber of the photos we receive each month has steadily improved. Here, faced with a relatively accessible theme, entrants were really forced to rely on photographic technique to distinguish their photos. And they did.

The results are impressive. Just see for yourself...

FIRST PLACE -- CORONADO LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

As always, last month's first-place winner chooses this month's first-place winner. Our guest judge was Connie Lanyon-Roberts, who said she chose this image because...

(continued below...)

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The World and Your Hometown are Jam-Packed with Opportunities to Profit from Your Photographs

Photo opportunities exist everywhere. On the roadside... at work... while talking with friends... in your backyard... a nearby zoo... special events... festivals... sporting events... pie-eating contests... and more...

Just take a look around you -- at magazines, newspapers, books, trade journals, technical manuals, and almost any published material. Look at the cover and flip through the pages. What do you see? Photographs.

Someone has to take those pictures. Why not you?
 
http://www.thephotographerslife.com/ph2/website

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"The photo undoubtedly conveys the theme 'All Things Edible,' with this lovely presentation of a steak-and-lobster feast.  It is so inviting I feel like I am sitting there with my knife and fork in hand, waiting impatiently for the photographer to finish so I can start eating.

"Also adding to the mouthwatering meal is the beautiful ocean view in the background. Technically, the focus and composition are excellent.  The colors are bright and delightful and the lighting certainly enhances the cuisine. This is a great shot."

I couldn't agree more. This shot is strong in so many ways -- from the warm and soft evening light, which really enhance the mood and feel, to the subject placement (think rule of thirds here) and the great use of shallow depth of field. Beautiful.

SECOND PLACE -- MY SON

I loved this shot from the moment I saw it. It made me laugh -- and it's tactile in a way that I can almost feel the gooeyness. I am amazed and impressed that the photographer had the wherewithal to think about taking a photo -- and a really good photo at that!

This is the kind of shot cards are made of or ad campaigns are built around. The lighting is good, the composition is good, and the subject is excellent! Bravo.

THIRD PLACE -- KUNSTHIST MUSEUM VIENNA

This shot has such great texture and sense of place. The people are fairly small, which helps provide  a sense of perspective, a sense of scale, and a sense for the grandness of the setting.

I also like the circle area, which not only draws my eye deeper into the shot, but also around its edge to all the people. I like this shot for contrast -- black and white is a great choice.

If there were one thing I might have done differently with it, it would have been to angle ever-so-slightly to include all of the front person on the bottom left, the one sitting alone. Then she would be the dominant subject and the image would have a more dynamic story to tell. Nevertheless, excellent shot.

Congratulations to all our winners and to everyone who submitted photos last month. Keep up the great work!

The first-place winner can pick a prize from the prize list here:
http://www.thephotographerslife.com/this_weeks_theme and the first-,
second-, and third-place winners will all be entered in the grand
prize challenge for a $2,000 prize in October.

ENTER TO WIN!

If you have a picture that matches the theme for June --
"Plains, Trains and Automobiles" -- log on to our website at:
http://www.thephotographerslife.com and register to win. 

First-time users should 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 photos.  Only one photo per applicant will be
considered.

[EDITOR'S NOTE: Shelly Perry hails from Portland, Oregon and 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 appeared 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's a regular speaker at our live workshops. For news about our upcoming events, where you can meet Shelly in person, go to http://www.thetravelwriterslife.com/events/]

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