A big thank you to all the talented Alabama Living readers who entered our sixth annual photo contest this year! More than 150 photos were entered by photographers from all parts of the state, from the mountains of north Alabama to the sun-kissed Baldwin County beaches. We asked for and accepted entries on our website from May 1-31, and you answered the call.
As in past years, we asked for photos in one of four categories: Alabama Travels, Animals, People and Seasons. We limited the entries to two per category, per photographer, so each photographer could enter up to eight photos total.
Each first-place winner gets $100, and many of the honorable mentions are shown in the following pages. But really, the winners are all of our readers who get to see some of the photographic talents of our state’s residents.
Our judge, Julie Bennett, is an award-winning photojournalist based in central Alabama. She is on staff at the Media Production Group at Auburn University and teaches photojournalism in the College of Liberal Arts.
First Place, Animals
Arthur Davis, Baldwin EMC
Judge’s comment: The composition of this photo is spectacular, with the curve of the branch and the angle of the bird. The colors are eye-catching and the detail is sharp.
Honorable Mention, People
Lindsey Green, Arab EC; photo of her grandmother, Ozell Green
Judge’s comment: Super nice portrait. The honesty and detail in her face make for an interesting shot and I instantly want to know more about her.
Honorable Mention, Animals
Judge’s comment: I love the composition of this photo. It focuses on a part of the butterfly we don’t often think about because we are usually distracted by that beautiful wingspan.
First Place, Seasons
Judge’s comment: The lighting in this photo is amazing. I love that the photographer took this photo from the shadow side, giving that caterpillar a glow and providing us with a view of spring we don’t often see.
Honorable Mention, Seasons
Anjana Henry, Joe Wheeler EMC
Judge’s comment: I can’t help being chilly just looking at this one. The frozen pyramid framing the bluebird is a super nice touch along with the icicles.
Honorable Mention, Alabama Travels
Arthur Davis, Baldwin EMC
Judge’s comment: What a great angle! Very unique take on how to enjoy one of Alabama’s lakes. Well done.
Honorable Mention, Alabama Travels
Drew Senter, Baldwin EMC
Judge’s comment: This is simply beautiful. The shadows and highlights captured here really do magic hour justice. Lovely detail.
Honorable mention, Alabama Travels
Kacy Sloat, Clarke-Washington EMC
Gracie Sloat, 10
Judge’s comment: I feel like I’m there, or at least wishing I was. Nice work on the exposure here … that snow white sand can be difficult to work with in the midday sun.
First Place, Alabama Travels
Carlee Davis, Tallapoosa River EC
Chad Greene and Sarah Grace Chapman
Judge’s comment: There is so much energy and action packed into this frame. Nice work stopping all that motion and I love the natural late-afternoon light filtering in behind them.
