The results are in for the 2012 Spring Photo Contest. We’re proud to announce it was a huge success. With over 650 images submitted by photographers from across North Carolina, all of this year’s contestants showed the beauty of our state in the spring.
A slideshow of the winning images, their descriptions, and the judges comments are below.
1. Overall Contest Winner:
Soft by Michael Shreves of Burlington, N.C.
Judges’ comments: The extremely shallow depth of field and vibrant colors make this image striking. Using a single tulip creates a simplicity and freshness that embodies spring.
2. Spring Landscapes & Scenics Category Winner:
Grassy Ridge in the Spotlight by Sharon Canter of High Point, N.C.
Judges’ comments: Beautiful use of the magic hour of lighting and side light to create texture and highlight the spring greens and purples on the hillside. Nice overall composition with multiple layers.
3. Spring in Bloom Category Winner:
Looking Into the Iris by Jason Keller of Sanford, N.C.
Judges’ comments: This image exhibits a pleasing off-center composition, and strategic depth of field to isolate the details of this flower. Overall a lovely way to encapsulate “spring in bloom.”
4. Rural Life in the Spring Category Winner:
Partners by Chad Williamson of Cherryville, N.C.
Judges’ comments: This image captures a wonderful moment that is intimate as well as quintessentially rural/pastoral. Including the small boy in the photo adds emotion and made this image rise to the top.
5. Towns & Cities in the Spring Category Winner:
Springtime in Winston Salem by Casey Grogan of Pinnacle, N.C.
Judges’ comments: The composition of this image makes it stand out — excellent use of framing with the trees in the foreground. The building lets you know this is a city, but the blooming flowers and lush greens make spring the emphasis of the image.
6. Reader’s Choice Winner:
Simplicity by Elaine Moorefield of Colfax, N.C.
From fossil pits to a helicopter simulator, the littlest Carolinians will discover wonder at these one-of-a-kind museum exhibits across the state.
Don’t just drink your Cheerwine — eat it, too! From cakes to pies to cocktails, you can incorporate this crimson Tar Heel treasure into your next kitchen creation.
Local NC Cooperative Extension experts preserve cherished recipes and introduce kids to the thrill of summer camp — and that’s just a taste of what they provide to their communities.
One of our state’s most common fishes has a rare talent. In the fresh, clear waterways of the mountains and Piedmont, bluehead chubs build nests for their young, stone by tiny stone.
