atGeist.com

The results of our first atGeist.com Photo Contest are in, and we are happy to announce that Cambridge resident Susan Kushner is the winner and will receive a $50 gift certificate to Bella Vita!

Susan’s winning shot, “Gone Fishing” is a sentimental silhouette of a father and son (along with their trusty four-legged friend) as the sun sets on their day of fishing. Here’s what Susan had to say about her winning photo: “It is of my husband Matthew and our son Andrew. Plus, Jada (Dalmatian) and Isabelle (Cocker Spaniel) our dogs. I took the picture as the sun was setting on the lake. I used no special equipment…just picturesque surroundings …and my Sony camera. It was just a perfect moment to capture the simple beauty of the lake at that time of the evening dusk. We had only lived here (Cambridge, Cocktail Cove) for one month when the picture was taken. I was standing outside on my deck watching my guys fish and thinking in awe that I lived in such a place that was so beautiful.”

We received 72 contest entries, and, wow, was it tough to narrow them down! Thanks to all who entered the contest and shared many wonderful “New Beginnings” at Geist this spring!

Bryan Norman’s “Drops” captured Second Place honors, and Steve Reising’s “Remembering” came in Third. Honorable mentions go to “Ladybug on African Violet” and “Gerbers in the Rain”/Bryan Norman, “Ethereal Mushrooms”/Lisa Staggs, “Bluebirds”/Sheree Hedrick, “Cross”/Eric Sanquenetti, and “Rainbow Waters”/Kelly and Jeremy Johnson.
Winner: “Gone Fishing” by Susan Kushner

Here are some of the judges’ comments on Susan Kushner’s winning shot:

• “This shot demonstrates elements of style, technique and creativity, as well as delicately treating the theme of ‘new beginnings’ and capturing local flavor. This shot has it all!” — Fernanda Schwartz

• “Silhouette images are not the easiest to photograph. The photographer did a great job with this image.” — Kelly Wilson

• “Looks like the beginning of some lifelong male bonding to me!” — Brenda Staples

2nd Place: “Drops” by Bryan Norman

• “The unique concept, tricky technique and beautiful subject matter make this a winner. Rain is critical to new life!” — Laura Gates

• “All the obvious components are there, but this photo is also creative and fun. Very nice.” — Brenda Staples

3rd Place: “Remembering” by Steve Reising

• “I love the nostalgic feel to this shot. The seashore always seems to be a spot for reflection and perhaps a ‘new beginning.’” — Laura Gates

• “I really like the wistful connection you feel with this image. This shot imparts a palpably hopeful feeling as the kids look out into the break of waves and light. It shows the ‘new beginnings’ theme in a lovely, soft way. Great choice with sepia tone.” — Fernanda Schwartz

Honorable Mentions:
Ladybug on African Violet by Bryan Norman

Gerbers in the Rain by Bryan Norman

Ethereal Mushrooms by Lisa Staggs

Bluebirds by Sheree Hedrick

Cross by Eric Sanquenetti

Rainbow Waters by Kelly and Jeremy Johnson