We are excited to announce the winners of the Juried Selections of the NCBN Photo Contest, sponsored by The Mast Farm Inn.
Made possible by the support of The Mast Farm Inn, the winners of the juried awards will be given cash prizes. Our hard-working judges are members of the highly regarded Professional Photographers of North Carolina and we are honored to have received their time and expertise.
Juried Award Winners of the NC Blogger Network Photo Contest 2015
FIRST PLACE, winner of $750:
1st Place, by white_tommy
SECOND PLACE, Winner of $500:
2nd place, by adrian
THIRD PLACE, Winner of $350:
3rd place, by knox.jeff42
FOURTH PLACE, Winner of $300:
4th Place, by white_tommy
FIFTH PLACE, Winner of $250:
5th Place, knox.jeff42
Honorable Mentions
The judges didn’t want to miss the opportunity to comment on some other remarkable entries. You can view the Honorable Mentions by clicking on the links below.
A group of black skimmers calmly bickers and naps in the marsh on Middle Core Banks, Cape Lookout National Seashore, by blbrown4: https://www.wishpond.com/lp/490292/entries/21426797
The forest reflecting the late afternoon light on the still waters of Big Lake in Umstead State Park, by mattwilliamsphotography: https://www.wishpond.com/lp/490292/entries/21786005
Wanchese Net & Ropes, by impressions10: https://www.wishpond.com/lp/490292/entries/17824700
Durham Bus Station and the historic NC Mutual Insurance Company building, by chburke: https://www.wishpond.com/lp/490292/entries/21678149
Black rat snake found in Reelsboro, NC, by adrian: https://www.wishpond.com/lp/490292/entries/21482858
Surf City Pier II (Ben M. Shields) – The pier at Surf City is long exposure photographer’s dream, by bshieldsnc: https://www.wishpond.com/lp/490292/entries/18589325
About the Judges & Judges’ Choice Winners
Mona Sadler • PPNC Judge
http://www.coastalpetportraits.com
Photographer Mona Sadler holds the Professional Photographers of America conferred degrees of Masters of Photography, Master Artist and the Craftsman degree. She is also a Certified Professional Photographer. Her studio specializes in pet photography. She currently lives with three rescued dogs and enjoys bird and flower photography.
Judge’s Choice Selection • Image Number 21426797:
“I think the colors and the attitude of the birds just makes for a good and interesting photo, then it gets topped off with the incoming bird. Makes me smile.”
Emma Lupton • PPNC Judge
http://www.emmaluptonphotography.com
Emma Lupton is a photographer in the coastal county of Pamlico. She earned her degree in Portrait and Studio Management from Randolph Community College in Asheboro, NC. One of Emma’s earlier photos, “Foggy Harbor” taken in her hometown of Oriental, was selected as photo of the day by Kodak and was displayed on their billboard in New York City. She has enjoyed studio work and event photography. Being mostly retired now, photographing the back roads of North Carolina has become her focus. From sea and surf to mountain waterfalls she hopes to capture it all from a different point of view.
Judge’s Choice Selection • Image Number 19828211:
“This is my overall pick. I loved it from the first time I went through the entries. The trees remind me of an old couple who have learn to grow with each other, each giving way for the growth of the other. Stark, barren, cold, and beauty all made an interesting image.”
Tom McCabe • PPNC Judge
http://www.coastallightphotographicarts.com
Born in Chicago, Ill in 1946, Tom is a retired US Marine who has travelled extensively. He is an award winning photographer and is currently the owner of Coastal Light Photographic Arts. He is also the former co-owner and operator of First Flight Photography of Havelock, NC. Tom lives in New Bern, NC and has been a member of Professional Photographers of North Carolina (PPofNC) and Professional Photographers of America (PPA) since 2005 and has actively participated in many PPofNC and PPA events. Tom received his Certification as a professional photographer from PPA in September 2013 and his Master of Photography Degree in February 2015. In 2012 he received the Kodak Gallery Award and was awarded the 1st Place in Women’s portraiture at the 2012 PPofNc Convention in Raleigh. Tom is the past president of the Professional Imaging Group of Eastern North Carolina and is the current president of the Coastal Photo Club in New Bern.
Judge’s Choice Selection • Image Number 16268006:
“I simply thought it was creative, whimsical, (sunglasses on a sunflower) and since I had photographed some sunflowers myself recently I thought it fit the NC theme. It just struck me as clever and was removed from most of the rest of the images. That’s why I liked those two kids, too.”
Rose Mary Cheek • PPNC Judge
Rose Mary Cheek has established herself in the past 25 years as one of North Carolina’s premier portrait artists. Her interest in photography grew from her classes in her Commercial Art curriculum where she received an Associate Arts degree. She received the Fellowship of Photography from North Carolina Professional Photographer’s Association, her Photographic Craftsman degree from PPA in 2009, and her Photographic Master’s degree in 2014 from PPA.
Rose Mary lectures and teaches photography design and her expertise goes well beyond the realm of traditional photography. Mentoring photography students is an important part of sharing her time and talents. Because of Rose Mary’s desire to stay on the very cutting edge of what’s new in professional photography; this has opened doors to creative new ideas and that’s why her work is always fresh.
Creativity, imagination, done with craftsmanship – that’s what sets her apart.
Rose Mary finds that some of the most successful images occur on their own when the subject forgets they are being photographed and reacts naturally. She considered fine art portraiture a sacred art and will always treasure her “God-Given” talent. Her studio is in Hickory, NC.
Judge’s Choice Selection • Image Number 21491333:
“Loved the harmony, the maker chose the right time of day to photograph this beautiful piece.It’s so inviting, ‘makes you feel like you want to go right there and spend some time in that beautiful house on the water.”
Ned Winn • PPNC Judge
Owner and founder Ned Winn has spent more than 30 years developing his strengths and skills as a professional photographer. He is one of less than 2,000 certified professionals worldwide. He holds a degree of Photographic Craftsman from Professional Photographers of America (PPA), recognized as both a photographic artist and an instructor of certified professionals. He is an active member of numerous other professional communities, including American Society of Photographers, National Association of Photoshop Professionals, Professional Photographers of North Carolina, and Photographic Society of the Triangle. He currently serves as state certification liaison for PPA.
Ned serves his clients at Winn Portrait Studio with a dedicated passion for bringing their ideas to life on the printed canvas. As a lifelong storyteller, Ned works to create a rich, visual-storytelling experience within his portraits, customized to each individual’s interests.
Judge’s Choice Selection • Image Number 19019021:
“Until the 21st century, agriculture was always the number 1 industry in N.C. We were a state made up of communities filled with family farms where tobacco was main cash crop. It was common to see old and young working together in the field. Now it is the hope of farm families that anyone in the next generation may continue to keep the family farm going. A Grandfather driving the tractor, with a Grandson on the back, helping plant this year’s crop, represents hope for the future of NC farms.”
Paul Wingler • PPNC Judge
After graduating from Cascade High School in Hendricks County IN, Paul toured with the U.S. Marine Corps Band from 1973-1977. Paul then moved to North Carolina and took some basic photography classes at the Durham Arts Council in Durham; NC, he pursued his studies at the New York Institute of Photography where he earned a certificate of graduation. Since then he has studied with various photographic artist at the East Coast School in North Carolina. He also completed a five year study with Master Photographer and ASP Fellow Jay Stock as well as other noted photographers.
After his studies, Paul’s quest began to merge the fine arts and storytelling style of work. His passion for creating fine art and telling stories through his imagery didn’t stop when the digital age came into play, but rather was another journey to merge the old with the new and still maintain his style of work. As Mr. Wingler continued to define his art, he found it more as a converging art through his use of substrates, old masters concepts and digital technologies, It began to shape a new style, a new era of his art. Paul continues to create “traditional” style portraits for families, as well as continue his own unique style of art.
Judge’s Choice Selection • Image Number 18646061:
“I loved this image…great exposure, placement, story was fantastic…the boats had a wonderful metallic feel…just beautiful…the mood…loved it, HOWEVER, what held me back from rewarding this more was I was constantly fighting to stay with the subjects, the boats, due to a lot of negative space to the left side of the images and it’s tonality was bright enough, to me, that kept pulling me away or competing with the subject. I believe cropping out some of the negative space would help keep the viewer into the the area of the subject. There is a lot of wonderful things happening within that tighter composition (cropping) that the few inches on the left side of the print was not necessary and didn’t add to the impact of the image. It is generally said if something adds to the image, leave it in. If it doesn’t add to the image, do something with it, whether you remove it through cropping or tone it down through burning or clone the area as necessary.”
Adrian Henson • PPNC Judge & Jury Chair
Henson owns and operates Adrian Henson Photography in New Bern North Carolina with his wife Heather. Their studio specializes in Highschool Seniors, Commercial Photography, and Dance School Photography. When not producing great photographs, he enjoys traveling and sharing his knowledge of image making.
Adrian has a degree in Mechanical Drafting and Design and first used those skills as a project manager for the first 8 years of his professional life. In 2001, after many years of not having any creative outlet, Adrian discovered his love for photography. While the change from project manager to photographer was huge, the skills and talents learned in his design training proved to be useful in both careers.
He is a self described “hobbyist” and is always on the lookout for new and exciting hobbies to explore. He has been involved with many hobbies from aquariums to metal detecting and from cave exploring to sailing. While photography started out as a hobby, it was the one hobby that stuck with him and rocked him to the core. Many hobbies have come and gone but photography quickly evolved into much more, it became a core passion that will define him forever. Every hobby now seems to revolve around and come back to photography and Adrian always finds a way to combine new hobbies with his love of photography.
Today, Adrian is heavily involved with his state organization (Profession Photographers of North Carolina) as well as PPA as a council member. Adrian regularly travels throughout the world teaching and speaking and is an International Print Committee Juror in training. He is also very committed to print competition and has been honored with the Diamond, Platinum, Gold and Bronze awards as well as NC’s and SEPPA’s Photographer of the year award, just to name a few. Adrian considers print competition the greatest informal education and owes the bulk of his photography success to it.
Judge’s Choice Selection • Image Number 19148744:
“Great use of tones and composition to create and dramatic feel to a peaceful scene. Great work.”
All winners will be notified by email so please stay tuned to your inbox.
We were overwhelmed by the support and the talent every single entry delivered to this contest. North Carolina truly is beautiful, especially as seen through your eyes. To view all 1,036 entries in the 2015 NC Blogger Network Photo Contest visit our link and enjoy.
Thank you to the contest sponsor The Mast Farm Inn. The Mast Farm Inn of Valle Crucis, North Carolina, is a world-renowned Historic Hotels of America boutique hotel that believes in supporting the beauty and talent North Carolina delivers.
Remember! Photographers! You should be blogging! Blogging for your business is statistically proven to increase your business, grow demand, and help ensure that your name pops up in Google searches. The NC Blogger Network can help you. Not only do we help with all things blogging-related, we are also here for content marketing and professional development. We are a unique resource ready to help YOU be the best business you can be. You’ve got talent – get it seen.
John Haldane says
Great pics. Congratulations to everyone.
Anonymous says
So 2 different people won 2 of the money prizes!? Are you freaking kidding me? !?!?!?
Allison Barrett Carter says
I completely understand. We actually asked about this and were told that the judges felt confident that these photos were the winning photos, and also that this happens quite often in photography contests. I wish we could have spread even more awards and prizes…there was a lot of talent.
The Mast Farm Inn says
Your confusion may stem from the fact it was a “photo” contest and not a “photographer” contest. This in the sense the judges were not selecting photographers based on a body of work presented and ranking them, but were judging each image individually. In that context, and in the culture of photo awards, it is quite common and normal for a photographer to win several of the prizes if 7 judges judging separately and awarding points produce that result. So the question is: would it be fair to deny a photo selected by 7 judges independently, because the photographer had already received a prize, so as to spread the prizes for other reasons than the merits of the image itself. That may well be and perhaps we would add that rule in the future if enough people think that is a better model. Keep in mind that all seven of those judges are professionals, and that over half of them have taken specialized courses specifically to judge photo contests.
The Mast Farm Inn says
Beyond that, there is another series of honorable mentions coming both by The Mast Farm Inn and by The NC Blogger Network, and I am betting some of your favorite images will be in those. They may not have passed muster in high-res looking closely mode, but there innumerable images may still be qit worthy. All of the photographs already selected by the panel of PPNC judges are our favorites, and numerous others caught our attention. We could have very easily selected 100 honorable mentions, our favorites folder contained 217 images. For our own selection some of the images were captured on the fly by amateur photographers without the benefit of high end professional equipment and training, but the images are still captivating, worthy, or simply great fun. In that regard our selections are simply based on the cool factor as determined by the rank amateurs we are on our end.
Ashley {The North Carolina Cowgirl} says
Those pictures are amazingly good and beautiful!!
Charles Payet says
While I also would have loved to see distinct winners for each place, there’s no doubt that those are all gorgeous images and well-deserving of the prizes. Well done to all Winners and Honorable Mentions, too!
The Mast Farm Inn says
Hi Charles, There is a distinct winner for each place. See: http://www.themastfarminn.com/nc-photographer-awards-p and above, unless I misunderstand the commet.
Henri Boyea says
Firstly, thank you for sponsoring the contest and allowing me a chance to participate. Other than a few entries at the State Fair, this was my first contest. Of course, I am disappointed that I did not win a prize, but that is ok, as there were many great images to choose from!
While I do not know the reasons for the contest being set up the way it is, please consider one change that would be very encouraging to the majority of us entrants. That would be awarding the Grand Prize to the best photo rather than to the professional photographer with the most followers on social media. It is frustrating to see a few images get thousands of votes while the next highest has 40-50. This very obviously stems from the popularity of the photographer promoting the images rather than the images themselves (further evidenced by the fact that the top vote getters were not picked by the judges). I assume this is done to get the most publicity for the Inn, but I think those popular photographers would promote just as much for a chance at one of the cash prizes, and, for those like me, it discourages us from even promoting the contest when we know there is no chance of winning the only prize based on votes.
Thanks again: I’ll be back next year!
The Mast Farm Inn says
Hi Henri Boyea,
I have the feeling you are mixing up the People’s Choice portion with the Juried Award portion. This page and these winners have nothing to do with how many votes or their popularity. These were chosen by a jury of 7 professionals from the The Professional Photographers of North Carolina.
See the page at http://www.themastfarminn.com/nc-photo-awards-2015 for complete info on both the People’s Choice, and the Juried Award portions.
In a nutshell
THE PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS | The winner of the People’s Choice Award will be determined by the number of votes received on the contest page. The winner will receive a gift certificate for two nights’ stay for two at The Mast Farm Inn of Valle Crucis, North Carolina, a world-renowned Historic Hotels of America boutique hotel. This includes a country gourmet breakfast for two each morning, and dinner for two at Over Yonder, one of the Inn’s two restaurants. A $1000 value. Available for reservations any time except for within five days of a national or social holiday, such as the Fourth of July or Thanksgiving. Winners announced & prizes awarded March 31st, 2015.
THE PROFESSIONAL JURY AWARDS | Five cash awards, respectively $750, $500, $350, $300 and $250. Winners for the jury awards will be determined by a jury of professional photographers from The Professional Photographers of North Carolina. Winners announced & prizes awarded April 15th, 2015.
Stephannie White says
Amazing photography. I”m glad I wasn’t one of the judges. This would have been tough. I love the sunglasses on the sunflower. That’s just adorable!