Best of Show
Animals, first place
Angry bird
Sandra Moening, Columbus
The winning picture in The Lima News and LimaOhio.com’s 27th Amateur Photo Competition was labeled, simply enough, “Angry bird.”
As the judges observed the prize-winning photograph by hobbyist photographer Sandra Moening, the rooster depicted might be the most interesting bird in the world. Considering it was just a rooster in a cage, it left the judges talking as they named it best of show.
“I like that it’s kind of got that diagonal shift to it,” said Kristin Lee, director of the arts and magnet programs for Lima schools and a judge this year. “Everything’s kind of boxed in, except that diagonal shift in the center. It also a great contrast overall in color.”
The color awed Sally Windle, director of Artspace/Lima and one of this year’s judges. Vivid colors and defined textures can be seen in the comb and wattles of the rooster.
“I think actually the strongest thing is that contrast of color,” Windle said. “There are areas that don’t have much color in them, but they’re carried by the ones that have a lot.”
The judged reviewed more than 100 entries in eight categories this year, which were submitted on LimaOhio.com in August and September. Categories included action/sports, animals, abstract, candid, flowers, landscape, portrait and still life.
Winners will receive checks for their efforts, with $50 for first place, $40 for second and $25 for third. Moening received $100 for her best of show honor.
The contest returned after a one-year hiatus. All entries can be seen in photo galleries on LimaOhio.com this week.
The judges said they were impressed with the variety. They noticed more photos that were taken on cell phones, with the quality catching up to pictures from more expensive standalone cameras.
“Many of them were true snapshots of life,” Lee said. “There were not as many that were perhaps staged as we’ve seen in the past.”
Windle said more people feel confident taking photos today. Every photo shows what the photographer sees.
“Maybe that’s because we always have our phones. We’re always looking for that perfect shot, or the availability to capture something quickly. With your phone, you are more observant to what’s around us.”
