Awarded Photographs from the Exhibit
	Selected by Lumiere Photo  -- Awarded $150 Gift Certificate Commuters by Bob Clemens A perfectly timed photo showing movement with the view of the sun under the shoe of the man on the right, this photo by Bob Clemens is vintage black and white street photography with seemingly little manipulation and taken with film. Even the two men in the foreground are in stride. The train provides the line of sight through the photo reading left to right with a view of passengers moving in different directions. The lights at the back of the photo stop the eye allowing a return to view the specific aspects of the photo. The most recognizable passenger is walking towards the camera, a quintessential businessman in a shirt and tie, a long coat, carrying a folded newspaper and sporting a fedora on his head. This is a much different view than the one my wife and I experienced during a train ride in the North Pacific Coast last fall. This photo lacks the rolling small suitcases, backpacks, earphones, jeans, short pants, t-shirts, hoodies, or sweaters with captions or pictures and women’s slacks or yoga pans that are the current accoutrements of travel. Instead, Bob’s photo evinces a quiet dignity, forbearance, and sartorial confidence of people on a mission for the day. Interestingly, Bob has taken the photo with the sun in the background, which is usually not done because it’s difficult to view the subject. Yet it is significant here. Not only has he controlled the light, but by placing the light in the back the photo becomes a documentary of a certain period of time and place for which it is not important to see faces. They then become representative of people rather than specific people. An excellent photo, Bob. Thank you for your contribution to The Magic of Light and congratulations on your Award of $150 Gift Certificate from Lumiere Photo. By Dick Bennett
	Awarded by Archival Methods --  $150 Gift Certificate Crimson Symphony by Elena Dilai Crimson Symphony, a mesmerizing portrait photo, captures the essence of elegance and allure. The subject, a woman adorned in a vibrant red dress, stands against a backdrop of flowing red fabric, creating a harmonious symphony of crimson hues. The composition of this portrait demonstrates Elena’s keen eye for detail, which is evident in the way she has expertly positioned the subject. The woman’s pose exudes confidence and grace, accentuating the beauty of her attire. The flowing lines of the red fabric behind her add a sense of movement and dynamism to the overall composition, enhancing its visual impact. The rich, deep red tones dominate the image, creating a sense of passion and intensity. The woman’s dress perfectly matching the backdrop, creates a seamless integration between the subject and her surroundings. The choice of red as the primary color evokes a range of emotions, from sensuality to power, making the image all the more captivating. The woman herself is a vision of beauty and grace. Her poise and confidence are evident in her posture and expression.  Elena has skillfully captured her spirit, showcasing the woman’s inner strength and allure. The way she carries herself exudes a sense of mystery and sophistication, leaving the viewer intrigued and captivated. The soft diffused light in Crimson Symphony gently illuminates the woman’s face, highlighting her features and enhancing the photo’s overall impact. Elena’s level of precision and craftsmanship elevates the photograph to a true work of art. It is a visual symphony that resonates with the viewer, leaving a lasting impression of grace and allure. Congratulations, Elena! By Marie Costanza
	Selected by Image City -- Awarded $150 In the Water by David Drexler In the Water captures the core of tranquility and serenity. The image portrays a solitary tree standing proudly in the midst of a smooth body of water, with soft white clouds gracefully adorning the sky behind it. This composition evokes a sense of calmness and invites viewers to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature. As one stares at the image, one might wonder where this tree is located, and how it has survived all the natural elements. David’s choice to present this photograph in black and white adds a timeless and ethereal quality to the scene. The absence of color allows the viewer to focus on the intricate details and textures within the image. The contrasting tones of black, white and various shades of gray create a visually striking and harmonious composition. The tree positioned prominently off center in the frame, becomes the focal point of the photograph. Its branches reach out gracefully, seemingly embracing the surrounding sky.  The reflection of the tree in the calm water enhances its overall aesthetic appeal.  The soft white clouds in the background provide a subtle contrast to the dark tones of the tree and the water. They add depth and dimension to the image, creating a sense of distance. The interplay between the solid form of the tree and the blur of the clouds creates a captivating visual dialogue. David’s skillful use of lighting further enhances the mood of the photograph.  The soft, diffused light casts gentle shadows and highlights, accentuating the texture of the tree. This delicate play of light and shadow adds a sense of depth and three-dimensionality to the image, making it come alive. In the Water is a testament to the power of black and white photography in capturing the importance of a scene.  It transports viewers to a serene and contemplative space, allowing the viewer to appreciate the beauty and tranquility of nature, and leaving a lasting impression. By Marie Costanza