Awarded Photographs of the Exhibit
Portrait of Noah Brandon Bauer Churchville- Chili	WROC People’s Choice Award Presented to Brandon Bauer, Churchville Chili, Portrait of Noah Sponsored by WROC RochesterFirst  Selected by the public through the WROC RochesterFirst online Image Innovator voting competition, Portrait of Noah, by Brandon Bauer stands out for its use of light and mood. The dramatic split lighting creates a sense of depth, dividing the face into shadow and illumination. Rather than relying on crisp detail, Brandon uses light in a more expressive way. The brightness of the whites of the eyes subtly captures the viewer’s attention, creating just enough contrast to bring life to the face without overpowering the overall softness of the image. This adds to the portrait’s quiet quality, while the soft highlights in the hair provide a gentle focal balance. The centered composition and direct gaze invite a quiet connection, encouraging viewers to pause and consider the subject’s inner world. There is a sense of quiet strength in the image that leaves a lasting impression.  Congratulations, Brandon, and thank you to WROC RochesterFirst for sponsoring this award.
Looking In Ara Smith EMCC	Betsy Phillips Creative Image Award Presented to Ara Smith, EMCC, Looking In Sponsored by Image City Photography Gallery  In the spirit of Betsy Phillips, who found beauty in the overlooked and transformed everyday urban spaces into compelling works of art, Looking In by Ara Smith stands out. At first glance we see a figure stepping through an opening in a graffiti-covered wall, but on closer look, it invites us to question what is constructed and what is discovered. The bold textures of urban decay, the vibrant language of street art, and the quiet stillness of the natural landscape beyond are brought together in an almost dreamlike composition. Ara’s creative vision lies in the tension: the juxtaposition of confinement and escape, color and neutrality, human presence and storytelling. The framing device guides the viewer into a layered narrative about curiosity, transition and possibility. Like Betsy’s work, this image elevates the ordinary into something unique. It challenges us to see differently and to appreciate the unexpected artistry found in everyday surroundings.   Congratulations, Ara, and thank you to Image City for sponsoring this award.
A Day in the Life Maria Tebyrtse Our Lady of Mercy School for Young Women	Pace Excellence in Education Award Presented to Maria Tebyrtse Our Lady of Mercy School for Young Women A Day in the Life  A Day in the Life by Maria Tebyrste, receives the Pace Excellence in Education Award. Maria’s deeply thoughtful image captures the quiet, powerful presence of education woven into everyday life. Through the use of layers, a human silhouette becomes filled––quite literally––with books, shelves and stories, suggesting that learning is not separate from who we are, but instead shapes our identity from within. The composition is both intimate and universal. The library setting evokes a place of discovery, imagination, and growth, while the girl, softly rendered and contemplative, invites us to reflect on the internal world that education builds. Knowledge here is not loud or performative; it is steady, personal and enduring. This image beautifully reflects the spirit of Michael and Loretta Pace. Though they did not have the opportunity to attend college, they understood that education and the arts enrich a life in immeasurable ways. Their home, filled with books, became a place where curiosity could thrive and imagination could take root. Maria’s image reminds us that education is not confined to the classrooms---it lives in our homes, our habits and our daily experiences.   Congratulations, Maria and thank you to the Pace family for sponsoring this award.
Hosta Cat Clark Fox Aquinas Institute	Bill White Memorial Award Sponsored by the JamesWhite Empire Realty Group Presented to Clark Fox, Aquinas Institute Hosta Cat  Hosta Cat by Clark Fox captured the hearts of the Bill White family in a deeply personal way. Nestled beneath the broad, sheltering leaves of hosta plants, a cat rests peacefully in dappled light––an intimate moment of calm, comfort and quiet belonging. At first glance, the image is simple and serene. The soft interplay of light and shadow, the gentle framing of the foliage, and the cat’s relaxed posture create a feeling of safety and home. For the family of Bill White, a beloved music teacher whose warmth and kindness touched many, this image holds a special meaning. While he may not have openly spoken of it, his love for the family cat was unmistakable. In Hosta Cat, they saw a reflection of that quiet affection and the deep emotional bonds that animals bring into our lives. This photograph is more than a study of light and nature; it is a reminder of how the subject of a photograph can have an emotional impact, expressed in gentle, unspoken ways.  Congratulations to Clark and thank you to James White Empire Realty Group for sponsoring this award.
Le Roy High School	Best in Show School Award Presented to Le Roy High School Sponsored by Image City Photography Gallery  The Best in Show School Award recognizes not just individual excellence, but the strength of a collective vision–and Le Roy High School’s collection is an example of what happens when creativity, experimentation and a technical skill come together across an entire program. This striking collection draws the viewer in with its bold use of color inventive lighting and conceptual depth. From layered portraiture and expressive double exposures to dramatic still lifes and studies, each image stands confidently on its own while contributing to a cohesive and dynamic body of work. What is especially notable is the range of exploration. Students push beyond traditional approaches, embracing risk and originality––whether through vivid color overlays or emotionally charged portraiture. At the same time, there is clear attention to craftsmanship: strong composition, controlled lighting and a confident understanding of visual storytelling. Together these images reflect a program that encourages both artistic voice and technical growth. The result is a collection that feels fresh, contemporary and engaged with the creative process.  Congratulations, Photography Teacher Karen Castro, and thank you to Image City for sponsoring this award.