news&views Autumn 2020 | Page 26

2020 Photo Contest Jennifer Hope | Business Development and Marketing Coordinator, ARTA Looking Through a Lens ARTA members stepped up to the challenge and we received a record number of entries to this year’s photo contest, confirming that we have active and engaged members in our association. Our judges are always amazed by the photography talent that our members possess and find it challenging to choose winners from the stellar entries. Special thanks to our judges Brock Kryton and Jon Havelock for judging for a fourth year in a row. Judging had to be modified this year to maintain physical distancing. Judges viewed the images independently, and the finalists were chosen through group collaboration in a Zoom meeting. While it is nicer to deliberate in person, this way of judging worked out well. Two new categories were introduced: Dusk ’til Dawn and Computer Enhanced. The Nature and Travel categories remained constant as we always receive beautiful pictures in those most popular categories. This year, we allowed members to submit entries as digital images; with physical distancing in effect, we did not want anyone to risk their health in order to print and mail their photos. The Nature category brought in beautiful images ranging from the Alberta skyline to pelicans soaring through the sky. We received the most submissions in the Travel category, which is a testament to our members being well-travelled. In the Computer Enhanced category, it was impressive to see the skills our members have to alter images. Colours were altered, and optical illusions were created. You could tell that patience was practised in getting the perfect shot in the Dusk ’til Dawn category. The judges were impressed with the quality of work and shared some helpful tips for next year: • Think outside the box, and try to visualize an object, scenery, or people in a different way. Perhaps try zooming in on the reflection of an image in the water. • Ensure there is no dead space in the image; the entire picture should be all about the subject matter. Thank you to all who entered the Photo Contest this year. “Light really catches my attention, and I find people and street scenes very intriguing.” Barbara Strand — Dusk ’til Dawn: First Place and cover photographer 26 | arta.net