WINNER - "That's Texas To Me"

[Shane]

Just got an email from Russell:

Hey Shane,

I should have checked my schedule first as I forgot that I'd be in Balmorhea this week.

Anyway, I am stealing some wireless internet for now. I'll write some critiques and post them tomorrow but for now, I think the winner is:

Around the Campfire

Great use of natural lighting and the composition is spot on. I really appreciate the use of slow shutter speed and how it blurred the flames and embers.


Let everyone know that critiques are on the way.



So the winner is..................

MICHAEL MIDDLETON!

Last minute, again, but beat the deadline!

Critique welcome...



Canon 20D
Canon EFS 18-55 (kit lens)
4 sec at f/8 (self timer)
ISO 1600
Upside down on inverted tripod
(Alvarez guitar )

Michael

Congrats, Michael!

That's a great image, and the competition was VERY stiff.

[Shane]

It's funny. I kinda had in mind getting some inspiration from these pics and comments to write a song.....on my Alvarez guitar even!

[Casey]

Well done, Middleton!!! That's a fine shot!

[Shane]

You online, Russell? If so, thanks for judging. And thanks for your time in critiquing the pics when you get back. Have a great trip!

[Deer716]

Congrats Michael!!! Well done. Better start thinking of the next topic.

[Smart]

Nice photo Michael....definitely caught my eye when lookin' at them all.

[Michael]

WOW! That's quite a compliment coming from Russell, via Shane. Thanks for the feedback!

Let me go post the next topic and I'll be right back.

Michael

[AtTheWall]

Outstanding picture Michael and well done!!!!

Thanks for judging Russell, means a lot to a few of us around here.

Shane, get your gear, it's time to find some water Well done Amigo!

[doncom]

Outstanding photo and great choice.

Thanks Russell and congrats Michael.

[Burnadell]

Excellent!

[Koons]

That would have been My Pick as well. Not because I know anything about Photography but I like it the moment I saw it. That pic is truly what Texas is to allot of us. Congrats Michael well done.

[Michael]

OK, next assigment posted!

Shane, that was a great, yet difficult assignment! At first, I thought it would be simple, but then I think everybody figured out how extremely difficult it was going to be to capture "Texas" in a single photo, over a two week period in May! There were some awesome photos, as usual! I was, to be honest, a little surprised by how few entries there were. There are even a couple that I've seen posted on other threads, taken during the time period, that I thought were sure fire contenders, but were never entered.

Anyway, I'd like to reiterate kudos to Prosser for the idea of a Photography forum and contest, and Casey for making it happen. It has renewed my interest in taking pictures, and I've been amazed at how my mind is constantly on the lookout for opportunities to photograph for each assignment theme. I racked my brain for two weeks trying to think of what to photograph that portrayed "Texas to Me". I actually woke up at 2:38 am on Saturday morning with the idea of doing something "around the campfire" to fit the theme, and couldn't wait til Saturday night to see if I could make it work.

Once again, thanks to Russell for his willingness and taking the time to judge and critique our photos. I think one of the primary goals of this forum and the contest was to help us improve as photographers, and having Russell's participation is certainly a plus!

Michael

[doncom]

Michael, I agree, we've got too may talented people here not to have more participation.

We are indeed fortunate to have Russell in our midst and willing to judge. Thank you Shane for making that happen.

My favorite parts of the contest are the motivation to get me out of the house with a camera and also seeing everyone else's efforts.

We've had some really awesome pictures in every contest and another judge could easily have selected a different picture, but I hope every entrant feels like they are better photographers just from entering.

Now, for water, I just need to figure out how to make something artistic out of beads of sweat on Casey's head.

[Michael]

It's funny. I kinda had in mind getting some inspiration from these pics and comments to write a song.....on my Alvarez guitar even!

I see where you're going with the topic now! Sweet!

Some ideas that came to mind when you posted the topic include

Longhorn cattle
Oil dereks/pump jacks (sutton)
bluebonnets
Blue Bell ice cream and pecan pie
javelina
hs football
high fences
illegals crossing the river
whitetail deer
roadrunners (gerald)
whitewing dove
Whataburger (Casey mentioned this to me, and I had contemplated trying to do something with Whataburger, as well)
big hair (ok, wife went to an 80's party the first weekend of the theme!)


Those are all Texas to me! Hope some of them help with the song.

Michael

[Jaspro]

Congrats Michael. I am really getting a kick out of these contests and everyone's efforts.

Dang Don I was really hoping to get you to photograph me in my floaties for this contest.