A wealth of “spectacular submissions” to the local Photopia 2017 digital image contest last weekend “quickly set themselves apart” for the judging panel, according to panel member Lisa Graham of Seadance Photography.
“The winning images offered us a story within them, they gave us a reason to stop and try to understand what the artist was trying to convey,” she said.
“Breathtaking” was how panel member Bob Ell described many of the photos, and he’s been certified in judging by the Canadian Association in Photographic Art.
“(The) Youth submissions certainly show our community boasts some very creative and imaginative up-and-coming photographers,” he added.
Cindy Powell took first place in the Open Category with her image of bubbles.
“This image demonstrates the power of repeating elements,” said Graham. “The beautifully captured droplets against the circles of the background give us a sense of rhythm and offers the viewer plenty of opportunity to look deeper.”
Kyle Gropp’s combination of graffiti and light-writing took second place, while James Clarke nabbed third with his image of a woman in milk and cheerios.
Sara Kempner’s shot of a friend painting the Milky Way with a flashlight drew an honourable mention.
Kristy Knowlan took first place in the Manipulated category with her shot of a ghostly wisp coming from a manhole cover.
Spencer Hay took second for his night-and-day dog shot, while Knowlan also won third and Honourable Mention in the category.
The judges chose the images without knowing who had submitted them, so some entrants won more than once.
Meghan Keefe won first place in the Youth Open category, for her boy and shadow image.
Keefe also won second in that category, while Diana Tran won third for her shadow mask shot, and Danielle Robertson took Honourable Mention for an image incorporating broken glass.
Robertson also secured first place in the Youth Manipulated category, with her photo that incorporated a street image into a dark lens of some sunglasses.
Kalyssa Heinrich scored second place for her multi-image girl, Tran won third with her transparent girl image and Liam Quinn pulled in an Honourable Mention for his composition of a face in twisted wire.
Photographers this year clearly “embraced the idea of experimentation, submitting some incredibly creative and thought-provoking images,” said Dawson.
“The talent of our local photographers keeps getting better each year.”
Each of the winners took home multiple prizes provided by sponsors Best Buy, Staples, McKays Electronics, North Island College, Affordable Framing, Sure Copy and London Drugs.
The images were displayed June 3 in the Courtenay Library on high-end big screens loaned and set up by London Drugs and McKay Electronics, as part of the Elevate arts festival.
Photopia is an annual presentation of the Comox Valley Community Arts Council.