As the calendar turns to November, and we prepare for the winter months ahead, I am reminded it is time for the annual TI Life Photo Contest. Over the years, the contest has provided an opportunity for those passionate about photography and the River to share their photos of this beautiful region while giving the rest of the River community something to enjoy. Once again, I have the pleasure and honour of judging alongside Lyne Roberge, Ian Coristine’s wife. The quality of images submitted has grown over the years, and as the contest enters its 13th year, Lyne and I look forward to that trend continuing.
The closing date for submissions is December 6th. Please send up to three high-resolution JPEGs with captions to: susansmith@ThousandIslandsLife.com. Susie will forward all the images blind to Lyne and me (please remember to remove ALL watermarks or other identifiers from your images). We will then have the task of selecting three medal winners. As well as potentially gaining some minor fame from having your images featured in December’s issue, certificates ready for framing will be awarded for the Gold, Silver, and Bronze winners. In addition to the certificates, the medal winners will also receive a copy of Volume VII; Ian Coristine’s 1000 Islands, as well as Susie’s book The First Summer People, Thousand Islands 1650-1910.
It is always tough picking just three as typically many others are also worthy, so we will enjoy honoring them as "Honorable Mentions,” in December or January’s issues.
While good technique, such as proper exposure and sharp focus is important (watch for those crooked horizons!), emphasis will be placed on creativity and a unique way of seeing. Technical perfection is a learned skill; the real challenge in photography lies in expressing our unique vision. Show us through your vision what makes the River special to you. Images that tell a story and capture the true essence of this remarkable place have the strongest impact on the viewer. The photographic opportunities along the River are boundless, so help us grow an even greater appreciation of the region through your beautiful and unique imagery.
Whether you're shooting with a DSLR, compact camera, smartphone, or drone, please share with us your favorites. Remember, it’s not about the camera, but rather the person behind the camera that matters. Photographs that were previously published in TI Life articles, or on our Facebook page are all welcome. Please take a few minutes to return to the River, as you sift through images, and send your picks to Susie now (susansmith@ThousandIslandsLife.com) before this slips from your mind. Lyne and I look forward to seeing your work!
By Chris Murray
Chris Murray is a photographic artist, instructor, and writer working primarily in the landscape of his home, the woods, lakes, mountains, and streams of New York State. His work has appeared in several magazines including Popular Photography, Shutterbug, Adirondack Life, Life in the Finger Lakes, New York State Conservationist, and On Landscape, among others. His landscape stock imagery is represented by Aurora Photos and Danita Delimont Stock Photography. He is a staff instructor with the Adirondack Photography Institute. He has also written more than a dozen TI Life photography articles titled Depth of Field. You can see all of Chris' TI Life photographs here and for more of Chris’ work visit https://chrismurrayphotography.com/.
Posted in: Volume 19, Issue 11, November 2024, Photography, News article
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