The theme for the NOV-11 CONTEST was "Self-Portrait". The major criteria were that members take a photograph of themselves with no help from anyone else. Remote shutter button releases were recommended such as self-timer, remote, wireless, cable release, etc.) Tripods could be useful to those who had them.

It was extremely difficult to select the final winners for this contest – there were several excellent and outstanding entries. If ever there was a contest where we increased the number of winners – this would be it.   There was a surplus of manipulated photographs and a shortage in the straight category – which means that image editing is becoming more and more a major part in digital photography. 

Congratulations to all Keystone Photography Club members who entered this challenging contest– the results of your efforts are impressive to view.

WINNER STRAIGHT CATEGORY
D. Gaze

What is eye-catching about this photograph is the (perplexed) expression on Dulcesol’s face. Right away the viewer wonders “What is she thinking about?” – it would be fun to have members write an essay on what thought might be in her head. Maybe she will share . . .

This is shot facilitates the in-camera black-and-white feature (can’t manipulate in the straight category). The simplicity and drama and black-and-white, along with the plain black background enhance the portrait personality (nothing to compete with like color or a busy background). Some artists prefer black-and-white for portraits that show true character.

Dulcesol’s composition is very good – a little off center leaving room for the 11 o’clock gaze. Technically and exposure-wise this portrait gets high marks – notice how precise the pupils of the eyes are. Notice also that the gaze is in a slightly diagonal direction – this creates more interest than if it were straight-on or looking straight overhead. The emotional impact is strong because this is far from your usual mug shot expression.

As inferred above, the story-telling quality is very strong – take another look. Is she thinking about something good or regretful? Do you detect a hint of the comedienne? Let’s hope the story behind this intriguing expression will be shared.

WINNER MANIP CATEGORY
P Deiter

It is mysterious to determine the story behind this self-portrait –most likely the piano is prevalent in Phyre Deiter’s life and this is an extremely creative way of posing with a piano. As the title states – there is a dreamy quality here and very interesting use of depth-of-field and reflection.

Depth-of-field is defined as the area in a photograph that is in focus. In this photograph, Phyre Deiter’s face and the nearby piano keys are in sharp focus – the left hand in the foreground and the reflection to the left is blurred – resulting in a highly artistic and ethereal quality. The composition is somewhat symmetrical save for the diagonal line which adds to the drama of this photograph.

There is a strong emotional impact in viewing this portrait – although there is a sober quality the title indicates otherwise.

This photograph looks almost sepia toned however it may not be – the colors where the photograph is in focus seem true – the reflection of the polished wood may very well be true also – we’ll have to ask the photographer.

There is much strength about this very professionally executed photograph including strong commercial viability – it could easily be imagined on the cover of say a piano musical brochure, CD, DVD album cover.