"Poetry Without Words" Winners

Thank you to everyone who submitted pictures for the month of July.  Our theme was "Poetry Without Words" and we had a good response.  To view all the photos submitted for the challenge, please visit our group at www.photochallenge.gather.com .  Here you can view the current submissions and past winning submissions.  I encourage anyone who isn't a current member to join our group of photography enthusiasts!! 

The premise of our group is unique.  Each month a Guest Judge is chosen (usually the winner from the previous challenge) and that judge picks a theme.  Then, our members submit their photos that fit the current theme and at the end of the month, the Guest Judge picks the winners.  Might be one winner, might be several.... it's up to the current judge to chose the guidelines.

So, if you aren't a member, come by and sign up.  We'd love to have you there. 

On to the winners: 

This month I had the honor of being judge.  When I looked at these photos, I took the whole picture into consideration, from the top of the frame to the bottom.  I was not looking so much for technical accuracy, but moreso how the photo represented itself.  Did it tell a story?  Did it emit emotion? Have a voice? Did the colors draw the eye?  Was it unique, original, and/or intriguing?  Was it inspiring? Most of all...Did it represent Poetry without the words?

Here are the winners:  (in no particular order)  ENVELOPES PLEASE:

The "Robert Frost Award" goes to:

TRUDY P for "May your days be filled with Sunflowers"

http://www.gather.com/viewImage.jsp?fileId=3096224744294578&iGrpId=3659174697242932

 I chose this picture for the "Robert Frost Award" because it represents the blend of nature in a unique perspective.  Here you see the contrast in colors, how they draw attention to this photo.  The yellow against the blue, against the green...truly magnificant display of nature at its finest.  But also this photo is poetry in many ways: the subtle extention of the flower, bent upwards, as though it is peering at something greater, looking towards its light in a proud stance.  I enjoyed this most, a strong deliverance and worthy of recogniton.  Great work!

The "Emily Dickinson" Award goes to:

G-NIKON for her "Soft Filtered Flower" photo

http://www.gather.com/viewImage.jsp?fileId=3096224744270889&iGrpId=3659174697242932

Oh, Emily would have related well to this sole flower, secluded in its surroundings,yet possessing a beauty so divine, so worthy... but mostly unappreciated and overlooked.  Thankfully, Gayle did not overlook this piece of art.  I chose this picture, not only on its ability to spark emotion, but also because of her use of filters, lights... the elegance she captured, the way this seems to reach out for attention.  It's amazing, truly ...and am honored to give you the award from my most favorite poet of all, Emily Dickinson.

The "Shel Silverstein Award" goes to:

JEN D. and her "Sisters" photo

http://www.gather.com/viewImage.jsp?fileId=3096224744288684&iGrpId=3659174697242932

I cannot look at this photo without smiling.  Children have a way of pulling our heart strings, making us appreciate life in a way that nothing else can do.  Shel Silverstein knew the magic of a child's laugh and therefore I cannot dismiss a photo such as this.  It is one of those photos that truly emulates goodness, charisma and happiness.  Let your children know how they inspired us and I hope they continue to inspire throughout their lives.  Fantastic picture.

The "E.E. Cummings Award" goes to: 

MR. BILL for his "Punting the Avon" photo

http://www.gather.com/viewImage.jsp?fileId=3096224744291506&iGrpId=3659174697242932

E.E. Cummings had a way of showing a poem with everyday words but in manner which brought his message to a higher realm.  He didn't speak in philosphical mannerisms, but presented his view so the layman could understand.  This photo represents the same concept, in the way that you're automatically drawn to the romantic influences, to the thought of new relationships, budding love...it's a fine example of how poetry can be told without words.  Nicely done!!

The "Sylvia Plath Award" goes to

ELAINE M for "Early Spring Morning"

 http://www.gather.com/viewImage.jsp?fileId=3096224744290243&iGrpId=3659174697242932 

In this, the grape vines with their reaching arms...oh! What I can do with this in the terms of poetry is phenominal!!!  If you have never read Sylvia Plath, I highly recommend her.  Her poetry takes you on a journey, through her turmoil, into her heartbank and steals hope from sources beyond her reach... her children, the world outside her window, the place just beyond the fence... and hence the reason I chose this picture to represent her fine writing style.  This photo shows hope and gives a promise of a new tomorrow! It has a tranquil feel to it, and leaves plenty of open air for the muse to come out of hiding.  Nicely done.

and finally....

The "Edgar Allan Poe Award" goes to

ERIC I. for " Gormley's "Another Place" men in Stavanger, NO "

http://www.gather.com/viewImage.jsp?fileId=3096224743960359&iGrpId=3659174697242932

Most of us can remember reading Poe sometime during our lives, and his original take on the ordinary leaves a literature scar on the brain; From his deepest pit through to his heightened awareness of life and delusionary sense of self, he left an impact, as does this photo.  It is something unexpected that creates an attachment, a yearning to figure out what it means, what it is saying... it is beyond poetry, moreso a view of life in a way our eyes have never seen. Very well done.

Well folks, that concludes the Award Ceromony for this month.  I do encourage you to participate in the upcoming events at www.photochallenge.gather.com and please forgive me when I take the month of August off to deal with life..... there will be open submissions for August, which I'll post in a seperate article. 

Congrats to all the winners!!