Celebrate Nature - And The Winner Is...

The results are in! Fine Print Imaging is pleased to announce the winners of the "Celebrate Nature" photo contest. But first we want to thank everyone who entered as well as all of you who took the time to vote and to share your comments with the photographers. The response was strong and the images represented a broad range of subject matter, geographic location and skill levels – just what we were hoping for!

People's Choice - Rei Bennett "Wabi-Sabi"

Artist Statement:
On 4th December 2007 I was diagnosed with stage 1b1 cervical cancer. My cervix along with my pelvic lymph nodes were then removed to prevent the disease from spreading. In the weeks following my recovery from surgery I discovered the social taboo of discussing one's health, and in particular, the ugliness with which cancer is perceived because of the drastic effect its treatment can have on the appearance of the individual undergoing it. Because my cancer was caught before chemotherapy was necessary, my small, seemingly insignificant scars were all I had to remind myself of my experience. I took photographs of these scars, and teamed them with images of nature's scars as nature doesn't hide them. This particular image is of a dying tulip losing and curling its petals. I would hope to show those who see this image that death, disease and decay is all a part of life and is just as beautiful as nature in its prime. Beauty can only be found in the irregular. Perfection is dull. “Wabi-sabi is a beauty of things imperfect, impermanent and incomplete. It is a beauty of things modest and humble. It is a beauty of things unconventional.” Leonard Koren (1994)

Juror's Choice - Paul Marcellini "Holy Sunstar!"






















Artist Statement:
A beautiful morning on the Hillsborough River in Central Florida. It is one of the few rivers in Florida with rapids.

Juror's Comments:

• Gorgeous light
• Fantastic Composition
• Simply Stunning
  

Grand Prize - Ray Rafiti "Brown Eyed Girl"




















Artists Statement:
Female sub-adult grizzly from the Khutzeymateen in northern British Columbia. Captured on June 2, 2010.

Juror's Comments:

• Fantastic Shot
• Beautiful composition - everything in the frame belongs there.
• Right place - right time - beautifully executed. Great job!

The community of people who savor nature through the lenses of their cameras is a special one and we are proud to be part of that community! Keep doing what you do. Keep sharing what you do.

Watch for more contests! We’ve only just begun!

View all the contest entries on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/fineprintimaging