Colors, emotion mark winners in area photography contest

Judges liked the brilliant colors, natural light and affection displayed in the winning photographs of week 5 in the Foto Fest contest.

Four semifinalist winners were chosen from among nearly 200 entries in this week's contest. Winning photos from Brandon Brazel and Marty Riley, both of Cape Girardeau, Kristi Jansen of Leopold, Mo., and Tom McCarter of Marble Hill, Mo., were chosen.

Brazel's photo of her husband, Eric, giving their daughter, Mary-Cameron, a kiss was "an original," one judge said. Another judge thought it showed "the care he has for her."

The black and white photo was taken while the Brazels were vacationing. Brandon just happened to snap the photo while her husband was holding their daughter.

"She was just looking out and he gave her a kiss," Brazel said. "He didn't even realize that I was going to take the picture."

Just out of the pool

Riley happened to capture her granddaughter, Adrienne, playing with a puppy. The 2-year-old child "was more interested in that puppy than in swimming," Riley said.

The picture shows the pair just after Adrienne had gotten out of the pool as she was about to be licked by the dog. Riley said that children and pets are among her favorite photography subjects.

Jansen entered several different shots of the picture that was selected. It shows her children, Brice, 3, and Jace, 7 months, dressed in denim overalls wearing Americana clothing.

The photo was taken on the family's front porch in Leopold.

"They just happened to be sitting there and my little boy was being so cute," Jansen said.

Judges said the photo showed "cute expressions" and something every parent could relate to. Another judge said "these children look like they can take care of one another."

McCarter's photo of blackberries ripening was taken on his property in Marble Hill. Blackberry bushes line his half-mile-long driveway, he said.

Judges liked the photo for its color quality. One judge said, "I could almost taste the berries."

McCarter entered several photos in previous weeks of the contest, including some that were featured online as honorable mentions.

Only one week remains in the amateur photo contest sponsored by the Southeast Missourian and Westfield Shoppingtown West Park. Other sponsors include Mac's Smokehouse, the Cape Girardeau Regional Airport and Schnucks.

A grand prize winner will be chosen from the semifinalists selected during the contest. Several other pictures entered in this week's contest received honorable mention and can be seen online at www.semissourian.com.

There is no limit to the number of photos that can be entered. However, no photos will be returned.

Entry forms are available at www.semissourian.com.

ljohnston@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 126