Final week for Foto Fest competition entries

Even though the Foto Fest contest is nearing an end, the entries continue to mount.

Judges had a more difficult time than any previous week choosing four semifinalists among the nearly 300 entries for the amateur photography contest sponsored by the Southeast Missourian and Westfield Shoppingtown West Park. Other contest sponsors and drop-off locations are Schnucks and Kasten Masonry Sales in Jackson.

Judges chose two photos taken by David Vaeth of Jackson showing Notre Dame school spirit, an image of a bee in flight captured by Dennis Vollink of Cape Girardeau and a sepia image by Tracy Satterfield of Kennett.

Several other honorable mention photographs are online at www.semissourian.com.

All photos must be entered by 5 p.m. Friday to be considered in the final week of the contest.

Vaeth's photos captured the Notre Dame Regional High School girls in action during a basketball game. The second picture was taken at the Show Me Center.

"It's so close it feels like you're there," one judge said. Another liked the concentration that shows on the face of Ashley Millham.

Vaeth also captured the school's dance team in action. Judges liked the photograph for its interesting action and light.

Both photos were cropped to appear as though they were panoramic shots. The picture of the basketball players was just "a natural shot" for a panoramic image. "It's just something different," Vaeth said.

But none of the photos got more "how'd they do that" comments than the snapshot by Vollink.

The bee in flight picture prompted one judge to write "Amazing! How in the world did the photographer capture this moment?"

The picture was taken in June in Vollink's back yard with a digital camera and telescopic lens.

But Satterfield used a 35mm camera to capture her son Easton, 4, peeking into the neighbor's barn.

Judges liked Satterfield's use of sepia tones and composition.

"I just wanted a picture of him in front of the barn," Satterfield said.

"He's curious as all little boys are and wanted to take a peek inside. I told him to go ahead and I got the shot."

Foto Fest is an amateur photography contest open to residents of Southeast Missouri and Southern Illinois. Contest rules, entry forms and previous winners are posted on www.semissourian.com/fotofest.

Drop-off locations include Southeast Missourian offices in Cape Girardeau, Jackson, Chaffee and Marble Hill, the customer service counter at the mall, Schnucks and Kasten Masonry Sales.

ljohnston@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 126