PHOTOS STRIKE JUDGES' FANCY

From the exotic locales to backyards, from the famous to the guy next door -- the first 114 entries into the local Kodak International Newspaper Snapshot Awards ran the gamut.

The panel of local judges had its work cut out for them, said KINSA contest coordinator Joyce Hunter.

In the end, four photographs of places earned semi-finalist status the first week. Three were from far-away locales and one was taken in Jackson.

The judges considered such technical skills as lighting and focus. But they also looked for personal appeal or beauty. Judges were attracted to photographs that exhibited an unusual quality -- something that transported the viewer to that frozen moment in time.

The amateur photographers whose work was selected as semi-finalists include:

-- Sheila Caskey of Cape Girardeau

-- Connie Horvatich of Jackson

-- Maggie Friend of Cape Girardeau

-- M. Kevin Fichter of Millersville

All semi-finalists win a gift certificate from a local merchant and a chance to qualify for the Kodak International judging.

Caskey is dean of graduate studies and extended learning at Southeast Missouri State University. Her photograph shows a mountain view of the Bavarian Alps, looking across Italy and Switzerland. It was taken this past January during a two-week study abroad program.

"I don't take many photographs, except when I travel," said Caskey. "I couldn't believe it when the picture came back. I just happened upon it."

The photograph shows a mist settling between the majestic mountains, and was taken just after lunch. It looks like a picture postcard.

Horvatich works as a respiratory therapist at Southeast Missouri Hospital.

Her photograph shows a spider web strung between branches, sparkling from an early morning frost. It was taken in the front yard of her Jackson home.

"I probably take about a roll of film a month," said Horvatich. "I love to take pictures of old architecture around town, really anything that strikes my fancy."

Fichter's photograph of a defaced communist monument in Bulgaria also captured the judges' attention.

His wife is from Bulgaria, and the photo was taken when they visited the country last year.

The Millersville man says he takes a lot of photographs, from scenery to people.

Friend works in the marketing and communications department at Southeast Missouri Hospital. She also takes hundreds of snapshots each year.

But it was an unusual perspective from Paris that caught the judges' eye.

It was taken from a railway station that has been converted into a museum. The large railway clock on an upper floor remains. Friend's photo looks through the clock to a picturesque building across the way, showing a gray Paris day.

Friend enjoys taking all kinds of photographs -- travel, nature and wildlife. Two of her photographs have been selected for calendar contests at the hospital.

The second week of the photography contest concluded Saturday, and the third week begins today. Weekly semi-finalists will be announced each Friday.

All photographs entered will be featured at a display at the West Park Mall Aug. 26-Sept. 2. A People's Choice Award will be selected from the mall display. The winner will receive a night's stay in St. Louis.

Most of the photographs will also be featured in a keepsake KINSA publication that will be published Aug. 24 in the Southeast Missourian.

Hunter said that all who enter also have a chance to win random drawings for newspaper subscriptions, comic umbrellas and gift certificates from area merchants.