Winners display originality, warm colors

Judges liked the peaceful, warm colors, originality, and contrast in the photos taken by Liz Grimes of Cape Girardeau, Scott Sanders and Arthur Myracle, both of Jackson, Mo., and Rick Essner of Perryville, Mo. The pictures were chosen as semifinalists in the final week of judging for the Foto Fest contest.

More than 300 photographs were entered in the final week of 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.

Grimes picture of her son and grandson shaving captured "a father-son moment," one judge said.

The photo captured her 14-month-old grandson's expression perfectly. "He has that expression all the time," Grimes said.

Sanders' panoramic photo was taken from a scenic overlook off the highway in Seward, Alaska. Judges like its colors and peaceful quality; one judge said "I wish I could retire there."

The photo was taken during a trip in 2000.

Myracle's photo of a train traveling the tracks was taken near Wolf Lake, Ill. Judges liked its clarity, use of shadow and mood. One judge said it looked like a postcard.

The photo was taken on a Sunday afternoon when Myracle was out "taking pictures of trains. I just thought it would be a good picture," he said.

Frozen in time

Essner's photo of his granddaughters, Morgan and Brooke Essner, was taken during a family vacation in Florida.

It shows a sweet moment frozen in time, one judge said. Another judge liked it for its innocence.

The girls just happened to take a rest on the bench under a waterfall at a miniature golf course. Morgan was reaching over to give Brooke a kiss and Essner snapped the picture.

A grand prize winner will be chosen next week from all the semifinalists selected during the contest.

Weekly semifinalist winners receive $10 gift cards to the mall and certificates of recognition. Six finalists will receive $25 gift cards and a 13-week subscription to the Southeast Missourian along with a framed 8-by-10 copy of their winning photo.

The grand prize winner will receive a year's subscription to the newspaper, a night's hotel accommodation and a $50 gift card at the mall.

People's Choice and a Best of the Web winners will be announced in early September.

ljohnston@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 126