We asked and you delivered—over 400 reader submitted photos flooded the Wisconsin Trails offices last November and December as part of the 2009 Wisconsin Trails Photo Contest. From wildlife to scenery to people, each photo captured Wisconsin in a different way.
A panel of judges from Wisconsin Trails and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel judged five finalists in each category, based on creativity, innovation, uniqueness, image quality and overall impact. The following photos received first and second prize.
To view honorable mentions, click here.
GRAND PRIZE WINNER
WILDLIFE, First prize
Greg Vandeleest, Kohler
"King Salmon Spawning Run, Sheboygan River"
Judges' Comments
"This photo is a great example of seeing your environment and being able to put that vision onto film."
-Alan King, Senior Editor, News Systems, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
"Not all photos have to be a quick read. You really need to stare at this photo to get it. This is a cool thing to see and even cooler to catch in a photo! It's OK to make people work a little when they look at photography."
-Berford Gammon, Director of Photography, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
"Once you figure out what it is, you can hear the picture—the sound of the river, the salmon finning."
-Jerry Luterman, Wisconsin Trails Staff Photographer
PEOPLE
First Prize
Donna Browne, Milton
"Threshing at the Rock River Thresheree"
Judges' Comments
"The flying crop debris gives this picture a painting-like quality. Good color palette."
-Alan King
"Probably not the safest place to stand. I love the effect of the flying straw and how it seems to fill the entire frame. Feels like summer in the country."
-Berford Gammon
Second Prize
Tim Mulholland, Fitchburg
"Ageless Summer Fun"
Judges' Comments
"Funny, great framing, good use of color."
-Jerry Luterman
PROFESSIONAl
First Prize
Nick Bristol, Lone Rock
"Fog on a Fall Day"
Judges' Comments
"Well-framed. Backlit fog gives a mysterious feeling."
-Alan King
"Very nice. I like the subdued color palate. Has a very calming and relaxing feel."
-Berford Gammon
"Outstanding composition and use of quiet light. The subdued color is a nice change from the typical strong, saturated fall colors."
-Jerry Luterman
Second Prize
Nick Bristol, Lone Rock
"Waterfall"
Judges' Comments
"Unusual view of a waterfall that bucks one's natural inclination to shoot it straight on."
-Jerry Luterman
SCENERY
First Prize
Eric Poggemann, Fredonia
"Sunrise Voyage"
Judges' Comments
"One of the best photos I've seen today. I'd be proud to have shot this photo. Love the chunky grey clouds and the deep rich tones."
-Berford Gammon
"Nice use of framing, strong color, technically great and a sense of Wisconsin."
-Jerry Luterman
"Well composed with wonderful color intensity."
-Alan King
Second Prize
Terry Tate, Wascott
"Truth"
Judges' Comments
"The streaks of light make this photo special."
-Berford Gammon
WILDLIFE
Second Prize
Michael Knapstein, Middleton
"Gosling Glow"
Judges' Comments
"I really don't like cute pictures—but this photo is too cute to resist. I like the halo effect caused by the backlighting. The single gosling looking at the camera makes the photo."
-Berford Gammon
All photos are copyright of Wisconsin Trails and photographer. Reuse of the photos is prohibited.