Focal Press | March Theme: The Elements

for creatives, by creatives

MARCH THEME: THE ELEMENTS Thanks to everyone who entered and voted in February's Focal Press Monthly Photography Contest! Our February guest judge, Robert Hirsch, is selecting the winners for February from among the many wonderful entries. Winners will be notified shortly. The schedule for the 2011 Photography Contests is now available on the contest site - new themes, judges and prizes so be sure to check it out! The theme for the March contest is "The Elements" sponsored by Focus on Photoshop Elements by David Asch, who will be our guest judge this month. Enter your image here: Focal Press Monthly Photography Contest Focus On Photoshop Elements For photographers bewildered by the advanced editing options available to them in Photoshop Elements and who want to get the most out of their images without going bleary eyed in front of a computer screen, this handy guide will explain the ins and outs of using Photoshop Elements using a fabulous combination of easy-to-follow advice and step-by step instructions. Part of the new Focus On series! January Contest Winners Theme: Black and White Book: Way Beyond Monochrome, 2e Judges: Ralph Lambrecht and Chris Woodhouse FIRST PLACE "Into the Soul" Gemma Carly Pepper SECOND PLACE "Saving the Bird" Michelle Lorenzen-Hunter Ottawa, Ontario, Canada THIRD PLACE "What do you think When you are looking at me? Look at my soul within... Look Closer ... see me!!" Gurjant singh Sekhon Maharashtra, India What Ralph and Chris had to say about the first place photo: This picture is a fantastic example of what a good portrait should be. It is so much more than a mere likeness of the sitter. A tilted head and direct eye contact immediately pull the viewer into the picture and make it hard to let go and explore the rest of the picture. The viewer definitely feels a certain command to look. On the other hand, a soft smile, partially hidden by pulled-up clothing, leaves no doubt about the pleasant personality of the model while adding a bit of mystery. This is an image to be proud of! What Ralph and Chris had to say about the second place photo: This picture has it all. A great composition gives the picture stability through an interesting viewpoint onto the weathered hands. I like how the thumbs lead into the picture but miss the center of interest just by a hair, forcing my eyes back up again to focus on the bird. At that point, stability turns into security and creates an interesting contrast to the animal in need. The viewing experience finishes with a warm feeling about a happy end. In a way, it's a portrait without a face. Hands say so much about a person. Great shot!