Crush on {SOUL} Birthdays 2012

It's time to announce the winner of the 2012 {SOUL} Photography Challenge. In true indecisive form, I can't decide. I keep wrangling between two images so I decided to change things up a bit. There was only going to be one winner but it's my birthday and birthdays are good days to share the joy.
I have chosen one winner, whom you shared on the finalists blog, wanted to have a mentorship afternoon with me and another winner that will get to be the subject of the mentorship lesson--getting a complimentary mini-session while the other winner gets a true "fly-on-the-wall" experience. 


My mini-session winner is:


Allison Anderson | Moments
I fell in love with this image the moment it came in. It appears to be a cell phone image, which adds to my liking it. It confirms that Allison recognized and needed to capture something special. In this image, we know that Allison, walked into her room and took notice of her two loves sleeping--an ordinary activity--yet she was taken by it. So much so that she wanted to remember that moment, make it important, give it more importance by photographing it; as if that feeling that filled her soul would not end if she could stop time by clicking the shutter release. I am certain that if the light had been different, she may not have noticed. It's why we love photography. The light! 
Many people commented having a similar image of their own family. I photograph this moment over and over of my husband and girls, never tiring of their beauty. It makes me stop dead in my tracks and notice them. A little moment to fall in love--again. Congratulations, Allison. Thank you for sharing your {SOUL} image with us. 

And the Winner for the Mentorship is:
Joanna Daily 
This one seems to really capture the essence of {SOUL}--the tears and her expression say more than her words could ever convey. It's that look that melts the hearts of parents and makes us crumble to all their whims. It's the tears of a hurt baby that makes our souls cramp. It's so human and touching and lovely. Joanna, I look forward to spending the afternoon talking shop and sharing a secret or two with you.  Congratulations!

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Crush on the 2012 {SOUL} Photography Challenge | reno nevada photographers

To kick off 2012, we launched the 2012 {SOUL} Photography Challenge on our Facebook page. From the entries, we have chosen the FINALISTS. Thank you all for entering and sharing your soulful images for us. 

#1 FAN FAVORITE = Steven Beatty: Two Souls 
I love the use of negative-positive space here. Simple details, such as his hat, can add the needed punch and detailing. As a story, I picture them walking through this tunnel and stealing a moment together. I want to skew the symmetry a bit and have him lean on the wall--away enough to still get that negative space- as she leans into him...melting into each other's souls---for a moment--on a Sunday stroll.

Fan Favorite: Joanna Daily

Those tears!That expression! This natural moment captures that look that tugs at Mama's heartstrings and soul. 

Fan Favorite = Tobie Hickey

I love the feel of this image. The dark, ominous landscape with the ease of the sundressed girl running and jumping through it.  The balance of good and evil. Hope--the soul of a child. The stark contrast of the processing adds to the effect.

Fan Favorite: Sam Pierson

As the little soul blooms inside, so does their love. A soulful moment between a couple as they anticipate the new life they will be caring for. The soft light and touch adds to the gentleness of the photograph.

Fan Favorite: Heather Shrive : Soul Within

Heather included a touching story with her entry about this image:

"You have to have a little back story to appreciate this one, but this little princess was not supposed to  be here. Her family has been told over and over that she shouldn't be alive, but she is. She does not  have any brain function, but somehow, when you see into her eyes, you can see her soul."  I have to agree. Something so precious about her look and beautiful face.

Fan Favorite: Val Lemieux 

This one speaks to the dog and photography lover in all of us. I love the color palette of this photo as the sun sets on the magical desert. The desert offers so many moments to get in touch with your soul...or a camera setting. 

Fan Favorite: Jordan Diedrichsen

I love this moment of Daddy and Son in the morning. Tender and gentle. The baby is so content as he stares into the light. His little happy soul, safe in Daddy's hands. 

Skye's Pick : Courtney Vigo : Trish

I love the genuine smile that Courtney captured here. You know they were having fun. The expression and her hands say it all. Our souls need laughter and this image makes me smile. :)

Skye's Pick: Allison Anderson : Moments

I love the imperfection of this image--the wrinkled sheets and open dresser. The realization of being in a moment-- such a simple, everyday experience to fall in love with. A moment that filled Mama's soul up enough to grab her camera and frame it into importance. Soul feeding! 

Thank you all for participating in our photography challenge. Follow our blog or join us on facebook to stay up to date on the latest contest contests, giveaways, and our latest photo work. 

Leave a comment below for the finalists. Winner will be picked on February 9th. Happy Birthday to me and happy winning and photographing to you!! :)