Winners announced in city photography contest

The Nature in Winter amateur photography contest judges have announced the winners of the city’s first photography contest held in February.

Given the success of the first, a second contest has been scheduled for May.

After being judged on subject, focus, distance, lighting, use of shutter speed and the way they led the viewer’s eye into the picture, earning first place was a unique side view picture of the waterfall over the Barren Fork Dam taken by June Haley.

Armed with a 35mm Panasonic digital camera, Haley has turned retirement into a picture-taking frenzy. Among the thousands of nature pictures, including a wide variety of birds in her back yard, she enjoys taking pictures of church activities, friends, family and current events happening in Warren County.

Second place was awarded to Tessa Witt and third went to Shelby Rehberger. Honorable mentions were given to Linda McGregor, Kathy Ready and Aubrey Haley.

‘It was very hard for the judges to determine winners of the four categories out of over 40 pictures, which raises my excitement for the upcoming contest,’ said Parks and Recreation activities programmer Melanie Carter. Judging the contest was an anonymous local photography studio.

During the contest, people were encouraged to take a walk along the Barren Fork Greenway, and while enjoying the beautiful scenery, take pictures and submit up to five for judging.

‘It was amazing to see the different images of the Barren Fork Greenway,’ said Carter. ‘Contestants captured views of the waterway, railroad and underpass I have never seen.’

For the second contest, grab a camera and check out what the city’s parks have to offer. Take pictures of the beautiful scenery, people can be included, at Ramsey Park, Rocket Park, Pistole Park, Farmers Market, McMinnville Remote Control Flying Field on Sunset Point Road, and the downtown water fountain.

According to Carter, McMinnville Parks and Recreation Department sponsors the contest as a way to support photography and the community, as well as give contestants the opportunity to share different perspectives with pictures.

Contest winners are now displayed at McMinnville Civic Center. Rosette ribbons for the winners were supplied by Wilma Henegar.

The entry date for the second contest is the entire month of May. Up to five pictures can be submitted with an entry form and a $1 fee per picture. Entry forms can be picked up at the Civic Center.

For more information, contact Carter at 473-1212.