by John Hawkins, Association CEO
How to enter:
Do you love to take pictures? Submit your photos to the Picture Perfect contest. Once a month, the best pics are selected for publication. If your photo is published, you’ll receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card!. ENTER PICTURE PERFECT CONTEST
See Contest Rules below the pictures.
Hi readers,
We received a ton of awesome photos this month. Incredible! If you didn’t win this month, check back again next month. Stay tuned!
“At least look at me when I’m talking to me…” One in denial, while the other expression confesses a somber realization that we have to pack up that morning and go back home. Goodbye Vegas.”
– Dominique Daito, LAPD/Communications
John’s comment: A stunning classic double portrait, Dominique. One thing I noticed after looking at it for a while is how the mirror portrait in the window shows the left side of her face more completely, and it subtly changes the expression on her face. Brilliant shot, as usual.
“After being surrounded by doom and gloom for over two years now, it’s important to hit the mental reset button whenever possible and take a breather. The shot above was taken in Greece’s Pelion region, and to me the message it sends is one of unparalleled tranquility and beauty. Boy, do we need both these days.”
– Yves Didier, Airport Police
John’s comment: What a gorgeous image you’ve captured, Yves. I’m jazzed that this photo will be posted online on the Alive! website, where all the subtle, rich and gentle colors will be transmitted in their tranquil glory. Man, do I want to be there for the breather, as you say. Thanks for sending it in.
“As my good friend Mark Twain said, “travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness. In Banderas Bay, Puerto Vallarta.”
– Capt. Michael Barnes, Retired, Harbor
John’s comment: Oh man how much I love this photo, Capt. Mike. There might be images that make me want to crawl into them more than this one, but I can’t remember a single one. The light here – from the sunset to the strand of twinklers up the pole, to the final vestiges of daylight on the beach – is rivalled only by the incredible colors. Magnificent.
“Amazing Mt. Rushmore of South Dakota – I got a glimpse of the famous sculpture by Gutzon Borglum, depicting the four famous Presidents of the United States of America – George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Teddy Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln.”
– James Corleto Manuel Jr., Building and Safety
John’s comment: Sometimes well-known landscapes are the hardest to photograph, James, because we’ve seen them a thousand times. Yours is subtly different, and it’s all in the angle. It’s perfect, creating both admiration and the slightest bit of uneasy edge. You probably didn’t choose the sky, but it works here to not overwhelm the figures, and yet signal the uncertain times we live in. Well done.
“I love to see the bees. This summer I will not plant veggies but flowers that encourage bees and butterflies.”
– John Nance, Retired, LADWP
John’s comment: Oh wow, John, that is amazing! I am going to find this flower and plant them… we need more bees. Thanks for submitting!
“Prior to migration, hummingbirds swarm my feeders. They didn’t care about my pictures. But if I got in their way, they’d chirp at me. Interestingly, the beautiful lighting was the side effect of smoke from a nearby wildfire blocking out the sun.”
– Det. Darcie Cobos, LAPD
John’s comment: What a time-stop stunner, Det. Cobos! I’ve tried to capture fast-motion action, and it’s dang hard. You’ve got it all going here, from sharp details to beautiful blended colors. Nice job!
“Springtime is just around the corner.”
– Sharon Khaw, LADWP
John’s comment: Sharon, I was looking at a painting by Vincent Van Gogh (almond blossoms) a few days before seeing your photo, and it’s remarkable how similar they are. Yours also has an Asian sense of nature in artful angles, complication and beauty. Thanks for the reminder that springtime is indeed right around the corner, in the most beautiful way possible.
Picture Perfect Contest Rules
- Please submit the full, original digital file (up to 3 megs file size).
- The contest is open to all Club members in good standing. Non-members are welcome to submit, but only Club members are eligible to win the monthly prize.
- Photos can be of any subject matter: vacation, portraits, families, landscapes, still lifes, pets, etc. Subject matter must be appropriate for Alive!
- If your photograph does not win, you are welcome to re-submit.
- Winners are chosen by Club staff. All decisions will be final.
- You must certify (if asked) that you indeed took the picture. No ringers!
- The contest is all in good fun: The Club cannot be responsible for delays in delivering Alive!, or for delays in the transmission of responses.
