John’s Picture Perfect Contest: February 2023

John Hawkins

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.

Theme: Open


“My daughter giving Christmas cheer at a ‘meet Santa’ gathering.”

– Rodney Gilbert, General Services

John’s comment: What an awesome portrait, Rodney! Warm, gentle and perfect. Thanks for submitting!


“A family Christmas photo with me holding my two fingers up, surrounded by my grands and great-grandchildren.”

– Pamela Augerbright, widow, Los Angeles County Sanitation

John’s comment: Eight people, eight smiles. Beautiful placement of subjects, although I’m guessing everyone is natural and unposed. You have a classic family snap to last for many years.


“In the age of digital, I still use my film camera sometimes to capture what is best represented by film. Taken at Los Angeles Crest National Forest at sunset.”

– Armen Yesayan, Airports

John’s comment: I love film, Armen. You are absolutely right – these colors are rich and natural, which film still does best. This might be the first contemporary submission shot on film in many years. Thanks for going the extra mile!


“This photo was from my digital archive taken way back in May 2014 during the Santa Paula Airshow. A golden retriever resting beside his favorite ‘toy,’ a vintage crop duster. I can only assume this retriever must be a regular companion of the pilot/master. I converted it to monochrome to give an air of nostalgia.”

Glenn Abellanosa, Retired, LAPD

John’s comment: The framing of your photo is classic, Glenn … both the dog and the plane look to be done for the day! Sharp, crisp, well executed. Excellent!


“A view from the shore of St. Mary Lake in Glacier National Park on a beautiful summer day in June.”

– Carlos Aranda, LADWP

John’s comment: This is a museum or gallery shot, Carlos. It’s just amazing. The spindly foreground sets off the majestic background perfectly, and the placid lake proving a mirror-like middle ground. Crisp, clear and well composed. Thanks for submitting!


“You can be up-close-and-personal with these birds at Lorikeet Forest, Aquarium of the Pacific. Purchase a small cup of nectar (lorikeets’ favorite!) and as you walk through the exhibit; they will definitely come to you to get a sip of sweet nectar.”

– Christine Isidro, LAFD

John’s comment: Wow, Christine, what a pop of color! The detail here is also spectacular, and the composition must have taken you a few shots to capture this well. And, of course, some nectar. A treat always helps.


“It’s not Hawaii, but looks just like it: After all the recent rains and thunderstorms, some hard-core locals obviously just could not wait to hit SoCal’s beaches again. And with the water at a balmy 55 degrees, who could blame ’em.”

– Yves Didier, Airport Police

John’s comment: I give that swimmer exactly three seconds before he’s drenched. The fun of this wide photo is in the timing – dramatic, angry waves framing the lone, courageous swimmer. Great timing with the shutter finger!



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.

ENTER PICTURE PERFECT CONTEST

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