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
Theme: Playing Outdoors
“This is a picture of baby Axel’s very first Fourth of July, enjoying the pool.”
– Renee Ramirez, LAFD
John’s comment: Playing by the pool is certainly playing outside! Classic portraiture – a dying art, but this captures it – the color blocks that frame the face, the off-center focus which creates energy, and that face. Awesome!
“Taken on the Fourth of July weekend at the Santa Monica Pier. This is titled ‘Gooooooal!’”
– Alex Andrews, Building and Safety
John’s comment: And thank you, Alex, for submitting gems like this one. I love the simplicity, which emphasizes the dignity and steadfast pride of the flag at the end. Excellent!
“There’s enough light to see the stitches on the ball. Little league Allstar game I helped coach and photographed.”
– John Nance, Retired, LADWP
John’s comment: I admire your shutter speed, which was fast enough to catch the absolute clarity of that, maybe, curveball. It’s the very definition of playing in a park. Well done!
“Not really sure who’s playing who here, but it seems these outdoor lovers are enjoying themselves and each other’s company.”
– Yves Didier, Airport Police
John’s comment: For my money, I’m going with the dog as the player! Fun photo, Yves; I’m not sure how you got the height, but I like the trail taking my eye into the distance. Thanks!
“When I’m playing outside, I’m sometimes hiking in a National Park. Here I’m at the top of Observation Point overlooking Angels Landing and the valley below in Zion National Park.”
– Carlos Aranda, LADWP
John’s comment: Oh my goodness, Carlos … this photo made me gasp! Red clay in the foreground, a green trail in the mid-ground, leading my eye to the purple mountain majesties in the back. As for “playing,” I hope your subject didn’t take it any further than that!
“Our family vacationed in Mazatlán, Mexico. On the day we arrived, my five-year-old grandniece, Zoe, was thrilled to run around on the beach! I only wish I had half the energy!”
– Diana Felszeghy, Retired, LAPD
John’s comment: Very impressionistic, Diana! With its careful spacing of subjects where no one is crowded, expanse of blue and layer of palm trees, it reminds me of a turn-of-the-century street still life. This one makes me feel refreshed. Thanks for submitting!
“My wife and her sisters enjoying the nose-bleed sights on top of the Red Rocks of Sedona (Arizona). After off-roading and mountain climbing in steady 70-degree weather, they made sure to celebrate with champagne and crackers while watching the sunset.”
– Dominique Daito, LAPD
John’s comment: Another great photo, Dominique. There aren’t any games here and no organized fun, just a spontaneous celebration of being outside in a magnificent setting. Awesome!
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.
