Sam Abell Critiques Calendar Photographs

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Sam Abell discussing Robert Gutkowski's photograph at the Art Box.
Sam Abell discussing Robert Gutkowski’s photograph at the Art Box.

National Geographic photographer Sam Abell walked Crozet Gazette calendar photo contestants and local photography fans through his selection criteria at a contest reception Dec. 1 at The Art Box in Crozet. Abell said he looked for layering (distinct zones in depth), structure and pattern in choosing the top finishers for the 2014 calendar. He described emotional qualities that abide in landscape and vistas and advised on how to compose them. He urged photographers to exploit bad weather and to get the advantage of an overlook in certain shots and use low angles in others. He called for more humor and more people in next year’s submissions. He regards documentary realism as the highest form of photography, he said.

Contest winners were Deborah Ferreira, first, Beth Seliga, second, and Liz Palmer, third. Abell praised Ferreira’s photo of the lake at Tiverton in Greenwood as “quiet” but arresting and achieving a contemplative dynamism. Seliga’s high view of a silvery Amtrak streaking through Crozet was a very close second, he said.

Crozet Gazette calendars are on sale at Parkway Pharmacy, Crozet Great Valu, The Art Box, Over the Moon Bookstore and online at crozetgazette.com/shop.

 

Deborah Ferreira (First Place)
Deborah Ferreira (First Place)
Beth Seliga (Second Place)
Beth Seliga (Second Place)
Liz Palmer (Third Place)
Liz Palmer (Third Place)