There were 61 gorgeous photos submitted to this year's Teen Photo Challenge. We were so impressed by the talent displayed by the teens in our county! Congratulations to our winners and a big thank you to our guest judges, Ashlee McGreevy, Brad R. Baker, and Paige Young.
Category: Exploration of Symmetry (judged by Paige Young)
"Vibrant Harmony" by Ashley Larson
"Pink Mist” by Christian Kopet
Judge's Comments: I found two that I think thought about contrast, color, time of day photographed and symmetry/asymmetrical values very well - as well as considering background and other distractions!
Category: Creepy-Cute Clicks (Judged by Ashlee McGreevy)
"Gregory the Grasshopper" by Shane Deneen
Judge's comments: This image captures all the tiny details and textures of the grasshopper. The bright lighting in the image creates contrast over the grasshopper, pulling out varying patterns and details that make up the insect's body. The use of shallow depth of field also helps direct the viewer to the details of the grasshopper. Overall, great job!
“Boxelder Bug” By Aubrey VandeBerg
Judge’s Comments: The image of the boxelder bug brought a smile to my face - the head-on shot made me feel like it was looking right at me - how engaging! The angle of the shot combined with the shallow depth of field and angle slightly up the crease help to get the viewer on the same level as the insect. The dark red tone of the background gives the image a more monotone look, but the texture in the black areas helps to bring out the color patterns of the boxelder. Really great work getting close and capturing clear details.
Category: Tiny Made Big (Judged by Brad R. Baker)
"Tiny Yellow Flower" by Aubri VandeBerg
Judge's comments: This is a lovely close-up that really celebrates the beauty of small details in nature — the bright yellow petals and deep contrast of the flower’s center immediately draw the eye in. You’ve done a great job capturing texture and color; the center almost feels touchable! Overall, it’s a strong and vibrant take on the “small made big” theme — you’ve turned something often overlooked into a bold, captivating subject.
“Mini Kitchen Disaster” by Pyper Gordon
Judge's comments: This is such a creative entry! When I saw this photo, I immediately started imagining a little story behind it — someone in their kitchen, making a joyful mess while doing something kind for a friend. The lighting from the bottom right adds to that feeling of controlled chaos and warmth. It almost feels like they paused mid-bake to snap a quick photo saying, “Look! I’m making the cupcakes — can’t wait to see you soon!” I’m a big fan of tiny things, and I love how convincingly real these miniature cupcakes look. It’s an imaginative and skillful interpretation of the “small made big” theme
Public Voting Winners:
“Morning Diamonds” by: Sophie Wisener
"Maple the Playful Pup" by Emma Hillbrands
Judges Info:
Ashlee McGreevy, Director of Communications, West Michigan Center for Arts + Technology (WMCAT)
Ashlee is a photography and marketing professional based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She previously worked as an arts educator and nationally exhibited visual artist for over 13 years. Ashlee earned her Master of Fine Arts from Kendall College of Art & Design of Ferris State University and her current focus is on building community engagement and opportunity through her work at WMCAT and through volunteering and working with the performing arts community at Circle Theatre.
Brad R. Baker, Creative Services Coordinator, KDL
Brad Baker is a lifelong creative who has been KDL’s Creative Cat Herder for over eight years. Born amid the corn and soybean fields of Indiana, he later spent two decades in Atlanta, Georgia, where he earned a BFA in Design and Communications with a concentration in Illustration. Over the years, he’s worked with creative firms both large and small, bringing projects to life from single-person brand identities to national campaigns. Brad now calls the Creston neighborhood of NE Grand Rapids home, along with his cat, Seymour. And yes—he has oodles of cat photos, should you ever feel like asking.
Paige Young
Paige is a full-time art and photo professor at Grand Valley State University and a full-time cat-mom [she has three kitties she adores]. She has taught at many colleges including Kendall Art and Design, GRCC, MSU and GVSU. Paige has ran her own photography company, APaige Photography, since she was 16 and has been focusing on Weddings and Engagement as she has niched down. She photographs and creates many fine art works that revolve around identity, grief and mental illness - which she has shown in galleries around the world. Paige is currently taking on select wedding clients while making her main focus Academia and fine artwork with purpose!
Add a comment to: Congratulations to the Teen Photo Contest Winners!