There were 159 amazing 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, Josh Mosey and Paige Young.
Category: Exploration of Texture (judged by Ashlee McGreevy)
Judge's Choice - "Corrosion" by Lucio Pizzo
Judge's comments: I really enjoy the beautiful use of light in this image. The light helps to create contrast that pulls out the tiny details in the rust. The earth tones of the rust are also calming and allow my eye to sit with the image longer. The clean focus partnered with the composition and use of the filling the frame helps to bring the viewer right up close with the subject. Great job capturing this little detail in the world!
Judge's Choice - "That of Glass" by Vera Schneider
Judge's comments: I love the use of perspective in this photograph and that the photographer put the viewer in the water. This view allows the audience to see new details in the image and be in a place that we normally wouldn't be. The lighting helps to bring contrast to the photograph, pulling out the tiniest of details in the rock and bubbles. The added bonus is the color! The colors help to pop the image and catch the viewer's eye, highlighting the green in the moss and the unearthly blue of the water. There's so much to enjoy and look at in this photograph. Great job!
Judge's Overall Thoughts on Texture Photographs:
I loved looking through all of these great photographs. Each one was unique and explored the theme of texture through different perspectives. It was wonderful to see all of the work and creativity our local students have. Thank you to everyone who was brave enough to share their art. Keep creating and sharing your view of the world! -- Ashlee
Category: Household Objects (judged by Josh Mosey)
Judge's Choice - "Toast Eruption, Breakfast Explosion" by Mary Oak
Judge's comments: This is a fun photo that would have taken preparation, patience and creativity to stage. I like the composition, the reflected elements and the use of shadows. Well done!
Judge's Choice - "Besties" by Clara Kitch
Judge's comments: I love the playfulness of this photo! With a simple tip of the pepper shaker, you've created a narrative with these household objects.
Category: Beautiful Decay (judged by Paige Young)
Judge's Choice - "Rib Cage" by Maggie Mackenzie
Judge's comments: It shows a beautifully framed rib cage with other elements of decay and the composition is fun and a good use of framing in a natural setting.
Judge's Choice - "The old lighthouse begins to die" by Jonathan Rasnake
Judge's comments: Unlike the other photograph this is showcasing industrial decay in a natural landscape. I love the looking up perspective as well as the contrasting colors of the muted orange rust against the blue/grey sky.
People's Choice Winners
"Stages of Decay" by Kay Imperi
"Purple Morning Dew" by Luke Pierce
Thank you to all our teen photographers for sharing your incredible talent with us! We can’t wait to see what you all come up with next year.
And thanks again to our guest judges. Learn more about them below.
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.
Josh Mosey is the digital marketing strategist for Kent District Library. Josh has been recently fascinated by wombats. His photos and design work can be found on KDL's social media platforms: Facebook, opens a new window, Instagram, opens a new window, LinkedIn, opens a new window and Threads, opens a new window.
Paige Young
"I am a full-time art and photo professor at Grand Valley State University, and a full-time cat-mom [I have 3 kitties I adore]. I have taught at many colleges including Kendall Art and Design, GRCC, MSU and GVSU. I have run my own photography company, APaige Photography since I was 16, and have been focusing on Weddings and Engagement as I have niched down. I photograph and create many fine art works that revolve around identity, grief and mental illness - which I have shown in galleries around the world. I am currently taking on select wedding clients while making my main focus Academia and fine artwork with purpose!"
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