2008 Essence of Bellingham Photo Contest

Having lived in the same city for nearly 17 years, it has naturally become challenging to see the world around me with fresh eyes. The City of Bellingham's annual Essence of Bellingham photo contest has certainly inspired me to keep my creative eye roving while I am out and about. I find myself almost constantly evaluating the scenes before me for how well they capture Bellingham's spirit. Knowing I have a photo contest to enter has not only prompted me to get out with my camera and experience events that I haven't before, but it has led me to all sorts of interesting conversations with fellow 'Hamsters who stop me to inquire about what I am taking pictures for.... all of which serves to enrich my understanding of this beautiful city that I call home: )

Today was the deadline for entries into the 2008 contest so I thought I would share the photos I selected! This year the city placed a limit on the number of photos a participant could enter, so I had a pretty tough time narrowing my entries down to just ten photos. Keeping in mind the various categories in which photos are judged, I chose images that I felt cover a broad spectrum while still capturing Bellingham's Essence. Here are the photos I selected for entry...

Friday, 4 O'Clock

Desolation Station

Doomed to Destruction

All Uphill From Here

Friday Night at the Corner of Railroad & Holly

Market Saturday

Old School II

Procession 2008

Regarding Art

Whatcom In Bloom

Here are some shots from the past year that I considered entering but which didn't make the cut...

Healthy Living

Best Parking Spot in Town

Sunny Side of the Street

Take 2

Sunshine & Microbrew

December on the Bay

Walking Home from Nelson's

Chalk Walk

Teamwork

I didn't have a public forum for sharing my entries into previous contests, so I thought I would share those here as well!

2007 Contest Entries

Sea Town, Mountain Town
Honorable Mention

Joe's Bounty
Best of Subject, Signs

Campus Favorite
Honorable Mention

405 Holly Street
2007 Second Place Best of Show

Old School
Honorable Mention

Old Dan

Plentiful
Best of Subject, Plants & Wildlife

Summer in Elizabeth Park
Best of Subject, Art & Culture

Volvo Nation

Trio In Balance

Taylor Avenue Dock

The first photo contest was held in 2006, not long after I had decided to make a business out of my love for photography. My confidence in my abilities was still pretty low and I can't tell you how long I struggled before finally selecting the "Professional" category on the entry form. Suffice it to say I was pretty thrilled when I learned one of my photos was selected among the best in show- especially considering both of these shots were taken on my old Nikon point & shoot camera. These photos are proof positive that it's not the camera that makes a photographer... it's her eye : )

2006 Contest Entries

Ocean Hunter
2006 Second Place Best of Show

Coming Home
Honorable Mention

Contest results will be made available on May 30th so be sure to check back in a few weeks! I have a little competitive streak running through me, so I'm always anxious to see the photos other photographers have entered and how my photos fared, but more than anything I really appreciate the opportunity the contest gives me to share my work and my vision of Bellingham with the community that inspires me : )