On our photo blog we have been posting one of our reader’s photos each month selected from submissions from the Reader’s Photo of the Month contest.

This month we had more submissions than ever and it’s getting harder to select a winner.

The Winner

One photo kept coming out on top because of the creative thought that went into the process… This month’s winner is Erica McKay with an underwater portrait of her daughter, below.

Erica’s ethereal portrait is visually reminiscent of Millais’ “Ophelia”:

This month's winner of the "Reader's Photo of the Month" on the blog at HarryNowell.com

Erica’s comments:

“My eldest daughter has been resistant to me taking photos of her for the past couple of years, as she goes through the more awkward pre-teen stage. However, I’m beginning to discover that if she can be involved in the planning of the photos, sometimes she will get very excited to try out some new stuff.

Here, we were camping in Algonquin Park and she was happily swimming back and forth under the water so I could catch her motion.  Then one time she came at me face up and it looked so neat we opted to play with that for a while.  It was a fun morning of playing with photography, and discovering a way to get my eldest in front of the lens again!”

Why she won

What clinched the prize was Erica’s creative interpretation and process of a portrait. We were impressed! I often tell our ProProgrammers “Do something different!”

Need to inject some creative juices or get a creative kickstart? Consider our photo course: Creative Exploration through Photography with Dominique Larocque and Harry Nowell

The Prize

For her work Erica wins a free print from DaveAndrews.ca – Dave is a veteran printer who is sought by artists to produce prints that hang in the finest galleries in North America. Thanks Dave, for providing this month’s prize!

Dave Andrews - Ottawa photo printing

Next month we are offering a subscription to Canadian Geographic Magazine. And we are looking for more photos and the stories behind them. Keep them coming!

Canadian Geographic Magazine

What do you think of Erica’s photo? Comments please!

It’s that time of month – where we agonize a bit on the Reader’s Photo of the Month. Only one photo wins. And that’s the problem. We get some good entries – more should win but there can only be ONE winner per month in our contest!

This month Morina Reece cam out on top with this entry:

Reader's Photo of the Month Photo Contest Winner - Ottawa's Morina Reece

Morina supports her photo saying:

“Kristine asked me to do a photo shoot of her in both dance and yoga clothing. She specifically asked for a “light and airy” feel.

I decided to bring some props to help achieve this feel – scarves, feathers etc. Kristine also brought some interesting props too. Firstly, I decided on a white background for strong contrast and a very clean look. In this photo we chose the turquoise scarf to contrast and brighten up her darkish clothing and hopefully bring an airy feeling to the picture.

It was a little awkward at first as I didn’t quite know how to have her pose with a scarf that would look natural. We tried a few different positions with the scarf but it wasn’t achieving the look I thought she wanted.

It suddenly struck me that “music” might be the answer. We chose some energetic music and instantly she transformed into a dance teacher with lots of expression and fluid movements that matched the scarf’s flow. This pic captured a fun, light and airy look.”

Nice work Morina – some last minute inspiration made the day!!

For her hard work Morina receives a subscription to Canadian Geographic Magazine. Many thanks to Canadian Geographic for the prize!

Canadian Geographic Magazine

So, some of you may ask “Why didn’t MY photo win?!”

There could be many reasons. We look for the following criteria when picking our short list and ultimate winner:

• Good solid photo. Technically well shot – good exposure, in focus in the right places, etc.
• Good composition – an obvious focal point and well laid out
• Something different, something new
• Some accompanying text that tells the story of your shot – we’re not as fussed with camera info and shutter speed. We’re looking for inspiration and creative process.

Please keep trying. Send us your photos and accompanying text! We have another fine prize for next month’s winner – a premium print by renowned printer Dave Andrews. Dave is not just a printer – his work is displayed in Museums and Galleries across North America by artists who come to him for his lifetime of printing skills.

Dave Andrews - Ottawa Printer

Need some help with your photography to help win fame, fortune or our prizes? Consider a photo class or workshop!

Every month we select one of YOUR photos for our Reader’s Photo of the Month. We look for a photo that moves us in some way and some kind of inspiration or indication of how the photo turns your crank! We’re less interested in what camera you used and more interested in your process.

This month was, as usual, a tough choice.

But in the end Andrea Johnstone came out on top with her photo, below, from a recent session:

Photo of the Month contest

Andrea says, simply, “I grabbed this photo of Christine’s daughter.

Sometimes the best photos are the least planned – especially with children.

For Andrea’s efforts she wins a photo safari at HarryNowell.com this summer or fall. We have two coming up in July – bike racing or street performers – and are planning one for the fall – to be announced soon. Congratulations Andrea!

“Prizes? You never said anything about prizes!!“

Yes, we are now have prizes for the contest! Next month Canadian Geographic has kindly offered a subscription to their beautiful magazine. Interested in the prize, fame and glory?

Canadian Geographic prize

Send us your photos!

Please send one photo at a time. Maximum three photos per person per month. Please keep your photos small – we cannot consider photos greater than 1mb. Ideally, size photos to 450 x 300 pixels at 72 dpi. A gentle watermark is fine.

Supporting Text – This is as important as the photo. What inspired you? Why do you like it? How did you do it? Tell us about your photo!

Links – Would you like a link to your site? Please send us the specific link!

Sorry, we cannot reply to all photos submitted. Stay tuned. We will feature the Reader’s Photo of the Month at the end of each month.

That’s done it.

We have been deliberating for a couple of days. We recently started the Reader’s Photo of the Month. We choose a photo from reader’s submissions based on the photo but also the supporting commentary.

We don’t care what specific camera, lens or how many mega-zooples your processor zapped.

We do care about your inspiration, creative process and perhaps some minor technical info.

Read the guidelines.

Send us a photo for next month’s Reader’s Photo of the Month.

Darrell Larose won top spot this month for his version of a classic – see a larger version of Darrell’s portrait:

Reader's photo of the month

“Inspired by Karsh’s John F. Kennedy portrait.

I always liked this study (of Kennedy by Karsh), the fact reinforced when I held this original 11×14 photo in my hand. To see an original Karsh can’t be described. For a portrait photographer it is truly holding the Holy Grail. My self-portrait was inspired in terms of lighting and the profile. I opted not to be praying but I think I got the lighting close.

I opted to replicate Ilford FP-4 (my personal favourite B&W film)

I add just a hint of brown-sepia to emulate Agfa Portriga warm tone FB photo paper.”

Thanks Darrell.

His was chosen as this month’s Photo of the month.

Why?

We liked the lighting and technical elements, inspiration and homage to a classic portrait, photographer and medium. I have a spot for film photography and although Darrell shot this digitally he tips his hat to film.

Thanks Darrell and to all the people that sent in a photo.

Please try again in May.