Let it Shine: LCJM’s Annual Photo Contest >

by Kayleen Larson

Photography is part technique, part soul work. You follow the light and your heart. As always, there was plenty of heart and soul in the photos that flooded our offices for the 11th annual Lake Country Journal Magazine photo contest.» Like this winning entry by Dee Sjobeck of Parkers Prairie. Can't you just feel the sweet exhilaration of a fast sled, a big hill, and plenty of snow? A kid-perfect winter day in Lake Country.

Each year, when the contest closes, our conference room becomes a mini photo gallery. The entries are spread out on several tables and the judges carefully view them, category by category. They look for the technical: Is the photo in focus? How is the composition? And the not-so-technical: Does the photo evoke a feeling? Is it creative? Is it unique or original?

The magic of photography never ceases to please. As the French photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson said about his early discovery of the beauty of photography: "He made me suddenly realize that photographs could reach eternity through the moment."

Take a walk through our online gallery featuring this year's contest winners along with commentary from the judges and a selection of staff favorites (you can also see the winning entries in our January/February print magazine).
Photo Contest Winners | Kid's Photo Contest Winners | Staff Choices

Then explore some photography tips and techniques and consider entering next year's contest. This website has an excellent slide-show tutorial: http://www.bbc.co.uk/arts/apictureofbritain/how_to/

Happy New Year!