Interlake Impressions
H2O Photo Contest 2011
2011 Photo Contest Winners
CONGRATULATIONS to the winners of our third annual H2O Photo Contest!
"Interlake Impressions"
"Interlake Impressions"
Thank you to everyone who participated in our highly successful third, annual H2O Photo Contest. We accepted close to 100 photographs in total from local residents as well as visitors to the area. The images submitted, taken in and around the Interlake area of Manitoba were a testament to the province's natural and pristine beauty. The Photo Contest engages our H2O readers in a way that enables them to share their favorite views of their beloved Manitoba.
Thanks also to our sponsors (who are also loyal H2O advertisers) without whom, this contest would not be possible. In total our sponsors donated a whopping $2,700 in prizes! Because of this we created the Honorable Mention category so we could share the wealth.
For the complete list of prizes awarded for this contest, and links to all the sponsors, please click on the "contest sponsors and prizes" link above.
Sincere thanks to our Contest Judge who did an admirable job for this, our third juried contest. This is what he had to say about the process:
Thanks also to our sponsors (who are also loyal H2O advertisers) without whom, this contest would not be possible. In total our sponsors donated a whopping $2,700 in prizes! Because of this we created the Honorable Mention category so we could share the wealth.
For the complete list of prizes awarded for this contest, and links to all the sponsors, please click on the "contest sponsors and prizes" link above.
Sincere thanks to our Contest Judge who did an admirable job for this, our third juried contest. This is what he had to say about the process:
"Thank you for the wonderful opportunity of judging the H2O Photo Contest this year. I loved browsing the Interlake through the eyes of so many, representing so many different perspectives. Your pictures were a great cross-section of the Interlake region. Thanks to all who participated, and congratulations to all the winners. I feel as if I know your little corner of Manitoba better, for looking through your images. I, for one, was deeply impressed by your views of the Interlake region." - Contest Judge, 2011

First Place Winner
Title: Almost Down
Photographer: Brian Turner, Winnipeg, Manitoba
Taken with an Olympus C350 Zoom at 1/200th of a second, aperture of f8.7, lens at 5.8mm, ISO 64
Here's what our Contest Judge had to say about Brian's winning photograph:
"I was immediately captured by the clear crispness of your image and the wonderful summer colours. Great layers add a degree of interest. But, the thing I like the most is the way the clouds seem to be pressing down on this old barn (which appears to have its own personality). It seems to be slipping into the sea of green that surrounds it. Great shot!"
Prizes include: gift certificates and prizes valued at $1000 including a $300 gift certificate from Don's Photo plus a One Night Stay in the Grand Suite at South Beach Casino - $260 value. Other sponsors for this prize include: Mask Restaurant, Red River Co-op, Mermaid's Kiss Gallery, Interlake Garden Centre, Crown Royal, and the Icelandic Festival.

Second Place Winner
Title: Thundering Silhouette
Photographer: Merlin Braun, Winnipeg, Manitoba
Taken with a Nikon D700 at 1/2500th of a second, aperture of f8, lens at 24mm, ISO 200, Exposure Bias -4/3EV
Here's what our Contest Judge had to say about Merlin's winning photograph:
"I love the choice of black and white here, as it adds to the mystique of your subject. What could be more symbolic of the Interlake than the Viking? You have created a great composition, with a sharp silhouette and dramatic sky. Great placement of the light sources behind the statue. Well done!"
Prizes include: gift certificates and prizes valued at $800 including a one-night's stay and steak dinner for two at the new Arborg Hotel - $200 value; a $100 Fine Dining gift certificate from the Fat Cat Bistro and a $50 gift certificate from Interlake Garden Centre. Other sponsors for this prize include: Whytewold Emporium, Steina's Studio, Johnson's, Sobeys, Taylor Pharmacy, Sandstone Gifts & Home, Stringer Rentals, Diamond Beach Giftware & Gimli Florist, Beachcomber Hair, Crown Royal and the Icelandic Festival.

Third Place Winner
Title: Bad Hair Day
Photographer: Anne Klassen, Winnipeg, Manitoba
Taken with a Sony DSLR-A550 at 1/250th of a second, aperture of f6.3, lens at 500mm, ISO 200
Here's what our Contest Judge had to say about Anne's winning photograph:
"This could have been just another bird afloat picture, but those unkempt feathers make this image whimsical as well as interesting. A great example of the waterfowl of the Interlake region. I also like the feather's shadows on his head. Well seen."
Prizes include: gift certificates and prizes valued at $600 including a gift certificate valued at $150 from Lakeview Resort in Gimli for a One Night Stay For Two. Other sponsors for this prize include: Interlake Garden Centre, Tergesens, Koma Heim Trading, Sun-Sky Wellness, Fish Lips Hemp Shop, Brennivin's Restaurant, Spruce Sands Café, Crown Royal and the Icelandic Festival.

Honorable Mention
Title: Rise Of Balance
Photographer: Ricky Perkins, Gimli, Manitoba
Taken with a Nikon D200) at 1/8th of a second, aperture of f10, lens at 18mm, ISO 400
Here's what our Contest Judge had to say about Ricky's winning photograph:
Taken with a Canon 50D (tripod) at 1/80th of a second, aperture of f8, lens at 17mm, ISO 200
"This photograph is a beautiful, serene lakeside capture. The human figure adds to the sense of peacefullness and serves as a good counterbalance to the natural beauty. Well done!"
Prizes include: gift certificates and prizes valued at $300 which include a One Night Stay at the Viking Inn (Gimli) and breakfast for two ($120 value) along with prizes from the following additional sponsors: Solmundson's Greenhouse, Arborg Nic Nacs & Flowers, Reykjavik Bakery, Steina's Studio and the Icelandic Festival.