1st Place: Arch Angle
We always suggest looking for a new perspective on oft-photographed subjects, a concept Saudi Arabian marketing manger Faisal Almalki, 32, embraces. And we, in turn, have embraced the strong graphic sensibility he brings to his photos: He took first prize in this contest in June 2008 for his intense close-up of his mother’s eyes, and has now wowed us a second time with this complex interior view of the Grande Arche de la Défense in Paris.
“There are so many famous photos of this building, and I was hoping to do one that shows it in a new way,” he says. “I was moving from one side to another when I noticed this ‘grand’ view of the bars holding the elevators, and I thought this was it.” See more of his work at www.exactish.com.
Tech info: Canon EOS 40D with 10–20mm f/4–5.6 Sigma EX DC HSM lens. Exposure, 1/640 sec at f/4, ISO 100. Levels adjusted in Adobe Photoshop CS3.
2nd Place: Breaking Away
“Living in New York City makes it a little hard to be a wildlife photographer, but I try and get out as much as I can,” says Danny Nestor, a detective in the New York City Police Department. He captured this lyrical yet action-packed photo at a roundup run at Bar W Guest Ranch in Whitefish, MT. Nestor kept his eye (and camera) trained on the galloping horses and clicked just as these three broke from the pack. Check out more of his photography at www.dannynest.tripod.com.
Tech info: Canon EOS 40D with 100–400mm f/4.5–5.6L Canon EF IS lens. Exposure, 1/500 sec at f/5.6, ISO 400.
3rd Place: Peaceful Pause
Gilles Marcotte, 42, an aspiring professional photographer from Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada, didn’t just roll out of bed to get this sunrise shot at the Lake Louise boat launch in Banff National Park, Alberta. He made the four-hour drive in the wee hours to arrive at the popular spot before the hordes of tourists intruded on this serene scene.
Tech info: Tripod-mounted Nikon D80 with 18–70mm f/3.5–4.5G Nikkor IF-ED DX lens. Exposure, 1/45 sec at f/8, ISO 100. Converted in Adobe Camera RAW; minor adjustments to contrast, saturation and sharpening in Photoshop CS3.
Your Best Shot Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How do I enter?
A: Send digital images -- JPEG files of up to 1MB -- to YourBestShot@bonniercorp.com.
Q: How many photographs can I enter each month?
A: You may submit up to 5 digital images each month.
Q: Do you only accept "straight" photos, or can I manipulate my images?
A: Either is fine but be sure to tell us what you did. We expect you to make your photos look as good as you can through ordinary techniques such as cropping, color correction, and contrast adjustments. If you're submitting a composite image, please inform us when you send it. But if you're more into photo illustration, check out our annual Digital Wizard contest instead.
Q: How exactly should I name my files?
A: Please use your name as your file name, and if you're making submitting multiple files, number them consecutively. So if your name is Paul Jones and you're sending three photos, name your files pauljones1.jpg, pauljones2.jpg, and pauljones3.jpg.
Q: What kinds of photos win?
A: Our editors love all kinds of photography, so take a look at our web galleries of Your Best Shot winners and finalists. We want to see the best you have to offer. But we don't publish nudes, so keep it clean.
Q: Are there any special file requirements?
A: Yes, if accepted for publication, a 3MP or higher (9MB file size, uncompressed) image will be required. The bigger the better. Click here for more instructions. Also, you can help us keep track of your submission by naming your files after yourself (see the next question).
Q: Can I send slides or prints?
A: No. You can only e-mail digital images.
Q: Will you acknowledge receipt of my entry?
A: Sorry, but with the large volume of entries, that is not possible.
Q: What can I win?
A: If your photo is selected for First Place you will receive $300; $200 for Second Place; $100 for Third Place; and $50 for Honorable Mention. And your photo will be published in Popular Photography magazine and may be showcased in a gallery on the Pop Photo website.
Q: Are there any other chances to be selected?
A: Yes! Your photo could be selected for The Fix, a feature that shows how to make good pictures even better. In that case, you will receive $100. If we run a small version of your photo in the magazine -- in a camera’s LCD screen, for instance -- we’ll give you a photo credit but no payment. Also, some runner-up photos may be showcased on the Pop Photo website. There is no prize money for that.
Q: What information should I send with the photos?
A: Your name, address, phone number, and e-mail address. Also, any technical information you can supply about the photo -- camera, lens, settings, film, software, and printer. Submitting a composite? Tell us! If you win and we need more material, we will contact you.
Q: Is there anything else I should know?
A: Yes! It's all in the "Official Rules."
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