GRAND PRIZE WINNER
By Debbie DiCarlo Consultant, Richfield, OH "This particular area of the Chagrin River, flowing through the Cleveland's South Chagrin Reservation, is best known for the outdoor sculpture known as 'Squaw Rock' which was carved by artist and blacksmith Henry Church in 1885. One October afternoon I hiked a short distance from a picnic area and walked through the river, surrounded by shin-deep rushing water. I saw the softness in the background caused by the fog and mist, in direct contrast with the jagged rocks in the foreground. I wanted a unique point of view that put the viewer right in the midst of the scene, and took about a hundred images while standing in the water. I was thrilled to have had all of the perfect elements align that day—the soft light, the fog, the roaring water and the beauty of nature in general. I felt like I hit the jackpot!" Tech Info: Canon EOS 5D Mark III with 24–105mm f/4 IS Canon EF USM lens with Gitzo tripod, Really Right Stuff ballhead, ND filter, and circular polarizer; 1 sec at f/11, ISO 100. Minor edits in Adobe Camera Raw and Photoshop CS6; filters added in Nik Color Efex Pro 4.
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Great photos can come from anywhere, at any time. This year, our editors chose from an astoundingly diverse group of entries. On sport’s largest stages, in Europe’s historic cities, and even at a studio shoot in a spare bedroom, you made beautiful images. The latest competition proves yet again that anyone can make great pictures; next year, maybe you’ll be a winner.

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