Comments
Kayak good. Boy scouts so so. Dad lifting daughter total snapshot.
Posted by: Ivana B Photographer | Aug 13, 2008 09:57:14 PM
Congrats to the winner (Stu Griffith’s Kayak). The photo is artistically and technically gorgeous, and it evokes such marvelous and deep feelings.
Congratulations to all of the runners up! I’ve enjoyed looking at your photos.
Posted by: J. | Aug 06, 2008 01:50:27 PM
Well im voting the graduate for many reasons the first is because my couzin is the grad and my uncle took it. Also because he just started photograghy and is really good at it so if he can pull that kind of picture off... Im really proud. My father is a professional photographer and i dont think he could of taken a picture better than this one, so it has my vote
Posted by: Laura Ventura | Aug 01, 2008 08:15:21 PM
I think the Kayak one is good - but some of these you could have taken them anywhere - Aside from the Naval Graduation shot none of these really scream DC - I think you should have put the B&W from the metro stop, instead.
Posted by: A. | Jul 31, 2008 02:55:27 PM
Definitely Baseball and Hotdogs!
Posted by: Screech | Jul 31, 2008 08:16:21 AM
Navy gets my vote...this once. My West Point grad had the same feeling a year ago. GO ARMY!!!
Posted by: Margaret | Jul 30, 2008 02:57:03 PM
Definitely the Kayak Picture
Posted by: Simran | Jul 30, 2008 01:51:44 PM
The graduating midshipman photo is my pick. Priceless!
Posted by: Bill Byman | Jul 30, 2008 12:12:46 PM
Sorry, but I cannot understand how the hotdog (sans baseball) made it; the kayak shot is technically great; but the other three have the most important facet-human emotion. I agree with those that agree with me: The Navy Grad says it all.
Posted by: Walt | Jul 30, 2008 11:50:20 AM
On the two comments below: AGREED -- more prominence should be given to the runners up. There are some really good shots, and I wonder how some of them may have fared in this voting, skewed as it is. DISAGREE: The kayak shot encompasses everything good about photography, and shows viewers a side of the DC area that few get to see. If you look at Westmoreland area, the river is five or six miles across, so that was not an easy shot to get. GENERAL: Also, if you don’t like a photo, then don’t vote for it. There’s no need to criticize any of these photographers for their art/hobby. For some, a lot of hard work goes into taking these photographs, and they were obviously good enough to be selected from a pool of 350. Generic and cliché are comments that use the words "generic" and "cliché."
Posted by: tbetts | Jul 30, 2008 06:25:37 AM
I’ve seen a few comments about the Runners Up photos and I’m wondering how many people have actually seen and clicked on the small link to the photos that are runners up. There really are some nice shots in that bunch and it would be nice if the link to those photos was posted a little more prominently. It would also be nice if there could be a comments section for those photos, too. Regardless, this has been a great and fun contest.
Posted by: Eric Jensen | Jul 29, 2008 01:10:25 PM
the kayak picture is so generic and cliche.
Posted by: chris | Jul 29, 2008 07:55:59 AM
The picture of the new Naval Academy Grad says it all: pride, spirit, enthusiasm and relief. Hope he carries those qualities forward as he matures in his service to the country.
Posted by: Bob Marquette | Jul 29, 2008 07:37:30 AM
All are great. But for that Ensign, it’s a truly priceless moment! Beat Army!
Posted by: Tailgate1 | Jul 28, 2008 05:10:23 PM
Admit bias, as the T-shirt sez "Been ther, done that, got the Tee-shirt.Still remember the feeling 57 years later.My grandson is a classmate of the Mid’n.and I got the feeling again.
In his career the Midshipman will be a resident of D.C. sooner or later.
Posted by: Frank USNA '51 | Jul 28, 2008 02:16:43 PM
"For a regional magazine, there is no mistake that the midshipman clearly defines the region..." Ya gotta be kidding me!!! The name of the magazine is "Washingtonian" - which defines the greater metropolitan area including DC, NoVa and surrounding MD counties; not Annapolis! So if we’re talking about defining this region, nothing says summertime in DC like the new Nats stadium AND all the delicious condiments!
Posted by: | Jul 28, 2008 11:50:30 AM
I bet the new Ensign had been waiting all four years to do that.
Go Navy!
Posted by: Pat Fox | Jul 28, 2008 10:05:55 AM
I see this week’s wave of email have gone out to solicit votes for the hot dog and the graduate. The bunching up of comments is a dead give away.
Posted by: | Jul 28, 2008 08:49:50 AM
Baseball & Loaded Hot Dogs...what could capture Summer in America better?!
Posted by: Tina in Abington, PA | Jul 28, 2008 08:49:35 AM
For a regional magazine, there is no mistake that the midshipman clearly defines the region and the moment. The shot must have been captured with a very long lens at the perfect second, at the perfect angle, at the peak of his leap, at the height of his emotions and with the great response of the Admirals. It cannot be recreated and has that WOW factor.
Posted by: | Jul 28, 2008 07:11:42 AM
Something is awry when one photo draws 50% of the votes.
Posted by: | Jul 28, 2008 06:11:05 AM
The hot dog in summer at a baseball game is Americana at its best!!! Go Nats.
Posted by: Al Navas | Jul 27, 2008 05:48:22 PM
Awesome!
Posted by: Sonia | Jul 27, 2008 02:07:09 PM
go go
Posted by: lee | Jul 27, 2008 06:00:44 AM
Hot + dog = winner!
Posted by: Copenhagen | Jul 27, 2008 05:58:59 AM
I’m not sure if too many readers went to view the runners up, but there are some terrific photos there as well...and I think some are even better than the top five, except for the hot dog! That is by far the best composition, color and statement. How clever!
Posted by: DPC | Jul 27, 2008 05:56:19 AM
To the new Ensign: Been there, done that. Fly ’em higher, have as much fun as I did and check 6 check 6 check 6. Out
Posted by: Captain,USN | Jul 26, 2008 09:45:41 PM
I vote for Sandy Pugh’s "Hot Dogs & Baseball" photo.
We all "relish" the thought of Sandy Pugh winning !!!!
Posted by: Betsy Kuzmuk | Jul 26, 2008 05:41:12 PM
[quote]When hot dogs and baseball defend democacy, I’ll vote for them. [/quote]
And your right to quit school...
Posted by: Scott Patterson | Jul 26, 2008 01:43:29 AM
After reading all the comments posted to-date I just had to respond. I must admit the kayak photo is beautiful but given the fact that it’s a "still photo" I’ve gotta go with the Navy grad. Nothing is harder than trying to get a really good "action shot". Clicking at just the right moment to get everything in the photo perfect is extremely difficult. Gotta go with the Navy grad but I do agree the kayak is really great too.
Posted by: DKB | Jul 25, 2008 03:53:40 PM
I like the fact that a lot of people are looking at our shots and whether the voting is skewed or not, makes no difference to me. I’m thrilled to have a photo in the top 5 (and a runner up) and am enjoying the process of watching the votes and the comments come in on the website. If it were a panel of judges, I’m certain not nearly as many people would view the photos online, so I’m glad the Washingtonian has chosen this interactive voting format. I’d be curious to find out how many hits this page has gotten and what the total number of votes cast has been. I’m looking forward to future contests. This has been fun.
Posted by: Eric Jensen | Jul 25, 2008 11:44:05 AM
I agree with Eugune, 3 down. This is a popularity contest. Looks like the best photo here is not not going to win.
Posted by: | Jul 25, 2008 07:57:49 AM
My vote is for the USNA Graduate photo. The photo is a remarkable spontaneous, moment of action captured and reflects a great degree of difficulty for composing such an emotion filled shot. Any photographer would know this one is a gem!
Posted by: Eenee | Jul 25, 2008 06:09:08 AM
I love the shot of the Naval Academy Grad...it evokes pure emotion and I can’t help but smile!! Awesome shot!!!
Posted by: ksb19 | Jul 25, 2008 03:18:47 AM
I won’t comment on which picture got my vote.
But leaving the vote up to the people is nothing more than a popularity contest. The one who has invited more friends, or even strangers, to vote for him/her is going to win. The artistic merit, technical composition, difficulty of capturing the shot - all that goes out the gutter when you open up the voting to the public. Shame on the Washingtonian for not selecting a panel of judges to pick the winner!
Posted by: Eugene | Jul 24, 2008 08:22:55 PM
They are all really great - but the graduate photo just pops as the best overall pic - emotion, color, surprise, energy. It’s just there -
Posted by: Me Myself | Jul 24, 2008 07:42:12 PM
The picture of the graduate gets my vote!
Posted by: Margarita | Jul 24, 2008 07:39:16 PM
In the runnerups, the slip and slide was the only one to compete with the kayak and the USNA grad... Unfortunate it didn’t make it to finals.
Posted by: Ben | Jul 24, 2008 03:10:16 PM
When hot dogs and baseball defend democacy, I’ll vote for them.
Posted by: alex | Jul 24, 2008 12:28:04 PM
i agree with everything everyone is saying about the graduate photo. it is a very nice snapshot taken of an accomplished young man by his deservedly proud father. but in considering difficulty of shot, framing and composition, contrast, etc., it’s just not there. the father was planted there waiting for that moment. emotionally, perhaps the best photo of the bunch. artistically, difficulty, not. also, this voting format is clearly flawed as we have all watched the vote margin widen almost exponentially all day. i recommend a panel of judges in the future, as the best overall photo clearly is not poised to win. and perhaps the obvious bottom photo may even take second.
Posted by: | Jul 24, 2008 11:59:48 AM
GO NAVY!!!!!!!
Posted by: Julita & Paul | Jul 24, 2008 06:55:37 AM
Great photos!!!
Posted by: | Jul 24, 2008 06:25:19 AM
All of these photos are great. But this is a summer "photo" contest, not an "art" contest. Nothing says summer more than two of America’s most beloved icons - hot dogs and baseball.
Posted by: Tom | Jul 24, 2008 06:03:28 AM
The Kayak is a great photo. The winner in my opinion!
Posted by: Melanie | Jul 24, 2008 05:13:23 AM
I LOVE that Sailor Boy. The picture is fantastic
Posted by: Dorty in Holly Hill, Fl | Jul 24, 2008 04:48:28 AM
Anyone can take a picture of a hot dog with the right focus, a picture of their kids at a parade, take a picture of the potomac (which i must say, i’ve never seen it look so nice) and capture their baby laughing as they lift her in the air but honestly? taking a picture of your son graduating from the US Naval Academy jumping so high in the air like that? Amazing. I bet out of the thousands of people there at that graduation, no one got a picture like that. Got my vote!
All the pictures are great though!
Posted by: Jean | Jul 24, 2008 12:58:08 AM
Love the tranquility of the journey in front of the kayak
Posted by: Bobby Deal | Jul 24, 2008 12:06:19 AM
The grad is a great photo but the depth of field with the Kayak makes me feel like I’m on the boat. The Kayak gets my vote.
Posted by: Diana | Jul 23, 2008 09:02:12 PM
Little girls are made of sugar & spice. We all know what hotdogs are made of......lips and_ _ _
Posted by: vanderclute | Jul 23, 2008 08:09:08 PM
The dad & daughter rock!!!
Posted by: klontarf | Jul 23, 2008 07:35:59 PM
Pure Joy! There is nothing like that moment captured in the Naval Academy graduate’s jump. Could anyone be happier? What an amazing picture! Love the look on the Admiral’s face too.
Posted by: Terry | Jul 23, 2008 07:27:32 PM
sensorflek I’m with you. Kind of spoils the fun when it comes down to who has the biggest email blast list. Undoubtedly, someone can "get around it" I’m sure
Posted by: kara | Jul 23, 2008 07:05:12 PM
Understanding the commitment - Rejoicing in the accomplishment! This picture IS a thousand words!!
Posted by: svtinpa | Jul 23, 2008 07:03:13 PM
The United State Naval Academy GRAD - SAYS IT ALL!!!
The graduates start at a very young age - most of them were Cubscouts, then Boy Scouts and made Eagle Scout. This is a cumulation of many years - ALL IN 1 photo. I can’t wait to be at my sons graduation in 2011.
IT’S SO AWESOME!!
Posted by: Donna Kononchik | Jul 23, 2008 06:11:20 PM
I agree, the Grad gets air or the Kayak
Posted by: rsijoe | Jul 23, 2008 06:05:32 PM
As a kayaker, I was stunned by the beauty of that photo.. As the mom of a midshipman, I can truly appreciate the joy of that young man. GO NAVY!
Posted by: Mary | Jul 23, 2008 06:00:09 PM
Not many can take a leap like this for themselves and for their country. This Grad has my vote!
Posted by: Dina Colligan | Jul 23, 2008 05:51:59 PM
Congrats to the Washingtonian for picking such a wondeful cross-section of photos. They truly capture the essence of summer in the DC area. The Grad is Joy. The Kayak Serene. The Dad & Daughter are Lovely. The Scouts are pure Innocence. And the Hot Dog ... what can I say, personally, it captures Everything that this contest is all about! It feeds the Body, Mind and Soul. Well done (no pun intended) :)
Posted by: Unbiased | Jul 23, 2008 05:10:02 PM
I personally like the kayak the best! The colours ar e beautifully saturated and I love the tranquil feel to the pic:)
Posted by: Ayesha Wilson | Jul 23, 2008 02:58:54 PM
Kayak
Posted by: drk | Jul 23, 2008 02:52:38 PM
The Kayak is my favorite. It is as if the kayak is coming right down the river with the clouds lifting and the sun about to shine brightly.
Posted by: ann mudd Maryland | Jul 23, 2008 02:47:15 PM
Only two are really worth competing for...the kayak and the grad. Even some of the runners up are better than these chosen finalists. Curious how you found it hard to narrow to three.
Posted by: | Jul 23, 2008 02:31:53 PM
The fact that so many people are voting positively for a hotdog says a lot about the obesity crisis in America.
Give an American junk food, and he will be yours!
The photo of the kayak shows calm exercise in the face of beautiful tranquility, and while it is inherently a labor of love to engage in paddling, it nevertheless entails work (i.e., paddling) so many will fearfully shy away from what is clearly the best picure in the group.
Posted by: Bob | Jul 23, 2008 02:09:07 PM
What a nonsens to enable any person to vote. The one submitter with the longest buddy-list is sure to win. Where are the values to technic and know-how?
Posted by: sensorfleck | Jul 23, 2008 02:01:29 PM
Wow Stefan,,,,,GREAT Photo! It is amazing!!! You caught the moment and emotions perfectly!!
Posted by: Anita | Jul 23, 2008 01:41:20 PM
congrats to everyone! esp the kayak shot . . . just love that one
Posted by: district photog | Jul 23, 2008 01:00:56 PM
Beautiful picture of Daddy and Daughter. Time spent with a chid is priceless- look at the expression on the baby’s face.
Posted by: Carol Gilchrist | Jul 23, 2008 12:58:15 PM
Im proud to say my cousin took the kayak picture, and although may be a bit partisan it is an incredible picture. The naval grad is also a great picture, but when it comes to the true nature of an artistic photograph; the serenity and beauty of that pic is simply brilliant.
Posted by: Scott G. | Jul 23, 2008 12:43:20 PM
Seeing the USNA Graduate "flying" BEFORE attending Aviation School is amazing! The challenges of the 4 years at the USNA Academy, which leads to this special day cannot be described in words; however, this picture says it all. This is a young man who did not "sleep in" during the week, did not skip ONE class during the 4 years and who treated everyone who was in his presence with respect. I congratulate him on his accomplishments and the proud father who took this picture to forever remind him of his child’s accomplishments! He’s got my vote!
Posted by: Vicki | Jul 23, 2008 12:39:06 PM
I get all the feelings elicited from the dog at the ballpark. I understand it represents a perfect summer afternoon to alot of you guys. But as a photo (and this is a photo contest), it is way out of its league compared to the others. Hard to narrow it down to just three? Not really. Ditch the dog and the daughter, and make it a real competition. My vote is the kayak. The hot dog photo is bush league at best (pun intended).
Posted by: tommyboy | Jul 23, 2008 11:47:36 AM
Q: "Hot dogs, the Nationals, ... what could be better?"
A: depth of FIELD --so that one might actually SEE that indeed it is a baseball field with Nat.s, et cetera.
The baby shot? --can’t everyone make this?
Nice would’ve been the child released (momentarily) into a captured spray of droplets, set against a suitably contrasting background.
The other three shots are quite nice: the serene river and natural hues, the light & dark & color & expressions of the scouts, and the human emotion breaching military decorum!!!
Posted by: Dan | Jul 23, 2008 10:06:56 AM
The Naval Academy graduate getting his degree is my great-nephew, headed for Naval Aviation. His dream is to fly an F-18 off a carrier. He’ll make it!
Posted by: Frederic D. Weekes | Jul 23, 2008 09:42:41 AM
to think of a loaded dog at a ballgame as art........as the boys at Guinness say.......genius!!
Posted by: paul david | Jul 23, 2008 08:41:30 AM
That sunset on the river is amazing. All of the finalists have something special about them, but the kayak is truly a top notch photograph. Congratulations to everyone.
Posted by: tonyt | Jul 23, 2008 08:07:10 AM
My sister is a Mid and I love that picture! That boy can get some air!
All the expressions in that picture are priceless!
Posted by: Jean | Jul 23, 2008 07:49:15 AM
One picture stands out as far as taking you on the roller coaster of events that led to that instant in time - The well deserved heel kick. Awesome pic. I would like to see a picture of the grin on the photographers face. Congrats.
Posted by: Starfish | Jul 23, 2008 07:46:36 AM
Grad caught in action, talk about great timing!!! What’s the chance of getting that kind of photo again?
Posted by: Joe Former | Jul 23, 2008 07:16:43 AM
can’t beat the look of the great hot dog, my mouth is watering now, I am HUNGRY
Posted by: lcp | Jul 23, 2008 07:14:58 AM
We need to continue to honor our Military Men and Women! BIG CONGRATS to Christopher!!!
Posted by: Patty | Jul 23, 2008 06:32:45 AM
The kayak image is carefully composed and a work of art. This is the winning shot!
Posted by: Ryan S. | Jul 23, 2008 06:27:00 AM
Summer, baseball,hotdog, what a trifecta!
Posted by: coach pdp | Jul 23, 2008 06:06:29 AM
They’re all great but in its own All-American, middle-of-summer way, that hotdog is a work of ART!
Posted by: cocoa | Jul 23, 2008 06:00:00 AM
Great picture of grad getting air!
Posted by: Richard | Jul 23, 2008 02:03:48 AM
The Grad Gets Air is a priceless photo, especially with Vice-Admiral Fowler’s expression. These Midshipmen aren’t really allowed to "let loose" for four years, this is their moment to do it....awesome picture!
Posted by: Hollis | Jul 22, 2008 08:59:31 PM
That is my great nephew beginning his exiting career in ther Navy. Way to go!
Posted by: Eric Swanson | Jul 22, 2008 08:26:08 PM
All great photos but that "Heel Kick" is indeed, PRICELESS, and we love the grin on the Admiral’s face!
Posted by: Proctors in Florida | Jul 22, 2008 08:06:26 PM
Oh my gosh - you can see the droplets of water falling off of that baby!
Posted by: susan | Jul 22, 2008 07:56:44 PM
The Kayak is a great shot. The daughter with dad is priceless and the cub scouts and graduation is what we’re all about, but the hot dog is just the way I like it, with mustard ketchup, onion and relish. The only thing that could make it better is cole slaw.
Posted by: John at Tysons | Jul 22, 2008 07:53:54 PM
Still pictures are just that posed. Moving pictures are a magic moment in the space of a nano second. The absolute joy of accomplishment on the face of the young man from the navy accademy is priceless.
Posted by: Brad Arbuckle | Jul 22, 2008 07:36:59 PM
Potomac Kayak. Beautifully serene, gorgeous photo!
But gotta love the high flyer!
Posted by: estermoon | Jul 22, 2008 06:36:31 PM
Too bad we can only vote for one best. There are more that are outstanding.
Posted by: Erika Jensen | Jul 22, 2008 05:53:16 PM
Anyone can eat a hotdog and take a picture . . . not everybody can get in a kayak and take a picture in the middle of the potomac. NO HANDS!!
Posted by: DCScene | Jul 22, 2008 05:28:49 PM
All of these photos are great. Many of the ones that didn’t make the top 5 are also terrific. I am not revealing my vote, but the Cub Scouts and Kayak are up there. Good luck!
Posted by: derek | Jul 22, 2008 05:27:09 PM
"I agree that the kayak picture demonstrates the most artistry! It is thoughtfully composed, and is a reminder of how much raw beauty Washington has to offer that is so often overlooked." YEAH, BUT CAN YOU EAT IT?
Posted by: Jmaes | Jul 22, 2008 05:11:03 PM
You just gotta love the different expressions on those kids faces riding the fire truck. Excited. Bored. Tired. Just great.
Posted by: Jon | Jul 22, 2008 04:42:31 PM
I LOVE the hot dog photo! It looks good enough to eat--and the fingers starting to reach in from the side of the frame convey exactly that wonderful anticipation! Great colors, too. Definitely a winner!
Posted by: Suzanne | Jul 22, 2008 04:13:25 PM
Come on!! That hot dog is fabulous! Hot dogs, the Nationals, summer time - what could be better?!!
Posted by: Princess McCullough | Jul 22, 2008 03:56:20 PM
Best Photo by far is Potomac Kayak.
Nuff Said!
Posted by: Jason Knutson | Jul 22, 2008 03:40:25 PM
I agree that the kayak picture demonstrates the most artistry! It is thoughtfully composed, and is a reminder of how much raw beauty Washington has to offer that is so often overlooked.
Posted by: DCScene | Jul 22, 2008 03:29:14 PM
The kayak is a work of art. My favorite!
Posted by: heather in kayak country on Vancouver Island | Jul 22, 2008 03:22:28 PM
be the kayak.
Posted by: charlie in florida | Jul 22, 2008 02:53:17 PM
I think the Kayak is the BeST.
Posted by: Sandra Mohr | Jul 22, 2008 01:56:10 PM
That is a tough call! I voted for the Kayak because it is the most artistic, but the dad and daughter is adorable.
Posted by: Sarah | Jul 22, 2008 01:51:45 PM
man the last one is priceless
Posted by: chad | Jul 22, 2008 01:47:42 PM
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