Photo Contest Winners Gallery

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In a city sometimes criticized for focusing more on work deadlines than on people, Karima Evans, a professional photographer based in Arlington, is always happy to find a new way to have fun with love. During a summer photo shoot at the Georgetown Waterfo
In a city sometimes criticized for focusing more on work deadlines than on people, Karima Evans, a professional photographer based in Arlington, is always happy to find a new way to have fun with love. During a summer photo shoot at the Georgetown Waterfo

February 2011 Winner (Love Actually) Photograph by Karima Evans

At the Virgin Mobile FreeFest, DC's Michael Kandel was the only photographer onstage during a turbocharged performance by the up-and-coming indie band Sleigh Bells. The lead singer, Alexis Krauss, walked up to the edge of the stage and held her mike out t
At the Virgin Mobile FreeFest, DC’s Michael Kandel was the only photographer onstage during a turbocharged performance by the up-and-coming indie band Sleigh Bells. The lead singer, Alexis Krauss, walked up to the edge of the stage and held her mike out t

January 2011 Winner (Caught in the Moment) Photograph by Michael Kandel

DC attorney Melissa Dorn—who shoots with a Nikon D300—snapped this picture of a friend making snow angels on the deserted Mall. "The snow was so deep that it took a couple of us just to pull him out," Dorns says.
DC attorney Melissa Dorn—who shoots with a Nikon D300—snapped this picture of a friend making snow angels on the deserted Mall. “The snow was so deep that it took a couple of us just to pull him out,” Dorns says.

December 2010 Winner (Snowmaggedon) Photograph by Melissa Dorn, DC

Traffic-snarling snowbanks weren't the only remarkable features of last February's record-breaking blizzards. In Fairfax Station, architectural photographer Eric Taylor couldn't help but notice an icicle hanging from the roof of his house. "I saw the inte
Traffic-snarling snowbanks weren’t the only remarkable features of last February’s record-breaking blizzards. In Fairfax Station, architectural photographer Eric Taylor couldn’t help but notice an icicle hanging from the roof of his house. “I saw the inte

November 2010 Winner (Into the Abstract) Photograph by Eric Taylor, Fairfax Station

"The Stranger". Just how spooky can Georgetown be? The answer certainly surprised Amber N. Wiley, winner of October's "Haunted" photo contest. Breaking off from a walking tour of historic Tudor Place, Wiley suddenly sensed someone watching her. "I tur
“The Stranger”. Just how spooky can Georgetown be? The answer certainly surprised Amber N. Wiley, winner of October’s “Haunted” photo contest. Breaking off from a walking tour of historic Tudor Place, Wiley suddenly sensed someone watching her. “I tur

October 2010 Winner (Haunted) Photograph by Amber N. Wiley, DC

During a trip to the National Zoo, DC writer and photographer Maureen Minehan skipped the traditional animal shots in favor of a close-up look at the tiger's moat. Noticing how the morning light transformed a lily pad and the water surrounding it into so
During a trip to the National Zoo, DC writer and photographer Maureen Minehan skipped the traditional animal shots in favor of a close-up look at the tiger’s moat. Noticing how the morning light transformed a lily pad and the water surrounding it into so

September 2010 Photo Contest Winner (Flora & Fauna) Photograph by Maureen Minehan, DC

In a city focused on forging ahead, civil engineer Paul Koptya took a more circuitous approach to August's transportation-themed photo contest. His electric photo of the swing ride at this summer's Montgomery County Fair—shot with long exposure on a Niko
In a city focused on forging ahead, civil engineer Paul Koptya took a more circuitous approach to August’s transportation-themed photo contest. His electric photo of the swing ride at this summer’s Montgomery County Fair—shot with long exposure on a Niko

August 2010 Winner (On the Move) Photograph by Paul Kopyta, Germantown

The energy of Arlington's Salsa Room comes alive in this vibrant picture taken at an Oscar D'Leon concert in April. While performing, the legendary Venezuelan singer (holding maracas on the right) invited fans onstage to dance. Photographer Jon Trevino,
The energy of Arlington’s Salsa Room comes alive in this vibrant picture taken at an Oscar D’Leon concert in April. While performing, the legendary Venezuelan singer (holding maracas on the right) invited fans onstage to dance. Photographer Jon Trevino,

July 2010 Winner (After Hours) Photograph by Jon Trevino, Chantilly

Arlington attorney Rena Schild captured respect across generations—and 34 percent of reader vote—with this picture taken during Rolling Thunder, an annual event on Memorial Day weekend that raises awareness of POW/MIA issues. Though most Rolling Thunder
Arlington attorney Rena Schild captured respect across generations—and 34 percent of reader vote—with this picture taken during Rolling Thunder, an annual event on Memorial Day weekend that raises awareness of POW/MIA issues. Though most Rolling Thunder

June 2010 Winner (People Watching) Photograph by Rena Schild, Arlington

"Fiesta DC". Silver Spring artist Joelle Price says she aims to capture the vibrancy of local culture every time she does out with a camera. At Mount Pleasant's annual Fiesta DC, she snapped the winning photo in May's celebration-themed contest. The pic
“Fiesta DC”. Silver Spring artist Joelle Price says she aims to capture the vibrancy of local culture every time she does out with a camera. At Mount Pleasant’s annual Fiesta DC, she snapped the winning photo in May’s celebration-themed contest. The pic

May 2010 Winner (Celebration) Photograph by Joelle Price, Silver Spring

"City Life". This glowing IRS building in New Carrollton on a January night, received 33 percent of the reader vote. The bold lines and bright windows grab the eye, but it's the Metrobus that brings the message home. "I couldn't believe it when
“City Life”. This glowing IRS building in New Carrollton on a January night, received 33 percent of the reader vote. The bold lines and bright windows grab the eye, but it’s the Metrobus that brings the message home.
“I couldn’t believe it when

April 2010 Winner: Architecture Photograph by Hassan Ali, Riverdale.

"Sahara Desert, Morocco" is a shot from Arlington resident Aaron Edward's February 2009 trip to Morocco. Edwards was abroad on business when he decided to organize a camping weekend in the Sahara with coworkers. "I took a ton of photos," says Edwards.
“Sahara Desert, Morocco” is a shot from Arlington resident Aaron Edward’s February 2009 trip to Morocco. Edwards was abroad on business when he decided to organize a camping weekend in the Sahara with coworkers. “I took a ton of photos,” says Edwards.

March 2010 Winner (Travel) Photograph by Aaron Edwards, Arlington.

"Runner", an off-kilter shot of a runner near the Lincoln Memorial, won with 49 percent of the reader vote. Arlington resident Eric Brown, who shoots with a Pentax DSLR camera, snapped the photo as part of a sunrise photo outing. "I love how it's angled
“Runner”, an off-kilter shot of a runner near the Lincoln Memorial, won with 49 percent of the reader vote. Arlington resident Eric Brown, who shoots with a Pentax DSLR camera, snapped the photo as part of a sunrise photo outing. “I love how it’s angled

February 2010 Winner (Stripes) Photograph by Eric Brown, Arlington.

"Smiling Duck" won with 39 percent of the reader vote. The photographer snapped the photo at Wheaton's Brookside Gardens on an overcast day. A hobbyist who loves nature photography, Forrest was out shooting butterflies and flowers when she saw the duck
“Smiling Duck” won with 39 percent of the reader vote. The photographer snapped the photo at Wheaton’s Brookside Gardens on an overcast day. A hobbyist who loves nature photography, Forrest was out shooting butterflies and flowers when she saw the duck

January 2010 Winner (Simple Pleasures) Photograph by Ellen M. Forrest, Bethesda.

"Brothers in Arms" depicts Little Leaguers Rocky, eight, and AJ, five. The photo was submitted by their father, James Grimes of Chesapeake Beach, who'd asked his friend John Marshall to photograph the boys at the last game of the season. Says Grimes: "T
“Brothers in Arms” depicts Little Leaguers Rocky, eight, and AJ, five. The photo was submitted by their father, James Grimes of Chesapeake Beach, who’d asked his friend John Marshall to photograph the boys at the last game of the season. Says Grimes: “T

December 2009 Winner (Togetherness) Photograph by Jon Marshall, Chesapeake Beach.

"Dawn's Early Light" was captured on an early morning photo walk when the photographer wandered away from his group and saw the sun peeking through the columns near one of the Jefferson Memorial's side entrances. "We'd been there for two hours, and that
“Dawn’s Early Light” was captured on an early morning photo walk when the photographer wandered away from his group and saw the sun peeking through the columns near one of the Jefferson Memorial’s side entrances. “We’d been there for two hours, and that

November 2009 Winner (Wide Angle) Photograph by Robert E. Klimkiewicz, Jr., Manassas

"Guards of Honor" was taken at a 2007 Independence Day parade. Two-and-a-half year old Mythili, Menon's daughter, wandered into the frame while he was shooting a photo of the honor guard. "Everyone looked so serious," Menon says. "But there was my daugh
“Guards of Honor” was taken at a 2007 Independence Day parade. Two-and-a-half year old Mythili, Menon’s daughter, wandered into the frame while he was shooting a photo of the honor guard. “Everyone looked so serious,” Menon says. “But there was my daugh

October 2009 Winner (Contrast) Photograph by Shyam Menon, Germantown.

"Apples Away" is by 16-year-old Elise Benjamin. Her entry was the first photo series to ever win Washingtonian's photo contest. The pictures are self-portraits. Using the timer on her Canon Digital Rebel XTi, Benjamin posed and shot the sequence until
“Apples Away” is by 16-year-old Elise Benjamin. Her entry was the first photo series to ever win Washingtonian’s photo contest. The pictures are self-portraits. Using the timer on her Canon Digital Rebel XTi, Benjamin posed and shot the sequence until

September 2009 Winner (Fall Colors) Photograph by Elise Benjamin, Gaithersburg.

"Pop of Pink" is a shot of a rehabbed bike outside Baked & Wired in Georgetown. The photographer's roommate, Erin Hamilton—who can be seen in the background— suggested a day of shooting in DC. To get this winning shot, the photographer had to lie in the
“Pop of Pink” is a shot of a rehabbed bike outside Baked & Wired in Georgetown. The photographer’s roommate, Erin Hamilton—who can be seen in the background— suggested a day of shooting in DC. To get this winning shot, the photographer had to lie in the

August 2009 Winner (Trash and Treasure) Photograph by Allie Carroll, Arlington.

"Daysahead" is from the National Gallery of Art's summer jazz series. The photographer says the July 10 concert was the first he'd ever attended at the sculpture garden. As the Georgia-based jazz duo Daysahead performed, Oh snapped photos, stopping near
“Daysahead” is from the National Gallery of Art’s summer jazz series. The photographer says the July 10 concert was the first he’d ever attended at the sculpture garden. As the Georgia-based jazz duo Daysahead performed, Oh snapped photos, stopping near

July 2009 Winner (Send Us Your Best Photo) Photograph by Brian Oh, Vienna

The photographer shot "Honor Guard" at the US Air Force Memorial in Arlington as part of her ongoing project to photograph all of the area's memorials, statues, and monuments. "I liked the nighttime lighting and thought it would be pretty cool in black a
The photographer shot “Honor Guard” at the US Air Force Memorial in Arlington as part of her ongoing project to photograph all of the area’s memorials, statues, and monuments. “I liked the nighttime lighting and thought it would be pretty cool in black a

June 2009 Winner (Strength) Photograph by Kim Baker, Falls Church.

"Gallery Place" was taken by the photographer setting his camera on the floor at the bottom of the Gallery Place Metro escalator and opening the lens for five seconds while the stairs cycled through. An amateur photographer, Swift was the first contest w
“Gallery Place” was taken by the photographer setting his camera on the floor at the bottom of the Gallery Place Metro escalator and opening the lens for five seconds while the stairs cycled through. An amateur photographer, Swift was the first contest w

may 2009 Winner (Shapes) Photograph by Jim Swift, Alexandria.

"Ocean City" is a picture of the photographer's two friends during a summer at a Maryland beach town. "I wanted to submit that one to the contest because it made me smile," says the photographer, who used a Canon 5D. A native of Ukraine, Gorbachenko say
“Ocean City” is a picture of the photographer’s two friends during a summer at a Maryland beach town. “I wanted to submit that one to the contest because it made me smile,” says the photographer, who used a Canon 5D. A native of Ukraine, Gorbachenko say

April 2009 Winner (Joy) Photograph by Yulia Gorbachenko, Arlington.

"Election Night". When Barack Obama was elected, Gilley took to the streets. Armed with a Canon 40D and a 50-milimeter 1.4 lens, she headed to 14th and U streets, NW, then followed a crowd south to the White House. For nearly five hours, Gilley snapped
“Election Night”. When Barack Obama was elected, Gilley took to the streets. Armed with a Canon 40D and a 50-milimeter 1.4 lens, she headed to 14th and U streets, NW, then followed a crowd south to the White House. For nearly five hours, Gilley snapped

March 2009 Winner (Only in Washington) Photograph by Amanda K. Gilley, Silver Spring.

Miles spotted the subject of "Homeless" on a street corner near Howard University during Homecoming weekend. "He was almost like a walking billboard," says the photographer, who snapped the portrait with a Nikon 3D.
Miles spotted the subject of “Homeless” on a street corner near Howard University during Homecoming weekend. “He was almost like a walking billboard,” says the photographer, who snapped the portrait with a Nikon 3D.

February 2009 Winner (Colors) Photograph by Quentin Miles, Fort Belvoir.

"Wisdom and the Future" depicts Achal Verma and his newborn grandson, Aman. The photographer was hired by the Verma family to photograph a traditional Indian ceremony celebrating the child's birth. "I took one look at Achal and envisioned this photograp
“Wisdom and the Future” depicts Achal Verma and his newborn grandson, Aman. The photographer was hired by the Verma family to photograph a traditional Indian ceremony celebrating the child’s birth. “I took one look at Achal and envisioned this photograp

January 2009 Winner (Black-and-White) Photograph by Meyer Gladstone, Boyds, MD.

"Girl in the Corner". When the photographer's daughter Katherine got a purple dress from her great-aunt as a gift, she fell in love with it and agreed to pose in it. "I pictured the photograph with Katherine's back against the wall," Saeed says. "When
“Girl in the Corner”. When the photographer’s daughter Katherine got a purple dress from her great-aunt as a gift, she fell in love with it and agreed to pose in it. “I pictured the photograph with Katherine’s back against the wall,” Saeed says. “When

December 2008 Winner (Portraits) Photograph by Kelly Moffat Saeed, Germantown.

'National Gallery, East Wing". The contest theme, architecture, might have given Lujan an edge: the photographer is an architect. On a summer museum visit, he says, he was struck by the East Wing's coffered ceiling. As he was adjusting his Nikon D70 ca
‘National Gallery, East Wing”. The contest theme, architecture, might have given Lujan an edge: the photographer is an architect. On a summer museum visit, he says, he was struck by the East Wing’s coffered ceiling. As he was adjusting his Nikon D70 ca

November 2008 Winner (Architecture) Photograph by Cesar Lujan, Washington.

"Flaming Lips". A lifelong music lover, Smith took the photo at a Flaming Lips concert at the 9:30 club in 2003. It was his first time hearing the Oklahoma rock band, and he was hooked. In the five years since, Smith estimates he's seen the Lips at lea
“Flaming Lips”. A lifelong music lover, Smith took the photo at a Flaming Lips concert at the 9:30 club in 2003. It was his first time hearing the Oklahoma rock band, and he was hooked. In the five years since, Smith estimates he’s seen the Lips at lea

October 2008 Winner (Light) Photograph by Brian Smith, Washington.

"Rossyln Metro". A marketing specialist who moonlights as a wedding and event photographer, Kelley shot this photo with a Canon 30D and a 15-milimeter fisheye lens. The photo was an example of being at the right place at the right time, Kelley says— he
“Rossyln Metro”. A marketing specialist who moonlights as a wedding and event photographer, Kelley shot this photo with a Canon 30D and a 15-milimeter fisheye lens. The photo was an example of being at the right place at the right time, Kelley says— he

September 2008 Winner (Transportation) Photograph by Tim Kelley, Arlington.

"Skateboard Shadow". Gibson, a 17-year-old senior at Chantilly High School, regularly skates with friend Troy Hellman. One night, Gibson decided to bring along his camera gear, a Canon EOS 40D with a 16-to-35 millimeter lens and an external flash. He t
“Skateboard Shadow”. Gibson, a 17-year-old senior at Chantilly High School, regularly skates with friend Troy Hellman. One night, Gibson decided to bring along his camera gear, a Canon EOS 40D with a 16-to-35 millimeter lens and an external flash. He t

August 2008 Winner (Sports) Photograph by Zach Gibson, Centreville.

'Grad Gets Air". The winner of our first-ever photo contest, Ventura's photograph shows his eldest son, Christopher, moments after receiving his diploma from the Naval Academy. Ventura says his son tipped him off that he'd celebrate with a leaping heel
‘Grad Gets Air”. The winner of our first-ever photo contest, Ventura’s photograph shows his eldest son, Christopher, moments after receiving his diploma from the Naval Academy. Ventura says his son tipped him off that he’d celebrate with a leaping heel

July 2008 Winner (Summer Memories) Photograph by Stefan Ventura, Bethesda.

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