Photo Contest and Show Draws Entries from 18 Cities
by Micki Nellis
March 19, 2012 – Eight camera enthusiasts from this area won awards at last weekend’s photo contest. From Cleburne, Sam Fenstermacher, Ronnie Wiggin, Henry Long, Hayden Helmcamp and Jacob McConathy all won awards. From Covington, Peggy Cathey and Dan Cathey won awards, and from Grandview, Trey Johnson took first place in the Youth Division.
Cleburne Camera Club’s photo contest and exhibit March 17 and 18 drew 141 entries from 18 different cities and 200 attendees. Professional photographer Ed Barerra of Fort Worth judged the entries, which were tagged only with a number for the judging. Local merchants donated cash and prizes.
Winners are: First Place Adult Division, Hal Waller of Mansfield with “Pending Arrival,” a clever photo of a hand holding up an egg with a shadow of a person trying to get out. Hal also won second place with “Fish for Breakfast,” a photo of a sea bird feeding her young.
Other winners in the adult category were: Third place, Sam Fenstermacher of Cleburne with “Burger Bar,” a photo taken in downtown Cleburne; First Honorable Mention, Peggy Cathey of Covington with “Ready for Takeoff,” a closeup of an insect ready to fly; Second Honorable Mention, Ronnie Wiggin of Cleburne with “Snow Tree”; and Third Honorable Mention Jerri Myers of North Richland Hills with “Float Trip.”
Youth winners (below age 18) were Trey Johnson, Grandview, First Place with “Face to Face”; Hayden Helmcamp, Cleburne, with “Hope in Bastrop”; and Jacob McConathy, Cleburne, with “Martin”.
Cleburne Mayor Justin Hewlett gave the Mayor’s Choice prize to Dan Cathey of Covington for his “Reflections,” a clever photo of downtown Cleburne as reflected in a merchant window.
Attendees voted on a “People’s Choice” award, which went to Henry Long of Cleburne for “Morning on Mormon Row,” taken in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
Bob Force, Master of Ceremonies and professional photographer himself, said “I was here during the judging and I can tell you that the judge looked closely and thoroughly at each photograph. He had a tough job.”
Henry Long, Cleburne Camera Club president, said “I was very proud of the excellent quality of the photographers, who demonstrated all types of digital techniques and creative subjects. Everyone attending the exhibit enjoyed the wide range of photographs from landscapes to portraits.”
Long continued “Cleburne is fortunate to have a venue such as the McGregor House to host cultural events which add to the quality of life in our city. I heard many positive comments from the photographers and visitors, expressing admiration of the finish and beauty of the McGregor House.
“I thank all of our sponsors for their support, the City of Cleburne , the Cleburne Chamber of Commerce, and all the hardworking Camera Club members, who helped make this Contest and Exhibit successful. We are looking forward to our Contest next year.” This is the second year of the contest. Last year’s contest drew 98 entries.