June 2009
Barn Yard Critters Photo Contest
The results are in for this year’s photo contest. Flip through the next few pages to see if your entry is a winner. Hundreds of cooperative members from all over the state submitted their entries. Thanks to all participants for making this contest a success, and congratulations to the winners.
The judges had a fabulous time viewing the photos and reading what members had to write about their submissions. The judges say all the photos were winners. Each judge chose the top five entries in their category. Then, they met at the New Mexico Rural Electric Cooperative Association to choose the grand prize winner and winners in each of the three categories.
Winners receive $75 for first place, $50 for second place and $25 for third place. The grand prize winner receives $150 and the photo is featured on this month’s cover.
It’s not very often we get judges whose first names begin with the same letter—K in this case. Meet this year’s judges. Krista Brooks is a designer, illustrator and graphic artist who primarily specializes in animal art. You can view her “Works of ARF” on her website at www.RetroPets.com. She received a BFA in Graphic Design from Georgia State University.
Karen Earle-Brown is a photographer and artist. She is owner of Trompe Deluxe, a decorative painting business in Santa Fe. She has a BFA from the University of New Mexico, majoring in photography.
Kimber Wallwork-Heineman is a photographer and digital artist. You can view her work at www.kimbersphotography.com. She studied art at the University of New Mexico, Santa Fe Community College, the Santa Fe Photography Workshops, and other photography workshops throughout the state.
Grand Prize:
Lucky Shoes
Mickey Wright • Jémez Springs
Jémez Mountains Electric Cooperative
Wright submitted this photo of Ava and Cochiti, the alpaca. The photo was taken at Aspen Ridge Alpacas of Northern New Mexico in Jémez Springs. This is a gorgeous photo, comment the judges. The vivid colors, the clarity, and the interaction between the child and alpaca make this a grand composition.
Feathered Friends
Kim Treiber-Thompson • Taos
Kit Carson Electric Cooperative
First Place
Thompson writes she took this photo because it reminded her of old Taos. This is a classic photo, say the judges. They like how all the colors go together, and how the chicken stands tall claiming its territory.
Pat McNabb • Plain, TX
Lea County Electric Cooperative
Second Place
The Layne Morrow family has just a few chickens on their farm, but this rooster rules the roost, writes McNabb. The judges like the color and texture of the photo. They say this photo is a perfect greeting card
Kimberly Linker-Thunborg • Lemitar
Socorro Electric Cooperative
Third Place
We discovered that when my son, Trey, blew his trumpet in a particular way, our turkeys responded with a resounding and collective gobble writes Linker-Thunborg. The photo is a story in itself, and has a flair of human interest. Seeing the boy and the birds is very surreal say the judges.
Lucky Shoes
Chesna Smith • Raton
Springer Electric Cooperative
First Place
Smith took this photo one evening as she and Joel were on their way back home after loading panels on the wagon pulled by a pair of Percheron geldings, Ben and Bart. The photo is very picturesque and the blue sky is so New Mexico, say the judges. It’s a beautiful photo taken in the “golden hour” of the day.
Blinda Gossett • Portales
Roosevelt County Electric Cooperative
Second Place
Ella is fixing to give Major, the horse, a kiss writes Gossett. The judges call this photo, “The Kiss.” The girl’s pursed lips, stretched neck and the anticipation on her face make this photo a winner, say the judges.
Piggly Wigglies
Karen Farr • Datil
Socorro Electric Cooperative
First Place
We were working cattle and the kids were playing with a baby javalina. We call this picture “Beauty in the eyes of the beholder,” writes Farr. This is an “All American Girl,” say the judges. The mud, scratches, slight grin on the girl's face, and the bonding that’s going on makes this a wonderful candid photo. This girl went to a lot of trouble to round up this javalina, say the judges.
Jeanette Everett • Clovis
Farmers’ Electric Cooperative
Second Place
Piglets, Fred and Ethal, were born February 12, 2009, writes Everett. She used a “lensbaby” to get the effect seen in the photo. The judges give this photo a “thumbs up,” not only because the pigs are so cute, but because Everett was creative with using a special effect in her photography.
Charles Taff • Jal
Otero County Electric Cooperative
Third Place
Our daughter was given two orphaned feral piglets. They were so young, they had to be bottle-fed. We gave them a soccer ball to play with. The brown baby became a champion player, so we named her Mia Hamm, writes Taff. The judges agree they would like to cuddle up to this piglet. Great perspective.
2010 Photo Contest
Its’ an ordinary day in an ordinary world. Not! Next year’s photo contest theme is Everyday Life. Everyone’s life is unique. For next year’s photo contest share what your life is about with your neighbors. The categories are Duty Calls (occupations), Kicking Back (relaxation) and Fun Times (play). Details and entry forms will be available this fall. Below is a sneak peek at what we’re looking for in photos. Have fun taking photos this summer. Your photo could be a winner!
Duty Calls
What do you do for a living? Here are some examples: Lineworker, farmer, rancher, chef, florist, business person, firefighter, wedding planner, stay-at-home mom or dad, teacher, doctor, gardener, law enforcement, tour guide, truck driver, artist, athlete, cowboy, cosmetologist, day care provider, astronomer.
Fun Times
We all do something to add humor and play in our lives. What do you do? Here are some examples: Snowboard, play at the lake, swim, play cards, visit museums, play with the kids, play sports, barbecue, go on vacation, ride the rodeo circuit, go on a cattle drive, sky dive, go to a carnival, camp, sail a boat, rock climb.
Kicking Back
After a hard day’s work we all try to relax at some point. Even if it’s for five minutes. What do you do? Here are some examples: Read, fish, knit, drink coffee with friends, draw, write poetry, go for a massage, visit your favorite spot, garden, just laugh, meditate, workout, take photos, write in a journal, scrapbook, work in the yard.
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