Dutchess Regional Professional Photographers

Print Competition Winners

Fall 2007

Judges Frank Dispensa and Joe Brady choose the following four Prints as the winning Prints in DRPP's "Fall 2007" Print Competition.

Best in Show
"Come on Dad, . . . We'll Go Together"
by Mike Coluccio

Frank Dispensa: The tree, even though it's dead center in the photo, is a work of art in itself. The only suggestions I have for improving this photo would be to move the tree to the right a little bit, and the boy to the left, so the viewer's eyes come into the Print from the lower left, past the boy and directly to the tree. Perhaps have the boy a little bit more animated - waving his arm and motioning to his Dad "Come on Dad".

Joe Brady: I love the tree in the dead center in this photo with the clusters of trees on the left and right sides. Personally, I think having the little kid moved to the right a little bit, so he's directly beneath the tree, would be the only improvement I would have the photographer make on this Print.

First Place
"Bad Hair Day"
by Harriet Sievers

Frank Dispensa: I love the color, and the title. I suggest that the photographer rotate this photo in PhotoShop so that the bird's beak is pointing towards the lower right corner.

Joe Brady: It's a striking portrait photo. However, it's cropped too tight - if there's more room around this image, I suggest that an additional ¾ of an inch be included in the photo on all four sides. Also, a darker mat would improve its overall presentation appearance.

Second Place
"You Color My World"
by Bob Lash

Frank Dispensa: This Print has impact ! The elements in this photo are interesting. My only suggestion for improving this Print is that the bright spots in the background should be toned down.

Joe Brady: It's a cool scene - great impact ! I agree with Frank - the hot spots need to be touched up so they're not overly bright drawing the viewer's eyes to them and away from the subject.

Third Place
"Misty Harbor"
by Tom Doyle

Joe Brady: I love the tone . . . I love the mood of this picture. The only downside to the presentation is that there's not enough mat showing at the top and bottom of this picture. The photographer should add about an inch more mat to the top and bottom - there's enough sky at the top and water at the bottom to add the additional matting and it will make for a better presentation.

Frank Dispensa: Great mood . . . beautiful scene . . . pristine . . . beautiful! The boats in the background are a bit of a distraction, perhaps they could be toned down a bit.