Departments

PEOPLE

FIRST PLACE

“Sculling for Two”

Ken Kemper, Appleton

Photographer Ken Kemper took this photo last October at the 441 bridge across from the Fox River at the border of Appleton and Little Chute. While Kemper was shooting, two scullers happened to pass under the supports of the bridge in the early morning light. “They were rowing back to the Fox Valley Rowing Club storage building located below Telulah Park,” Kemper explains. “I learned that scullers use two oars and are usually in boats for one or two rowers.” The judges loved the architectural elements and framing of the photo, as well as the symmetry of the scullers between the bridge supports. Kemper says the image is a testimony to the ample recreation to be found on the Fox River. “Excellent opportunities of recreation and exercise await the explorer along the Fox River, whether rowing a sculling boat or walking or running along the many trails that cross the river,” he says.

SECOND PLACE

“Future Photographer”

James VerVoort, Menasha

Heckrodt Wetland Reserve in Menasha is a favorite location for many photographers, but James VerVoort found an unexpected subject aside from the typical deer, chipmunks and foliage. VerVoort captured this image of his 7-year-old son while walking the trails looking for wildlife to photograph this past spring. “For me this shows how diverse of an area we get to live in,” VerVoort says. “Plenty of people hear about the bars and the nightlife we have, but there are plenty of wonderful outdoor activities as well.” The judges were taken with the story the image told. Smith especially liked the impromptu, candid nature of the photo. “It captures a sense of youth in an exploratory manner,” she said. “Seeing the young boy with an actual camera and not a phone, that story drew me in.”

THIRD PLACE

“Besaw at Hagemeister”

Sage Saladino, Green Bay

This photo was taken on Green Bay’s City Deck at Hagemeister Park on June 10. Photographer Sage Saladino captured the image at sunset during a performance by The Besaw Boys, a new Green Bay band. Saladino says the image captures the vibrant music scene that exists in Northeast Wisconsin, particularly at Hagemeister Park. “Hagemeister Park has an active relationship with the people of Green Bay and anyone who visits the City Deck, whether it’s for live music in the summer or ice skating in the winter,” Saladino says. “Hagemeister is not only a great eatery, it also has an outstretched hand to the community.” The judges especially liked how the narrative was caught in motion. “I was drawn to how the image is framed with the action on the left giving horizontal movement across the photo,” Brogan said.