Departments

PLACES

FIRST PLACE

“Morning Commute”

Ken Kemper, Appleton

Last fall, Ken Kemper was walking his dog across the Highway 41 Meade Street overpass early in the morning when he happened upon this scene. It’s a familiar one for many Fox Cities commuters who drive the highway to work. The judges liked how the image reveals an urban perspective on the Fox Cities. “I love the big city feel of bumper to bumper congestion. People think we are just rural farmland and not city-like,” Rhode said. The photo’s narrative also intrigued the judges. “It makes me think about the stories of all the drivers, where they are headed and what they are doing,” Carpenter said. Brogan liked the juxtaposition of light and dark in the photograph, as well as what it reveals about the Fox Cities. “It really shows a growing community,” he said.  

SECOND PLACE

“Badger Sports Complex”

David Roisum, Neenah 

This aerial picture was taken by David Roisum over the Scheels USA Youth Sports Complex in Appleton. Roisum was utilizing his newly-minted FAA Part 107 commercial drone operator’s license, learning to fly a Phantom 4 Pro+ drone by DJI. “This drone gives me a high quality camera on a 400-foot-tall tripod,” he explains. “This image shows just a couple of examples from the diverse set of outdoor activities that we can enjoy in the Fox Cities at dozens of parks.” Ultimately, it was the unique point of view that caught the judges’ eyes. Smith appreciated the image’s abstract composition that was captured aerially which creates a dramatic perspective. Volkman agreed. “I love how the view is straight down, that’s what impressed me,” Volkman said.

THIRD PLACE

“Reflections”

Rick Ripp, Appleton 

Rick Ripp had originally set out to capture a sunset on April 10, however the clouds had other plans so he changed focus. “While heading back, I came across this stream,” Ripp says. “I loved the way the clouds seemed to follow the contour of the stream, also the contrast of the beat down dead grass against the blue of the water, topped off by the calmness of the water.” Ripp caught this image on County Highway H just past Lake Poygan and learned a lesson about the best laid plans while out photographing nature. “For me, this image is a reminder no matter what you set out to do in our area, if for some reason plans change, you can always find something special to see or do,” he says. The judges liked the side of the Fox Cities that Ripp captured in his photo. “This image provides a sense of calm and makes you realize these places can exist among the traffic and the city life,” Smith said.