A dreamy wide shot of the Tunkhannock Viaduct at Nicholson showing the morning sun dramatically piercing the century-old railroad bridge was the Grand Prize winner in the Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau’s 2014 Photo Contest. “Rays of Sunshine” (top) garnered photographer Brandi Stuff $150 in cash. Second Place was awarded toDonna Roberts for “Snow Deer” (above).
There are countless ways to view the Endless Mountains region of northeastern Pennsylvania and just as many ways to capture special moments in Sullivan, Susquehanna, and Wyoming Counties on film or with digital cameras. Each year, the Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau (EMVB) invites residents and visitors to the area to submit their favorite photos with a particular theme in mind. The theme for 2014, “Everything Endless Mountains,” left the door wide open for contestants to snap photos of anything they thought would catch the judges’ fancy.
According to EMVB Executive Director Jean Ruhf, the photo contest is entering its eighth year, and nearly 200 people submitted photos in 2014. Subject matter among this year’s winners varied from two does bracing against their first winter and a family showing their “silly faces” to a little girl picking apples and a unique perspective of sunrise behind an iconic railroad bridge.
Members of the Knapp Family are featured in the third place photo, titled “Family Fun Get-Together.” The “silly face” or “crazy” photo has become a staple of group portrait sessions in recent years. In the photo set up by Eli Knapp, several generations of the family prove that they know how to have fun as they let loose in front of their Montrose-area home in Susquehanna County
“Snow Deer” by Donna Roberts of Jim Thorpe won second place. It depicts two young deer together that almost look as if they are having a conversation about the weather, as snow blankets their fur and that of other members of the herd in the background. Roberts took the photo at Ricketts Glen in Sullivan County.
First place was awarded to Erica Bruckner of Throop, who submitted “Farm Fresh Adventure.” The photo shows the excitement and determination of a little girl picking an apple from a low-hanging tree in an orchard near Brackney in Susquehanna County.
Grand Prize was awarded to Brandi Stuff of Nicholson, who did not have to travel far to snap “Rays of Sunshine,” which lends the appearance of the rising sun forcing the early morning fog through the arches of the Tunkhannock Viaduct (aka – the Nicholson Railroad Bridge.)
Ruhf noted that judges look for photos that depict the vitality of the Endless Mountains, how well the entry adheres to the theme, and also the viability of using the photo for marketing purposes. In part, Ruhf noted, the judges gave the nod to “Rays of Sunshine” because Nicholson will be celebrating the 100th anniversary of the viaduct in September 2015.
“That shot itself was so captivating,” Ruhf said of Stuff’s photo. “It was magnificent and unlike any other picture that we’ve seen of the bridge.”
In addition to netting photographers cash prizes, the winning photos are used in various publications and stories issued by EMVB throughout the coming year. Credit is given to the photographer wherever possible.
The 2015 EMVB Photo Contest runs from January 1 to September 30. This year’s theme is “Postcard Perfect,” and the top four winners will receive $150, $100, $50, and $25, respectively. Only photos depicting Sullivan, Susquehanna and Wyoming Counties will be accepted.
“Everybody’s experience in the Endless Mountains is unique. Some come for outdoor activities, some for rest and relaxation. Others may visit for the fairs and festivals, and some for the beautiful scenery,” said EMVB Ruhf. “Whatever your reason, we’d like you to capture it in a photo.”
Contestants are reminded that photos must be submitted in digital format and that there is no need to touch them up. “Let the natural beauty shine through,” Ruhf suggests. Photos must be accompanied by an online entry form which can be accessed at www.endlessmountains.org.
Additional winners and caption info:
First Place – “Farm Fresh Adventure” (above) by Ericka Bruckner, Throop
Third Place – “Family Fun Get-Together” (above) by Eli Knapp, Montrose