Latrobe woman wins Judges' Choice award in state parks photo contest
A misty morning on the Youghiogheny River has earned a Latrobe woman an award in the Pennsylvania Parks and Forest Foundation’s “Through the Seasons” photo contest.
Clare Kaczmarek, 68, won the Judges’ Choice award in the contest’s “Motion” category for her photo of the river running through a bed of rocks.
This year more than 100 photos were entered into the contest by amateur and professional photographers. The contest included seven categories: Park & Forest Adventures, Intergenerational Joy, Motion, Dogs In the Outdoors, Other Wildlife Sightings, Selfie, and Young Photographers.
All photos had to be taken in a Pennsylvania state park or forest. Judging was done by popular vote on the foundation’s website and a panel picked the judges’ choice winners.
“Art and nature go hand in hand,” said Marci Mowery, President of the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation. “Photography can help to capture that ‘awe’ moment or moment of discovery. Any time in nature is good for our physical, mental and emotional health. Being able to take those moments with us via photographer can extend those moments.”
Kaczmarek spoke with the Trib about her winning photo. See more of her photography at FineArtAmerica.com.
Q: Was this a location you’ve photographed often, or did you think of it specifically when considering entries for this contest?
A: The image was shot at Ohiopyle State Park. I go there often because I love the wildness of the park and there’s always something to photograph.
Q: What type of photography do you enjoy best and why?
A: I’m a landscape photographer. I have always loved the outdoors: hiking, biking, speed walking. These days I mostly just schlep around my photography gear.
Q: What equipment did you use to take this photo?
A: Nikon D750, Nikon 24-70, f/2.8. The image was shot at 1/6 sec at f/11, ISO 50.
Q: What is the most important thing for an aspiring outdoor photographer to keep in mind?
A: You have to be prepared to work hard, be ready to get muddy, bruised and all scraped up. But most of all, have a blast!
Q: What do you look for in photography subjects?
A: My eyes are constantly scanning the landscape for pleasing compositions. When I see one, I shoot.
Patrick Varine is a TribLive reporter covering Delmont, Export and Murrysville. He is a Western Pennsylvania native and joined the Trib in 2010 after working as a reporter and editor with the former Dover Post Co. in Delaware. He can be reached at pvarine@triblive.com.
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