The Buckhannon Upshur Camera Club proudly announces the winners in the 2019 West Virginia Strawberry Festival Photography Contest sponsored by The Record Delta.
The Bill and Marty Kelly Best of Show winner was Alan Tucker of Buckhannon with his stunning photo entitled “New River Gorge,” a rare selection for the top prize, as it is a commonly photographed icon. However, Tucker was able to capture it in a way that the judges said made it more unique.
A new award was introduced this year exclusive to the Youth category. It was dubbed the Youth Founder’s Award, and it is a favorite photo selected by founding members of BUCC. The recipient of the first ever Youth Founder’s Award was Trey Herndon with his entry, “Moving Forward,” which featured a railroad track as a key leading line.
First-place winners in various categories included Dale Thomas, Alan Tucker, Sharon Boone and Mallory Leadman.
Those whose photos garnered a second-place finish included Tammy Anderson, Tina Bulka, Mallory Leadman, John Simons, and Charmagne Vecchio.
Alan Tucker, Dale Thomas, Rose Deprospero, Christy Starcher, Karl Boone and Abigail Casto walked away with third-place finishes.
Julius Wiggins, Matthew Toth, Dale Thomas, Sandra Miller, Tina Bulka, John Simons, Christy Starcher, Alan Tucker, Kari DeMicco, Gary McCoy, Patricia Castro, Joey Herron, Sharon Boone, Mallory Leadman, Trenton Long and Trey Herndon turned the judges’ heads with honorable mentions.
The Royalty Choice ribbons were awarded to Julius Wiggins, Reta McCoy, Alan Tucker and Charmagne Vecchio.
The coveted People’s Choice ribbon was awarded to Sandra Miller for her photo entitled, “Mill Creek Morning.”
The BUCC wishes to thank judges Anne Johnson, David Johnston and Steven Minardi as well as all participants and visitors who make this contest a success. With over 270 photos and many youth entries, it was a very successful show.
A Photographer’s Reception followed the opening of the photography show last Wednesday. In additional to honoring the named photographers, BUCC member Bonne Riffle surprised fellow camera club member John Simons with a Quilt of Valor during the awards ceremony. Simons enlisted in the military service in 1965 and trained at Lackland Airforce Base in Texas. He served three years and nine months.
The Buckhannon-Upshur Camera Club is open to photographers of all ages and skill levels, and is known for offering various educational teachings at its meetings. The group meets monthly (at 7 p.m. during the summer and 6:30 p.m. in the winter), on the fourth Thursdays, at the Upshur County Senior Center.
