Photo Description: When the grandchildren arrive from Baltimore, our summertime tradition is to get wind in their hair and water on their feet. It's a right of passage and makes every visit more memorable.

Judge’s Notes: I must admit, I have an aesthetic bias favoring simple and lyrical images. So, to me, this is a standout. This photo not only captures the sense of place at the beach there but also has the prominent element of the young girl that adds such a strong emotional bond and HUMAN content to connect with the viewer. The girl's gestures and body language make it a beautiful image that speaks to the spirit of this "Ocean City Beach" category. Very well done.

Photo Description: The photo was taken at North Park at sunset.

Judge’s Notes: I love ALL sunsets, and this category included many lovely traditional sunsets. But what set “Kayaks at Sunset” apart was the way the colors of the kayaks in the bottom part of the frame mimicked the colors in the sky. Very clever! The warm red, orange and yellow in some of the kayaks reflect the sky near the horizon, while the cooler-colored kayaks suggest the hues of the blue sky and the water in the image. The photographer was very observant to notice these similarities and skillfully captured them. Nice job!

Photo Description: My grandson, Drayden, refused to let a little rain and fog keep him from building a sand castle on the beach.

Judge’s Notes: There were several admirable entries in this category, but I came back to this one time after time. A variety of lines and textures combine to create depth and visual interest in this poignant portrayal of a sadder but inevitable side of the Ocean City experience. The position of the young man’s body, up to the single lifted toe, the line created by the shovel, the framing provided by the umbrella, and even the pattern on the shirt, all serve to enhance the mood. This is an excellent use of monochrome. It is technically brilliant, a great capture, and a profound artistic statement.

Number of Votes: 520

Photo Description: My awesome dad is being honored with a Hometown Hero’s banner this summer on the boardwalk. He was 5th Marines Division Iwo Jima. He received the Purple Heart. When I took the photo I didn’t notice the Sunbeam touching the banner till I got home and friends said look again. That is a message from my mom in heaven! She is watching over us! He turns 96 on 01 June and my mom was saying that’s my sweetie, happy birthday. The banner is at the 9-11 Memorial on North Division Street. All donations will be matched and will go to the Semper Fi Fund.

To learn more about Ben's "Awesome Dad" Morris Semiatin, take a look at the Mar/Apr 2022 Coastal Style. In the digital version, you can find a feature on the WWII Veteran on pages 38-39: COASTAL STYLE

Here is Morris Semiatin with Terri Dukes administrator of Gull Creek Senior Living Home. He donated his Peoples Choice award to the retirement home and it will be used for prizes in bingo and other events held.

The photo contest winners at the Award Reception on Friday, November 4th. (L-R) Caryn Kauffman (Boardwalk), Susan Parsons Berry (Lou’s sister), Jeff Williams (Photo Contest Sponsor), Terri Steiner (Bay Sunset), and Terry Sterner (Beach/Grand Prize Winner).

Dr. Martin Smith-Rodden, Professor of Photojournalism at Ball State University

Terry Plowman, Publisher of Delaware Beach Life

John Sisson, President of the Art League of Ocean City

Sponsor

Jeff Williams is the former publisher of Oceana Magazine and was a good friend of Lou's. They spent many fun-filled times in Ocean City and Paris. Jeff always admired Lou's photographic talents and donated the prize money with his corporate sponsor, Associa, for this inaugural contest.