The covers of the Lake Chapala Review - digital winners 2001
Ajijic Grill was abuzz with anticipation with all in attendance waiting for the announcement of the five finalists in our 2nd annual, digital photography contest. Nick Paulini of Café Internet Ajijic had the photos covered up with a red cloth to be unveiled when the time came. The dinner was wonderful and the audience held its collective breath. Finally, the moment of truth arrived. In no particular order the pictures you see here were displayed for all to see.
Darryl Tenenbaum spoke about how fascinating and creative this art form can be. Only two of the five winners were present. They explained the pictures, how they were taken and enhanced. A good time was had by all, while more budding photographers planned next year’s maneuvers. After all, first prize is a painting by Bruno Mariscal of T-shirts Ajijic. Free internet access for 3 months from Lagunanet, second and third, dinner for 4 at Ajijic Grill. Who knows what next year’s prizes could be?
The entries were far more sophisticated this year, making it difficult for judges, Kevin & Nick Paulini (Café Internet Ajijic), Bruno Mariscal (T-shirts Ajijic), Rod Collins (Lagunanet) and myself, Helyn Bercovitch (Lake Chapala Review). Our method was to select our five personal favorites. The results were tabulated, thereby the finalists emerged. Then each of us took those five and put them in order of priority, depending on our own preference. Once those figures were totalled, we had 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th & 5th place winners, which are announced here for the first time.
The January cover is a submission by Neil Karkus, showing the town of Ajijic immersed by the lake; wishful thinking in some ways. This effect was achieved using MGI Photo Suite 2 software. Not an easy task, this kind of work requires a lot of thought, time and program knowledge. Using a Canon A-20 Sure Shot; Neil took the picture in Ajijic and then came home, loaded it and fooled with the layers. Reflection tools were later employed to create the composition. Get this, Digital Guys (men and women), Neil just bought his camera this summer and has only taken a hundred or so pics in total. You cannot say it is beginner’s luck though, because he used to own a video production company and has a real eye for images and art. Congratulations to Neil Karkus, we look forward to publishing more of your work.
Here at the Lake Chapala Review, one of our goals if to promote local art and artists. That one of the objectives with our covers. We have a lot of talented people here and some unique art forms. Never do we run out of beautiful things to feature for your pleasure. At the same time we have become a showcase for extraordinary work. Digital photography is an art practiced by a growing number of lakeside residents. These artists are now coming of age; banding together, sharing knowledge and in the process giving us some of the best photos anywhere. Another by product is the friendly ribbing and spirit of competition that sparks any conversation among Digital Guys, creating friends and a whole lot of fun.
We have always loved our Digital Guys and devote our January cover to their skill. However, digital pictures are used for almost everything in our magazine. Photos have become the hallmark of this publication. Next year, we hope for stacks more photos and super sophisticated enhancements. It’s a gas!
This article appears courtesy of the Chapala Review, a monthly Newspaper published in Ajijic, Jalisco, Mexico. The focus is the Lake Chapala area. The goal is to provide quality information about the area, its stories, events, history, culture and people.
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