We're happy to announce the monthly winners of our Photo of the Day contest for May, 2008. Here's a look at May's winners, along with some comments from the judges:
First Place
QE2s Last Departure, by Gary Miles
(Gary won a Canon PIXMA Pro9000 Printer.) Now in her 40th year of service, Cunard's famed ocean liner "RMS Queen Elizabeth 2" is due to be retired and begin her new life as a floating hotel later this year. Her final voyage from her old home port of Southampton to a new home in Dubai won't begin until mid-November, but the QE2 is already bidding a fond farewell to many of her familiar ports of call. Photographer Gary Miles did a great job capturing one such departure, as the grand dame of the seas sails off into the sunset. The silhouetted crowd in the foreground brings the shot to life, giving a sense of the emotion felt by the QE2's many fans, while the lighthouse helps balance the image out nicely. Gary obviously put some thought into preparing for this photo opportunity, and it shows!
Second Place
Long Dusty Road, by Deanna Esplin
(Deanna won a Canon PIXMA MP970 Printer.) Taking second prize this month, Deanna Esplin saw the potential in a scene many of us might have looked past. The dusty road for which the shot is titled draws your eye straight into the photo, and the hay bales are the perfect touch to help keep the composition interesting. Deanna chose just the right moment to capture what could otherwise have looked almost desolate - but thanks to the warm, soft light, one can perhaps imagine the beginnings of a a beautifully rich sunrise nearby.
Third Place
Tiger Shark, by Jeff Rayner
(Jeff won a Canon PIXMA MP610 Printer.) Our third-placed shot this month seems bound to haunt your humble news editor's dreams for some time to come. When faced with a rapidly approaching - and not particularly friendly-looking - big cat, those of us with a gentle constitution might have been thinking of our safety, protective pane of glass in between or not! Jeff stayed the course, and got a truly captivating image as his reward. The blue toning gives this photo an almost other-worldly feel...
There you have it: 31 great Photos of the Day, with 3 exceptional ones capturing top honors. - So what are you waiting for? That could be your photo up there this time next month! Dig through your digital shoe boxes, pick your best and join the fun!
