Semifinalists picked in annual Foto Fest

Images of lightning flashes, flower petals against a cloud, a rainbow and the autumn colors on the trees were selected as semifinalists in the first week of the Foto Fest 2002 contest.

Winners were Alvin Kamp and Glenda Myracle, both of Jackson, Mo., Jessica Hupp and Bob Myrick, both of Cape Girardeau. The winning photos are shown on page 12A in today's edition.

Myracle's photo showcased the autumn colors on the trees at Trail of Tears Park. The picture was taken last year.

"A lot of people recognize it," she said of the scenic overlook where she took the picture.

Myracle went through pictures she'd taken in the past year or two to find entries for the Foto Fest contest. "I just wanted to see if I could find anything," she said. The picture was one with colors she liked.

Judges said the picture was "very breathtaking with the vibrant colors."

Hupp was so taken by a wildflower on the side the road that she photographed it against the clouded sky and then picked it.

She decided to enter the picture after her husband suggested she do so. "He just said it looked good," she said.

Judges liked the picture for its dramatic composition and color. One judge liked the solitude of the one flower against the sky, and another thought the image showed a good depth of field.

Several other pictures received honorable mention and can be seen at www.semissourian.com.

Entries also are on display at the Pasta House court at Westfield Shoppingtown West Park, beginning today.

A panel of judges selected from the community pared down the entries to just four semifinalists in the annual amateur photography contest.

Each week of the contest, which runs for six consecutive weeks, four semifinalists will be chosen. The contest is sponsored by Westfield Shoppingtown West Park and the Southeast Missourian. Other sponsors are Mac's Smokehouse the Cape Girardeau Regional Airport and Schnuck's.

Started five years ago

The contest has been popular since its beginning five years ago, and this year's event continues the tradition. The interest and excitement for this contest builds every year, said Joyce Hunter, marketing director for the Shoppingtown mall.

As the photos go on display and the entries grow, "it gives us a peek into the lives of people," Hunter said.

The contest is open to amateur photographers who are residents of Southeast Missouri and Southern Illinois.

There is no limit to the number of photographs that can be entered or the size or quality. Both digital and print images are accepted, and cropping is allowed.

However, no photos will be returned.

Weekly semifinalist winners receive $10 gift cards to the mall and certificates of recognition.

Each semifinalist winner will be entered in a contest to choose six finalists and a grand prize winner.

Entries can be submitted to the customer service counter at the Shoppingtown, Southeast Missourian offices in Cape Girardeau, Jackson, Marble Hill and Chaffee. You can also mail your entries to Foto Fest 2002; c/o Westfield Shoppingtown West Park; 134 West Park Mall; Cape Girardeau, Mo. 63703.

Entry forms are available at www.semissourian.com.

ljohnston@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 126