By Mona Neeley, Publisher/Editor –
Photographers from throughout Colorado captured amazing shots of the state’s beautiful contrasts during Colorado Country Life’s recent photo contest that ended December 1. There were more than 430 entries in the landscape and animal categories.
First place and $100 in the Colorado animals category goes to Dan Taber of Longmont for his photo of Saints John Rocky Mountain Goats. In second place, winning $75, is Stephanie Stuckman of Mancos for her photo of a red fox featured on this month’s cover. In third place, winning $50, is MaryAnne Nelson of Durango for her photo of a marmot “singing in the rain.”
In the Colorado landscape category, the first place prize of $100 goes to Susan Ulrich of Boulder for her photo of morning fog. In second place, winning $75, is Ron Ruhoff of Limon for his photo of the Hugo Wildlife Area. Third place and $50 goes to George Turner of Boulder for aspens below the Dallas Divide.
Photo entries included endless plains, some with Colorado’s clear blue skies and others under ominous clouds. There were also photos of towering mountains, some covered in fall’s gold aspens and others covered in snow. There were high, dry desert landscapes and photos of rollicking streams tumbling through lush mountain meadows. Every landscape entry was spectacularly beautiful.
It was no different in the animal category. Wild and domestic animals were all pictured in native surroundings, caught in mid-flight, stalking prey, playing in open fields and resting unaware of the nearby photographer. There were moose, deer, elk, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, burros, rabbits, hummingbirds, eagles and so many more.
Winners, selected by the Colorado Rural Electric Association staff members, were difficult to choose. We included the oh-so-close runners-up in this month’s magazine. Many of these photos and more will be featured on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CO CountryLife throughout the upcoming year.
Watch a video of the winning photos and more at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFbjSdzyqPo.
