Captured Moments photo showcase begins at library

Rick Conger (right) is congratulated by Danny Kimberlin as he is awarded Best of Show honors at the 2022 Community Photo Showcase Sunday at Rhea Public Library.

KEN WALKER | P-I

Jeff Roush has judged a lot of photography shows through the years.

“This is one of the tough ones,” he said after judging this year’s Community Photo Showcase organized by the Paris-Henry County Arts Council. "There is so much good work.”

Roush, a professional photographer in Memphis, is a friend of retired doctor Danny Kimberlin, who along with his wife Martha Jo has sponsored the photo showcase for 30 years.

The Kimberlins handed out awards in 11 different photo categories Sunday during the opening reception for this year’s showcase at Rhea Public Library.

The Best of Show honor went to Rick Conger, who took the prize for his photo “The Crossroads.”

“The Arts Council works hard to do this every year,” Dr. Kimberlin said.

Roush said he pays attention to four different main factors when judging a show.

“First of all, the photo has to have some type of message. It has to reach the person who’s looking at it somehow. Otherwise, it’s just a snapshot of you on your vacation,” he said.

He also cited composition of the photo, learning and knowing your equipment and taking your time and thinking about what shot you want to take before snapping it as other important considerations.

In addition to Conger’s award, other honors went to:

•  Youth — John Sage, “Southern Beauty,” first place; Azzy Young, “Flying High,” second; John Sage, “Reflections,” third.

•  Wildlife — Amanda Burton, “Ant and the Hummingbird,” first; Grace Michael, “Hover,” second; Jean Owens, “Hello World,” third.

•  Travel — Judith Putnam, “Venice,” first; Mary Lodge, “Tranquil Asian Garden,” second; Gai Steel, “Here’s Looking at You, Kid,” third.

•  People — Rick Conger, “The Crossroads,” first; Debbie McDorman, “Sharing the Wonder,” second; Kristin Randall, “Sadie,” third.

•  Natural World — Mary Ann Claxton, “Fire and Ice,” first; Joe Cascarano, “Point Reyes — The Photographer’s Landmark,” second; Brandon Blankenship, “Silhouettes During Golden Hour,” third.

•  Mobile — Beth Mathis, “View from the Top,” first; Alison Harris, “Mossy Plunge,” second; Alison Harris, “Anomaly,” third.

•  Downtown Paris — Beverly Hicks, “From the Inside Looking Out,” first; Beverly Hicks, “Time from a Different Perspective,” second; Alyvia Bishop, “A Moment When Time Stood Still,” third.

•  Black and White — Laura Sherrod, “Sherrod with Epiphone,” first; Lisha Donald, “Rebirth,” second; Jere Hughes, “The Gatekeeper,” third.

•  Beginner — Randy Coleman, “Misty Shadows — Reeds,” first; Randy Coleman, “Misty Shadows — Boat,” second; Randy Coleman, “Misty Shadows — Path/Forest,” third.

•  Architectural — Judith Putnam, “Backstage,” first; Beverly Hicks, “Shadows of Grace,” second; Joe Cascarano, “B Line to Union Station,” third.

•  Altered Image — Karen Geary, “Graffiti,” first; Laura Sherrod, “Cerulean Study,” second; Christy Casey, “It if Finished,” third.

The photos in the exhibit will remain on display until May 20 at the library.