Contest Winners and Challengers

Challengers for December 2022 with theme of "Best Images from 2022!"

"Kalapana Sea Foam!" by Ken Jackson

"Beautiful Invader: Kosterʻs Curse" by Joseph Poellot

"Cypress Preserve" by Stephen Clark

"Shipman Family Circle ʻOhia" by J.B. Friday

"Three Generations" by Roseann Leiner

"The Iolani Girls Snacking Snowflakes" by Leomi Bergknut

"Nene" by Randi Schneider

"Southern Crowned Crane: Panaʻewa zoo" by Lee Schechtman

"Sandhill Crane: Taking off at Bosque del Apache NWR!" by Susan Miyasaka

Winners of November 2022 contest with theme of "Sky!

"Intergalactic Road to the Milky Way" by Joseph Poellot; 1st place

"Alabama Hills" by Rick Decker; 2nd place

"Volcano Sunset Sky" by Roseann Leiner; 3rd place

October 2022 Contest Challengers with theme of "On the Road!"

"Freeport, Maine" by JB Friday

"Puna Paradise" by Lesha Mathes

"Moab" by Rick Decker

"Stop" by Ken Jackson

"Stars and Stripes" by Joseph Poellet

"Volcanic Shift" by Roseann Leiner

"Morning Snowfall Surprise at Dog Creek Lodge" by Leomi Bergknut

"Japan 2" by Toby Hazel

"Hilton Head SC" by Stephen Clark

"Riverwalk" by Lee Schechtman

September 2022 Contest Challengers with theme of "Flowers!"

"Flower and Friend" by Chris King

"Pure Accident" by Ellen Train

"Silversword" by JB Friday

"Hibiscus Abstract" by Joseph Poellot

"Orchid Show 2022" by Lee Schechtman

"Lillies" by Ken Jackson

"After the Rain" by Leomi Bergknut

"In the Yard" by Lesha Mathes

"Orchid 1" by Lynnette Silva

"Bottlebrush" by Pauline Matayoshi

"Cactus Flower" by Randi Schneider

"Dendrochilum magnum" by Susan Miyasaka

"Butchart Gardens, Victoria BC" by Stephen Clark

"Reach for the Sun" by Susan Litteral

"Backlit Gerberas" by Tamara Brown

"Volcano Art Show" by Toby Hazel

August 2022 Contest Winners with theme of "People Portraits"

"Contented" by Roseann Leiner, 1st place

"Mary" by Joseph Poellet, 2nd place

"Postmistress and her Dog on Last Day of Ookala Post Office" by Joseph Poellet, 3rd place

July 22 Contest Winners with theme of "Depth of Field!"

"Saffron Finch, Deeper Focus" by Chris King; 1st place; shot with Canon R6 and RF 600 mm f11 lens; shot at 1/1000 sec., f11, ISO 3200

"Saffron Finch, Shallower focus" by Chris King; 1st place; ; shot with Canon R6 and EF 70-300 mm lens; shot at 300 mm, 1/2500 sec., f5.6, ISO 10,000

"Bryce Canyon: Deep focus" by Susan Miyasaka; shot with Canoon EOS R6, lens EF 24-105mm, shot at 24 mm, 1/250 sec., f16, ISO 400

"Bryce Canyon: Shallow focus" by Susan Miyasaka; shot with Canoon EOS R6, lens EF 24-105mm, shot at 105 mm, 1/400 sec., f10, ISO 400

June 2022 Challengers with theme of "Perspectives!"

"Koa Tree Perspective 1" by JB Friday

"Koa Tree Perspective 2" by JB Friday

"Amanita Mushroom from Top" by Susan Litteral

"Amanita Mushroom from Bottom" by Susan Litteral

"Juvenile Saffron Finch!" by Chris King

Note: relatively sharp background that distracts from main subject.

"Adult Saffron Finch!" by Chris King

Note: blurry background (a.k.a. "Bokeh") that allows subject to stand out.

"Navajo Arch Perspective 1" by Susan C. Miyasaka

"Navajo Arch Perspective 2" by Susan C. Miyasaka

May 2022 Contest Challengers with theme of "Mystery! What is it?!!"

"Mystery 3" by J.B. Friday

It's akulikuli, a small (1 cm leaf) native plant growing on rocks near the shoreline.

"Mystery 2" by J.B. Friday

It's a coral fungus growing in a forest (no, it's not underwater!).

"Mystery 1" by J.B. Friday

It's a close-up of silversword flower; notice the pollen!

"Heaven" by Leomi Bergknut

It's the turquoise center of a beautiful glazed ceramic plate with white and green tones.

"Yurei" by Leomi Bergknut

It's the white furry ghostlike buds of the liko lehua flower before it blooms.

Contest Winners for April 2022 with theme of "Animals! Taken with a smartphone"

"Koa meets Kiani" by Tamara Brown; 1st place winner

"Get Lost" by Lee Schechtman; 2nd place winner

"Big Eyes" By Carol Johnson; 3rd place tie

"Honu Cruisinʻ " by Leomi Bergknut; 3rd place tie

Contest Winners for March 2022 with theme of "Pele! Hawaiian Goddess of Volcanoes and Fire"

"Pele Aloha" by Leomi Bergknut; 1st place winner

"November sunrise" by Carol Johnson; 2nd place winner

"Peleʻs Visitors Beneath the Stars" by Ken Jackson; 3rd place winner

Contest Winners for February 2022 with theme of "Clouds with Trees!"

"Coconut in Waimanu" by J.B. Friday; 1st place winner

"Trees with Clouds" by Ken Jackson; 2nd place winner

"A Lunar Night" by Leomi Bergknut; 3rd place tie

"Swaying in the Breeze" by Leomi Bergknut; 3rd place tie

Contest winners for January 2022 with theme of "Macro-Photography of Flowers or Trees!"

"Weed" by Ken Jackson; 1st place co-winner

"Kupukupu Fern Sporangia" by J.B. Friday; 1st place co-winner

"Mauna Kea Pamakani Seeds" by J.B. Friday; 2nd place

Contest Challengers for December 2021 with theme of "People!"

"Sherri and newborn" by Ken Jackson

"Capitan Boclongan" by JB Friday

"Farmers' Market" by Pauline Matayoshi

"Copycat" by Leomi Bergknut

"John & Connie 50th Anniversary" by Lee Schechtman

Winning Images for November 2021 contest with theme of "Masks!"

1st place: "Covid Mask 154a" by Ken Jackson

2nd place: "All Masked Up to be Like a Bat!" by Leomi Bergknut

October 2021 Challenge Images with Theme of "Small Pleasures during these Covid times!"

"Nobilta cup" by Ken Jackson

"Nohoanu Geranium with Bee" by JB Friday

"Looking for Angus" by Pauline Matayoshi

"Java Finch in Flight" by Chris King

"Gracie with Tongue out" by Ellen Train

"Pandemic Puppy" by Tamara Brown

"Government Road" by Lesha Mathes

"Halemaumau Pastel" by Leomi Bergknut

Images of September 2021 Photo Challengers with theme of "Product Photography!"

"The Pen is Mightier" by Lesha Mathes

"Fluorite in an Amethyst Bath" by Leomi Bergknut

"Wizard" by Lee Schechtman

"Boys' Day Clay Bells" by Pauline Matayoshi

Winner of August 2021 Photo Contest with theme of "Tree or Trees!"

"Golden Primavera Tree" by Pauline Matayoshi

Winners of July 2021 Photo contest with theme of "Insects!"

"Dream Big!" by Carol Johnson: 1st place

"Not my Dinner!" by Ellen Train: 2nd place

"Silversword Pollen for Two" by Carol Johnson: Tied for 3rd place

"Praying Mantis" by Susan Miyasaka: Tied for 3rd place

Winners of June 2021 Photo contest with theme of "Photos Taken During Blue Hours (Before Sunrise or After Sunset)"

"Fire Before Sunrise" by Lee Schechtman: tied for 1st place

"The Promenade" by Leomi Bergknut: Tied for 1st place

"Crescent Moon Rising" by Leomi Bergknut: 2nd place

"Supermoon Eclipse in Scorpio" by Carey Yost: 3rd place

Winners of "Food" photo contest for May 2021

"Salad" by Ken Jackson: 1st place

"Trio of Peppers" by Susan Miyasaka: 2nd place

"Vegan Lomi Salad" by Leomi Bergknut: tied for 3rd place

"Honey" by Toby Hazel: tied for 3rd place

Winners of April 2021 photo contest with theme of "Rain or Dew!"

Based on Votes during April 8 meeting

"Nature's Prism" by Chris King - 1st place

"Incoming! Sparrow landing in a Rain Puddle" by Susan Miyasaka - 2nd place

"Dewdrops, Orchids, and a Bee" by Chris King - tied for 3rd place

"The Dewy Kiss of Liko Lehua" by Leomi Bergknut - tied for 3rd place

Winners of April 2021 photo contest with theme of "Rain or Dew!"

Votes taken online prior to April 8 meeting

"Dew Drops on Ohelo" by Susan Miyasaka - 1st place

"Incoming! Sparrow landing in a Rain Puddle" by Susan Miyasaka - tied for 2nd place

"Dewdrops, Orchids, and a Bee" by Chris King - tied for 2nd place

Winner of March 2021 photo contest with theme of "Favorite pre-Covid Images"

"Catch Me If You Can: Yellow Mane Jellyfish" by Leomi Bergknut - 1st place

"The Spirit Eagle Greets Us" by Leomi Bergknut - 2nd place

Entries into February 2021 photo contest with theme of "Old Hilo!"

"Keawe Wailuku" by Ken Jackson

"St. Joseph's Catholic Church" by Susan Miyasaka

Photo Contest Winners for January 2021 with theme of "Birds!"

" `Auku`u Eyeing Lunch" by Pauline Matayoshi: 1st place

"Nene enjoying a Swim" by Pauline Matayoshi: 2nd place tie

"We are Family" by Pauline Matayoshi: 2nd place tie

Photo Contest Challengers for December 2020 challenge with theme of "Favorite Pictures in 2020"

"Metrosideros polymorpha in Pit Crater, Kahuku" by J.B. Friday

"Lili`uokalani Gardens" by Ken Jackson

"Sunset Crown Flower" by Leomi Bergknut

"Night blooming Cereus" by Chris King

"First Snow November 15" by Pauline Matayoshi

"Bird in Flight" by Lee Schechtman

"Happy Hawaiian Holiday Wreath" by Toby Hazel

"Coconut Reflections at Mauna Lani Fishponds" by Susan C. Miyasaka

"Hilo Fire" by Phil Barnes

Photo Contest Winners for November 2020 contest with theme of "Water!"

Tied for 1st Place: "Watch your Back!" by Leomi Bergknut

Tied for 1st place: "Milford Sound NZ Waterfalls" by Susan Miyasaka

Tied for 2nd place: "Hilo Waterfalls Winter Storm" by JB Friday

Tied for 2nd place: "Morning Glory Dew" by Susan Miyasaka

3rd place: "Elements of Glacial Water" by Leomi Bergknut

Photo Contest Winners for October 2020 contest with theme of "Macro-Photography: Things the size of a Penny!

"Beeing in the Rain" by Ellen Train: 1st place winner

Taken with smartphone Google Pixel 4 XL at 4.38 mm, f 1.73, 1/757 sec, ISO 72

"Bee on Japanese Anemone" by Susan Miyasaka: 2nd place winner

Taken with Canon EOS RP camera and Canon E70-200 mm lens, f8, 1/1000 sec., ISO 6400

"Detail of Old Alaska Quarter" by Chris King: tied for 3rd place winner

Taken with Canon 7D Mk II and Canon 100 mm f2.8 macro lens, f2.8, 1/20, ISO 2000

"Fly on Bamboo Orchid" by Susan Miyasaka: Tied for 3rd place winner

Taken with Canon EOS RP and Canon 100 mm macro lens, f11, 1/640, ISO 800

"Fly on Flower 2" by Susan Miyasaka: Tied for 3rd place winner

Taken with Canon EOS RP camera and Canon 24-105 mm lens, f8, 1/1600 sec., ISO 400

Photo Contest Winners for September 2020 contest with theme of "Sky!"

"A Rose Gold Crystal Sunset" by Leomi Bergknut: 1st place winner

"Sunrise over Mt. Sefton, New Zealand" by Susan C. Miyasaka

"Moonset at Sunrise" by Lee Schechtman

August 2020 Photo Contest Winner with theme of "Stay-cation!"

"Hello Buddy" by Ellen Train: 1st place winner

July 2020 Photo Contest Challengers with theme of "Wildlife"

"Baby Zebra Dove" by Ken Jackson

"Tasmanian Tawny Frogmouth" by Leomi Bergknut

"Black billed gulls in Christchurch, NZ" by Susan C. Miyasaka

"Cardinal" by Ken Jackson

"Sparrow gathering nesting materials in Christchurch, NZ" by Susan C. Miyasaka

"Yellow-billed Cardinal" by Ken Jackson

"Are you my Mother?" by L. Bergknut

"Bumblebee in Christchurch, NZ" by Susan C. Miyasaka

"Honu Dreaming at Anaeho`omalu" by Leomi Bergknut

June 2020 Photo Contest Winners with theme of "Triangle"

"Power Lines" by Ken Jackson: 1st place winner

"Narrow Boats, Oxford Canal" by Chris King: 2nd place winner

"Chihuly Glass Museum, Seattle" by Pauline Matayoshi: 3rd place winner

May 2020 Photo Challenge/ Contest with theme of "Staying at Home Images"

"Saffron Finch" by Ken Jackson: 1st place

"Hapu`u Dew" by Ken Jackson: 2nd place

"Puppy" by Phil Barnes: 3rd place

"Two Hearts" by Chris King: 4th place tie

"Fallen Flowers" by Susan Miyasaka: 4th place tie

"Reflection of Photographer" by Susan Miyasaka: 4th place tie

"Banana Leaves" by Ken Jackson: 4th place tie

"Many Happy Hours" by Pauline Matayoshi: 4th place tie

"Under a Pandemic Moon" by Ken Jackson: 5th place

March 2020 Photo Challenge with theme of "A Shot in the Dark: Night and Low Light photographs!"

"Palace Black and White" by Chris King

"Palace Car Night" by JB Friday

"Pineapples Restaurant" by Susan Miyasaka

"Night Spot" by Ken Jackson

"Light Painting 1" by Mary Konczyk

"Lunar Eclipse" by Lee Schechtman

February 2020 - Photo Contest Winner with theme of "Pictures taken in your yard!"

"Hibiscus" by Lee Schechtman

January 2020 - Photo Contest Winner with theme of "Reflections"

"Roman Bath in Real Alcazar, Spain" by Susan Miyasaka

November 2019 - Photo Contest Challengers with theme of "Texure"

"Inflorescence" by Harry Messenheimer

"Bamboo Texture" by Toby Hazel

"Artistic Knot" by Pauline Matayoshi

"Hoodoo Texture" by Susan Miyasaka

"Coleus" by Lee Schechtman

"Yapese Mens Basket with Tumeric" by JB Friday

"Palm Fibers" by Ken Jackson

October 2019 - Photo Contest Challengers with theme of "Animals"

"Jellyfish in Tokyo Museum" by Toby Hazel

"A Galaxy Below" by Mary Konczyk

"Got Seeds? (Columbian ground squirrel)" by Pauline Matayoshi

"Pohnpei Pig" by Katie Friday

"Eyes on You! Black Swan at Pana`ewa Zoo" by Susan Miyasaka

"Moving Slow" by Ken Jackson

September 2019 - Photo Contest Challengers with theme of "Water"

"Emerald Lake, BC" by Pauline Matayoshi

"Devil's Churn" by Mary Konczyk

"Color Surf" by Ken Jackson

"Sea Level" by Pat Richardson

"Eddie Aikau Warm-up" by Rick Decker

"Yap Causeway" by JB Friday.

"Water" by Randi Schneider

"Water Lily" by Harry Messenheimer

"Fountains of Bellagio" by Susan Miyasaka

August 2019 - Photo Contest Winner with theme of "Yellow"

"Yellow Pollen" by Susan Miyasaka

July 2019 - Photo Contest Winner with theme of "People"

"Lighter" by Mary Konczyk

June 2019 - Photo Challengers with Theme of "Macro-Photography" or Close-ups

"Plumeria" by Pauline Matayoshi;

"Passion Flower" by Harry Messenheimer;

"Macro 03" by Lee Schechtman;

May 2019 - Photo Challengers with theme of "Trees"

"Suisan Tree Landscape" by Leomi Bergknut;

"Koa Regeneration" by JB Friday;

"Coconut Palm on Beach at Maldives" by Chris Tamm;

April 2019 - Photo Contest Winner with theme of "Birds"

"Singing in the Rain" by Chris King;

March 2019 - Photo Contest Winner with theme of "Images taken within 100 yards of your home"

"Blue Jade" by Mary Konczyk;

February 2019 - Photo Contest Winner with theme of "Black & White Photography"

"Kolea by the Sea" by Pauline Matayoshi;

January 2019 - Photo Contest Winner with Theme of "Photographing Someone Whom You Don't Know"

"Sharing a Book" by Chris Cholas;

November 2018 - Photo Contest Winner with Theme of "Architecture"

"Driftwood Hotel - circa 1935" by Chris King;

October 2018 - Photo Contest Winner with theme of "Images taken with a Smartphone"

"Out of the Fog" by Chris King;

September 2018 - Photo Contest Winner with Theme of "Texture"

"Trapped" by Mary Bowman-DeMent;

August 2018 - Photo Contest Winner with Theme of "People"

"Ice Cream Stop" by Chris Cholas;

July 2018 - Photo Contest Winners with Theme of "Red"

"Volcano Red Sky, Bayfront" by Chris King;

June 2018 - Photo Contest Challengers with Theme of "Creative Close-ups"

"Powerscourt Tulip" by Susan Miyasaska;

"Queen of the Night" by Chris King

May 2018 - Photo Challengers with theme of "Birds"

"I`o" by Bud Kinsey;

April 2018 - Photo Contest Challengers with theme of "Black & White Botanicals"

"Maiapilo" by Pauline Matayoshi

March 2018 - Photo Contest Winner with theme of "In the Kitchen"

"Hot Coffee" by Anubhav

February 2018 - Photo Contest Winner with Theme of "Heaven, Earth, and Underworld"

"Mauna Kea Full Moon" by Christina Bjornen;

January 2018 - Photo Contest Winner with Theme of "Environmental Portrait"

"21st Century Gentleman Farmer" by Ellen Train;

November 2017 Photo Contest Winner with theme of "Topple composition"

"Ephemeral: Cherry blossoms in Tokushima, Japan" by Susan C. Miyasaka. Image taken with point & shoot camera Canon PowerShot G7x, 1/125, f/1.8.

October 2017 Photo Contest winner with theme "MacroPhotography or Close-ups"

"A Little Fly" by Cathy Stevens. She took this picture with a Canon EOS 7D Mark II with a 100 mm 2.8 macro lens on a tripod. The settings were f 4.0, 1/25, ISO 800. She had a simple setup on her kitchen table using an Ott-lite source and some veggies to create a colourful background (orange & yellow peppers, a little lettuce, and alfalfa). "It was a lot of fun, but took time."

September 2017 Photo Contest winner with theme "People"

"Senior Sunset" by Cathy Stevens. She took this picture at Queen Lili`uokalani Park at dusk when the street lamp light came on to highlight the couple from the left side. She used a Pixel phone camera with settings of f/2.0, 1/40, ISO 500. This phone is great at low light.