The response to Round 9 of Travel Photo Roulette has been amazing. With over 40 incredible photos submitted, I really had my hands full choosing just one as the winner.
The contest’s theme was “Water” and we had entries that celebrated it in every form: ice, steam, lakes, rivers, oceans and rain drops. And because there were so many quality photos, I’ve decided to declare two photos as first- and second- runners-up so be sure to scroll down for those. But there’s only one top spot and that winner is…
Congratulations to Ken @ Ken Kaminesky Photography
Ken’s photo of Lake Louise in Banff National Park just took my breath away.
The composition is perfect and the reflections and interplay of light and shadows leads the eye perfectly into the distance. I love how there’s so much texture in the rocks in the foreground while the clouds and sky are muted and dreamlike. You really have to view this at full-size and I’d love to see a real print of it.
I’m not usually a fan of high dynamic range photos, but Ken has used such a deft touch with this shot that I’m not even sure it is an HDR image. Which is exactly as it should be.
Be sure to watch Ken’s blog for Round 10 of the contest. He’ll be choosing a theme and hosting the contest there soon.
First Runner-up: Sherry @ Ottsworld
I thought Sherry’s shot of dragon boat racing in Laos was lovely and really captured the energy and intensity of the race. It’s a beautiful shot, as so many of her’s are. If you haven’t checked out her work before, head over to her site right now.
Second Runner-up: Kieron @ Don’t Ever Look Back
Kieron’s photo of the Petronas Towers on a rainy day is a perfect example of how your approach to photography and life in general can save the day. In a similar situation many of us would look at the window and put away the camera for the day. Instead, Kieron created this wonderful, moody photograph that really captures the moment.
I’d like to think everyone who entered and the many kind people who shared the contest link through emails, Twitter and Facebook. Congratulations to Ken, Sherry and Kieron. Happy shooting.
You can view all of the photos HERE.
{ 33 comments… read them below or add one }
Congratulations to the winners and may I say Ken’s photo was one of my favorites too :)
Have a great weekend, everyone!
Breathtaking shot…makes me want to get up to Banff even more. Congratulations Ken!
It was such an honor just to be nominated. :)
Thanks and congrats to Ken!!
Lake Louise is one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. I almost submitted the very same shot but with the lake frozen over. Everyone should go to Banff to see the lake at some time (only thawed out between June and September)
Congrats to the winners!!
$Kieron’s was my very favorite… I thought it was really unique! The others are stunning too, though.
Congrats to all of you!! Some awesome photos for sure, that must have been difficult deciding. My fave was Sherry’s but I agree with your top 3! Great job to all!
Beautiful images!! Every single one of them. This is such a fantastic idea. Congrats to everyone!
I’d like to thank the Academy…
But seriously, thanks Wes! Nice to have my image chosen among such a great selection of cool photographs. I’m a fan of your work and inspired by all the great travel bloggers who participated. Wonderful bunch of images in this round, you guys rock!
I’m looking forward to hosting the next round on my blog, so come by on Monday when I’ll announce the new theme.
http://blog.kenkaminesky.com/
Congratulations Ken, that is an awesome shot.
Looking forward to round ten. Thanks again to everyone who entered — really nice stuff.
Nice work, everyone! Looking forward to round 10!
Congrats, Ken for taking such a gorgeous photo! I need to make it to Banff one of these days!
Holy crap, Ken’s photo is STUNNING. Definitely a winner. What I would give to dip my toes in that lake. Amazing!
Congrats, Ken – the shot really is a stunner.
I know it had to be tough with all the awesome entries. Ken is a bad ass photographer that inspires me click away with my fancy new DSLR.
Beautiful photos. It is hard hosting Travel Photo Roulette and the photographs are just getting better and better this week.
You had a difficult choice!
There really were some incredible shots in there. I’m glad I entered one of the earlier rounds ;)
Truly remarkable image, Ken – well-deserved congratulations!
Congrats to the winners! I didn’t even know one could create these types of shots awesome.
When I saw Ken’s submission I was just blown out of the water (heh) by how beautiful it was. Made me want to see more of his photography (yay for finding a new blog to follow!) and I’m excited for the next round.
Thanks for hosting this, Wes! Sure seemed like a ton of work, but well managed. :)
Wow, fantastic water photography! Congratulations on really creative captures… reflections, movement, raindrops.
Cheers,
hiptraveler
Wow, fantastic water photography! Congratulations on some really creative captures… reflections, movement, raindrops.
Y’all are making me feel inspired.
cheers,
hiptraveler
WOW! Kens photo is simply amazing! The water looks magical. Great shot! Something to aspire to.
Hi everyone!
I’m grateful for all the nice comments about my photo, thank you. Lake Louise is one of the most beautiful places on earth, and should be on everyone’s list of must see places. I hope that you all get the chance to stand at the lake’s edge one day, and be as mesmerized by the natural beauty as I was.
Round Ten of Photo Roulette begins on Tuesday Feb 8. I’ll have the link on my blog, look for the sliding sidebar at the top left. I’ll also be posting the link on Twitter and my FB photography page.
Monday is my one year anniversary of blogging, and I’ll have a big photo retrospective on my blog. Come by and say hi, there will be cake ;)
http://blog.kenkaminesky.com/
http://www.facebook.com/kenkamineskyphotography
Wow! All these pics are amazing, I’m glad I didn’t have to pick a winner…
Round TEN theme is announced…
http://blog.kenkaminesky.com/2011/02/08/travel-photo-roulette-round-10-urban/
Cool! Thanks for the update, Ken.
That photo is freaking amazing. I love the pics on his website – he’s so talented.
Congratulations to the winner.
Not so found of HDR myself either but the composition of the first one is perfect !
Agreed! I feel like I could fall into the photo.
Absolutely gorgeous photos Ken, Sherry and Kieron! All of the were great and you certainly had your hands full with this week’s contest Wes – both from a judging and hosting perspective.
LOVE me some Ken!!!
Your photo are really amazing. Congratulation to the winner !