2013 My Hometown Photo Contest Winners

Sometimes it seems that we grow immune to the places and people that we see every day. After all, one of the pleasures of travel is the invitation to see with new eyes. Even the mundane act of shopping for food becomes infused with color and life in a strange new land. But what if we looked at where we live — our towns, our neighborhoods, our local comings and goings — as though seeing it fresh, with new eyes? That became the theme of Yankee‘s “My Hometown” photo contest? We received hundreds of submissions. Annie Card, Yankee‘s former long-time photo editor was the first to look through all the shots. Art director Lori Pedrick and photo editor Heather Marcus then joined Annie for the second round, and together they found the images that they felt best captured New England hometown spirit. Thank you to all the photographers who took the time to find the whimsy, the beauty, and the enduring moments amid the familiar streets of home. Next year’s theme is “My New England”; Read more about how to enter that photo contest. Winners will featured in the Yankee‘s March/April 2013 issue. Photo Credit: Jean ChisserWINNER (1st place)Location: New Bedford, MassachusettsPhotographer: Jean Chisser Our judges’ favorite shot overall: We loved the creative, dramatic point of view and the light on the cobblestones and buildings. “This section of the city–Johnny Cake Hill–is beautiful and elegant, exuding a sense of history and place. It’s home to some of New Bedford’s most venerable sites, including Seamen’s Bethel, as well as the Whaling Museum.” She took this shot just before dusk, with the camera at street level: “a different perspective on an often-photographed spot.” Photo Credit: Paul RifkinWINNER (2nd place)Location: Cotuit, MassachusettsPhotographer: Paul Rifkin At dawn, a contemporary and dramatic take on the classic Cape Cod harbor photo: simple, pure, and serene. Notice the lines of the masts and their reflections in the water. “I’ve walked Ropes Beach for six years,” the photographer notes, “and there’s a magnificent sighting almost every morning.” Photo Credit: Steve DemeranvilleWINNER (3rd place)Location: East Boothbay, MainePhotographer: Steve Demeranville A timeless shot that hits the theme squarely: connection to place and subject. Both the photographer and his wife were naval officers some years ago. “The Memorial Day Parade is unique to our region, as these veterans march to five different memorials in five different towns,” Steve says. “The rifle squad pictured here is normally composed of all Marines; this year Navy sailors stepped in to replace those Marines called to duty in Afghanistan. It was that spirit of teamwork that caught my attention.” Photo Credit: Emily BialekHONORABLE MENTIONLocation: East Alstead, New HampshirePhotographer: Emily Bialek A classic shot with great energy; the composition draws you into the picture, and you catch the vibe of warmth and community. “Pizza Night” at Orchard Hill Breadworks is a highly anticipated event every Tuesday in the summer. “It’s a fundraiser for different local businesses and causes,” the photographer explains. “People bring their own toppings and pay $5 for a ball of pizza dough. You flip your own dough and put on your own toppings, and then Noah Elbers (the owner) puts the pizza in his outdoor wood-fired oven, which he built himself. He provides music as well.” Photo Credit: Richard FrostHONORABLE MENTIONLocation: York, MainePhotographer: Richard Frost A painterly shot that could easily be mistaken for a Winslow Homer canvas. “A passing storm system created some dramatic weather conditions that I felt gave a good perspective on why Nubble Light exists,” notes the photographer. As a Maine coastal photo, the mood is spot on: light and dark, the waves, the rocks, the clouds rolling in, the sun dropping behind the cliff. Photo Credit: Kate Hotchkiss TaylorHONORABLE MENTIONLocation: North Haven, MainePhotographer: Kate Hotchkiss Taylor Two working boats, and two ways of life, cross paths in the early-morning mist of Pulpit Harbor: a clean composition with lovely, soft light. “The Heidi is one of my favorite hometown boats,” the photographer tells us. “She has nice lines, is well cared for, and her captain, Raymond Beverage, is one of the best lobstermen on the island. I was struck by how small she appears next to the stately schooner.” Do you have a fantastic photo of New England? Enter it in the “My New England” photo contest!