BEST PICTURE

We thought it was tough picking a winner last year. And then we started looking at this year's entries. Holy moly! Hats off to everyone who submitted images in our second-annual online photography contest. Like the first time around, we were inundated with a hard drive full of fantastic shots. What follows are the finalists, and up first is the best of the best.

Best Picture Grand Prize | Landscape CHIKKU BAIJU, CHANDLER

Slot canyons are at the top of almost every photographer's "must-see" list. Most images of Antelope Canyon focus on the shaft of light that penetrates the canyon's narrow opening, but Chikku Baiju saw it a little differently. He used the direction of the limited light to highlight the sand as it fell over the textured, sculpted sandstone. By choosing black and white, Chikku added to the elegance of the image.

Second Place | Macro CHUCK SCHUG, SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS “Apache Plume”

Chances are, Chuck Schug knew just the look he was going for when he created this image. The clean background provides for a juxtaposition of contrasting colors - the warm pinks of the Apache plumes set against the cooler blue of the sky - to create a photograph that is pleasing to the eye. Chuck positioned the camera to take advantage of a lowto-high angle, making use of backlight, which brings out the delicate, feathery textures of the blooms.

Third Place | People GERRI LEVINE, PAYSON

Capturing the kaleidoscope of energy, color and movement of a Native American dancer isn't the easiest task for a photographer, but Gerri Levine proves that she understood how to create a sense of motion in a still photograph. She used a slow shutter speed of 1/25 to emphasize movement, and rested the lens on the railing in front of her.

Honorable Mention | Wildlife DAN JACOB, SURPRISE

By using a long telephoto lens, Dan Jacob kept his distance from this female coyote and her pups. The long lens and backlight created separation from any background distraction, and because the photographer was patient, the natural interaction and spontaneity occurred between the adult and young coyotes.

Honorable Mention | People BARRY HART, SCOTTSDALE

The weather and conditions add to this quintessential bucking brone shot. The photographer stayed the course to capture the decisive moment when all of the elements added to the drama of the image.

Honorable Mention | Macro SUSAN BEEBE, TUCSON

Because the photographer used a dedicated 100 mm macro lens for this close-up, the eye of the bee is tack sharp, leading the viewers' eyes exactly where the photographer intended. The soft light on the radiat-ing pink flower petals draws the eyes to the focal point of the image.

Honorable Mention | Landscape

BOB LARSON, PRESCOTT “Willow Lake, Sunset” Low angle, time of day and an extreme wide-angle lens combined to make this powerful landscape photograph. The use of strong textures in the foreground and the leading line of the lakeshore on the right draw the viewers' eyes to the center of the photograph.

TAKE YOUR BEST SHOT.

2011 Arizona Highways Online Photography Contest. www.arizonahighways.com

Honorable Mention | Wildlife

KRISTY HOм, SIERRA VISTA “Recovering From the Storm” This image is all about patience and attitude: the patience of the photographer and the attitude of the bird. The photographer utilized bad weather conditions to make a great photo. Soft light brings out the textures of the bird's drenched feathers, and shallow depth of field allowed Kristy to selectively focus on the bird.

Honorable Mention | Wildlife

MARTIN REGER, MESA “Eagle Eye” The photographer and his wife are avid eagle watchers, allowing them to capture key movements of these majestic birds. This male eagle was fishing for its mate on a Central Arizona lake, and the photographer used a 400 mm lens and a fast shutter speed to freeze the motion of the diving bird.

Every month we showcase the most talented photographers in the world. Now it's your turn to join the ranks. Enter your favorite photo in our 2011 Arizona Highways Online Photography Contest. You could win a river trip in the Grand Canyon.

Our contest is open to amateur and professional photographers. All photos must be made in Arizona and fit into the following categories: People/Culture, Landscape, Wildlife, and Macro (close-up); only one image per person, per category. For details on how to submit your digital photographs, visit www.arizonahighways.com. First-, secondand third-place winners will be published in our September 2011 issue. Prizes include a photo workshop and digital-camera packages.