Winner, winner, chicken dinner!
Okay … I know we’re not playing poker*. But it seemed a fun title to announce the winner of the first-ever What I Saw Amateur Photo Contest.
Shh. Listen. Can you hear it? Noisemakers! Sirens! Cymbals! Applause!
Congratulations, Jennifer Bonstein. Your entry (below), Stairway to Heaven, inspired a panel of judges and a whole lot of voters (169 to be exact). Your Amazon certificate is on the way!
Many of you have expressed interest in purchasing Jennifer’s uplifting, inspirational photo. To contact her directly, please visit her website or follow her on Twitter.
J. Bonstein ~ Stairway to Heaven
Special thanks, also, to each of the super-talented photographers who submitted breathtaking entries. Take a peek, if you haven’t already.
Basics of the Contest
Given that I am passionate about writing, storytelling and photography, the goal of this contest was to solicit amateur photographers (or writer-photographer hybrids) for photos that:
- Told us a story
- Illustrated creativity
- Exhibited some serious wow-factor
Giveaways for Visitors Who Voted
The contest also included prizes for voters – all related to the panel of writer-photographer first-round judges: Caroline Leavitt, Therese Walsh and Damien Franco. Winners were randomly drawn from among those visitors who stopped by and voted/commented.
The winners** are:
- Tammy R. Clark – Pictures of You by Caroline Leavitt
- Erin Patrick – The Last Will of Moira Leahy by Therese Walsh
- Pauline Reynolds – 8 x 10 signed print on Metallic Finish Paper by photographer Damien Franco
*Why is Winner Winner Chicken Dinner Associated with gambling? According to Urban Dictionary, legend says that, years ago, every casino in Vegas offered a 3-piece chicken dinner with a potato & a veggie for $1.79. A standard bet back then was $2. Thus, when you won a bet, you had enough for a chicken dinner.
**Winners who haven’t claimed their prizes within 30 days of notice forfeit prize. Prize will be given to another entrant, drawn randomly.
March 28th, 2011 at 4:57 am
What a beautiful picture. You’re right it’s inspirational. I’ve really enjoyed seeing the entries. They were all great pix. 🙂
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March 28th, 2011 at 8:54 am
Super congratulations to the winner! Beautiful photo!
p.s. I’ve never heard “winner winner chicken dinner,” but love it! And love the explanation, too!
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March 28th, 2011 at 9:08 am
That was my favorite photo too. Great idea!
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Melissa Crytzer Fry Reply:
March 28th, 2011 at 11:17 am
Thanks, Leah. But your photo entries were fabulous … LOVED baby in the pumpkin patch. LOVED it.
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March 30th, 2011 at 4:55 am
Congratulations to all the winners, especially Jennifer! Thanks again for having me as a judge for this fun contest, Melissa.
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March 31st, 2011 at 5:04 am
Gorgeous photo! Congrats to the winners and thanks to all who entered for the fabulous eye candy!
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April 1st, 2011 at 5:13 am
Awesome choice! It is a truly beautiful shot! Congratulations!
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