The Power of Photography

"There is something about this photo (above) that makes me feel at ease and makes me think about the sound of silence there must be while you walk that trail. And the tree seems like a great spot to take a break and listen to the whispers of nature. On the technical side, I love the crispness overall because it helps the viewer appreciate the textures and color palette the landscape offers. The framing of the tree is also very interesting, with all of the lines surrounding the tree." — Zyanya Alvarez




Dabbling Dipper. Photo by Benjamin Wymer

"I love how the photographer captured such a crisp shot of this American dipper. The focus is tight around the bird, letting you really enjoy the thrill of the moment. You can even clearly see the fly larva the dipper is about to enjoy. I appreciate that you can sense the photographer’s awe in this scene and know it must have taken some careful camera work to get such a perfect image." — Jessi Loerch

Happy couple at Cutthroat Pass. Photo by Brandy Taylor.

• Helpful Resources: 
• - Enter this year's Northwest Exposure Photo Contest 
• - Check out 2023 Contest Winners. 
• - Tips for Photographers 

"This photo of a happy couple at Cutthroat Pass possesses visual and emotional appeal. The late-afternoon light, tack-sharp focus, clothing colors that complement and mirror those of the natural elements in the scene, and a tight crop that includes context without extraneous and distracting details all contribute to a great photo. The use of bokah, that soft, pleasant blurring of the background, further accentuates the pair of hikers. But what really sets this photo apart is that it invites us to share what appears to be a spontaneous, joyful, intimate moment. There’s a story here that a typical posed photo wouldn’t convey, and it makes this a captivating image." — Doug Diekema

Panoramic Peaks. Photo by Even Redman

"What a panorama we have in this honorable mention from last fall’s Northwest Exposure Photo Contest.  It’s been with me ever since.  If my orientation is correct, this photo takes in the rugged massif of Whitehorse Mountain (upper left), across the North Fork Stillaguamish River Valley, to the dominant horn and flanks of White Chuck Mountain (center right).  The right foreground counterbalances the photo with a snowy shoulder of Glacier Peak.  Then wave upon wave of ridges and peaks, past Round Mountain to the distant Cultus Mountains. 

Photographic elements come together in this capture, so well composed and dramatically exposed.  Perhaps it’s foggy, but predicting it’s “smoke season” that gives such ethereal and luminescent definition to the valleys, ridges and rays.   In contrast, the tall summits of Whitehorse and White Chuck are clear and backlit, and they pop, sharp and dark.  Also, there looks to be just the right amount of photo-craft in post-production development.  It all sums to an artistic and compelling – indeed mythic – image of the lower North Cascades.  Kudos to this photographer.  Thanks to you, and many others, for sharing your work!”   — Buff Black

Child holds glowing lantern on bridge at dusk. Photo by James Marshall

"I liked this photo because it sparks all the mysteries of camping as a kid in the Pacific Northwest. I have a lot of fun memories of camping with my own twins in the PNW and part of the adventure is staying up late watching the stars, listening to the animal sounds and story-telling some wondrous tales that could go scary or spooky. This kid is so softly illuminated in the middle of the bridge and his lantern shows plenty of detail on his face and lights up the bridge as well. There is also something fun about his stance, almost balancing on a swinging bridge and his grin shows the thrill of being up at night. It's unusual to see night photos of this kind, especially with kids, and it’s so perfectly composed and lit! Bravo!" — Archana Bhat