We are looking forward to our 14th Annual Photography Show, opening on February 19th from 6-9 p.m. As we lead up to the show, we will be announcing this year’s Best in Show winners. A panel of five distinguished, local judges carefully review all photos, and each selects one image to receive a Best in Show award. The winning photographers each receive a $100 cash prize and are recognized in the exhibit and program.

Today we are announcing the second Best in Show winner: “Blast Off” by Ather Ahsan, selected by judge Shedrick Pelt. Pelt expressed that this image “literally hit home” for him. “The Saturn V rocket that is projected on the side of the Washington Monument currently resides in my hometown of Huntsville, Alabama.” The monument is shown in contrast to the vast, brightly lit night sky, further symbolizing the wonders of space travel.

You can view more of Ather Ahsan’s work on Instagram.

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Shedrick Pelt is a D.C. based editorial, live-event, and commercial photographer. His style is driven by an urge to be the fly on the wall, capturing an experience without disrupting the nature of the moment. More about Shedrick and his work can be found at www.sdotpdotmedia.com.

Our 14th Annual Photography Show opens on Wednesday, February 19 with a reception from 6-9 p.m. Discounted advance tickets are available now, so grab yours soon! As we prepare for the big day, we are excited to begin announcing the Best in Show winners for this year’s show. Every year we ask a panel of five distinguished, local judges to each select one image for a Best in Show award. The winning photographers each receive a $100 cash prize.

The first Best in Show winner we are announcing today is “Late Night Shift” by Diana Nguyen, selected by judge Gerry Suchy. Gerry commented that the image is “an excellent study in protecting the highlights and using the resulting shadows as negative space to draw the viewer’s eye to the central figure in the photograph.” He added, “Using available light and shadows to great effect doesn’t get much better than this.”

You can view more of Nguyen’s work on her website and on Instagram.

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Gerry Suchy finds his street photography these days is influenced by his previous career as a Clinical Social Worker. His photos are informed by the belief that storytelling matters more than hashtags and likes. More about Gerry and his work can be found at gmsdesignsphoto.com.