Awarded Photographs from the Exhibit
	Selected by Lumiere  -- Awarded $200 Gift Certificate I Think I’m Being Watched by Katharine Torgersen Light allows us to see. To “shed light on a subject” means to clarify or illuminate something, making it clearer by providing information. Katharine Torgersen, in her first photography exhibit at Image City, uses The Magic of Light in a strikingly different and provocative way. Katharine explores the full range of tonality—the spectrum from deep blacks to bright whites—and the smooth transitions between them. This tonality enhances our perception of texture and dimensionality, especially visible in the weight and folds of the curtain. It also adds depth to the figure in the foreground, which may or may not be abstract. In addition, Katharine uses light and tonality to evoke the essence of film noir, a genre that dominated cinema in the late 1940s and early 1950s. Film noir is built on ambiguity, mood, tension, and shadows. Here, a softness and femininity emerge, particularly through the curves of the figure and the shading that accentuates them. Yet, the sharp lines of the curtain and the dark mass of the figure seem to contradict this softness, suggesting a tension between strength and delicacy. This is a compelling image, Katharine. Thank you for presenting us with an intriguing question: Is this an abstract vision, or does the photograph provide just enough context for us to interpret its meaning? By Dick Bennett
	Awarded by Archival Methods --  $200 Gift Certificate Stepping Out by Robert Then. In the vibrant tapestry of urban life, moments often become stories waiting to be explored through photographs. Robert Then’s image, Stepping Out, captures a fleeting encounter between a woman in a flowing red outfit and a man, perhaps on a break, outside a building. At the heart of the image is the striking figure of the woman in red, whose flowing outfit captures the essence of freedom and movement. Her attire---radiant and fluid---stands out against the backdrop of a structured environment. The outfit is emblematic of vibrancy and individuality, suggesting that she is stepping out into the world with a purpose, a stark contrast to the more subdued and practical attire of the man leaning against the wall. Light and shadow play pivotal roles in conveying mood in this image. The shadows that envelop part of the building imply a sense of mystery. In contrast, the areas flooded with light suggest clarity, openness, and the spotlight of public life. This contrast enhances the sense of a world in which different stories coexist---one of obligation and routine embodied by the man, and another of adventure and spontaneity represented by the woman. The illuminated man, with a water bottle and folding chair nearby, suggests that he is taking a break from work. The interplay between him and the woman’s sense of vibrancy, illustrates the contrast between duty and choice; routine and spontaneity. The woman, clearly stepping out for leisure, and the man, momentarily escaping work; powerfully illustrates the various roles within an urban landscape, where moments of connection and contrast inspire deeper reflection on our shared human experience. Stepping Out is a commentary on individuality, urbanity, and the interplay between light and shadows. The image invites viewers to reflect on their experiences within urban spaces, encouraging them to explore their interpretations of confidence and identity as we gain insight into the narratives that exist within our everyday lives. This image stands as a testament to the powerful stories that can unfold within mere moments, highlighting the beauty of human experience in a bustling world. By Marie Costanza
	Selected by Image City -- Awarded $200 The Image City Photography Gallery Award for The Magic of Light 2025 is presented to Paul Yarnell for his photograph Boneyard Sentinels. Paul is a frequent contributor to the Gallery, known for his distinctive photography that consistently encourages me to take a deeper look at his work. In Boneyard Sentinels, the stark outlines of the trees in the middle ground contrast sharply with the brighter areas of the photograph. The image is sharp and clear in a small area at the bottom of the closest tree, while the rest of the composition features softer, more diffused tones that balance the brighter sections. The darker gray of the clouds, horizon, and foreground anchor the viewer in the photograph, and these tonal transitions enhance its vibrancy. The term "boneyard" typically refers to a cemetery or a place where damaged cars, planes, or ships are stored before being dismantled. In this photograph, the trees stand as sentinels—strong and unwavering—each with a sharp, defined edge that resists the softness of the surroundings. I wonder what they may be guarding? The balance of the image is both orderly and pleasing, inviting the viewer to linger a bit longer in contemplation. One way to achieve this softness in an image, particularly in scenes with water, is through long exposure techniques. This softness is particularly evident in the upper portion of the photo, where subtle streaks and gradual transitions of light appear between the darker grays and the lighter areas, as the clouds shift over an extended period. Paul’s use of a sepia tone adds an additional layer of distinctiveness to this image, further enhancing its emotional resonance. A wonderful minimalist photograph, Paul. Thank you for sharing it with us. By Dick Bennett