Wednesday, May 01, 2024

A dramatic black-and-white image of a bird eating seed while the shadow of another bird flying by moved judges to select it as Best in Show for the 10th-annual Teen Photo Contest at the Fond du Lac Public Library.This photo highlighting the student’s understanding of composition and timing was taken by Cece Wagner, who earned a $250 gift card for taking the top spot. Wagner is a junior at St. Mary’s Springs Academy in Fond du Lac.

Wagner’s entry was one of about 80 photos from teens across Fond du Lac County that were sent to the Fond du Lac Public Library over the winter and spring. Teens could enter in one of three categories: Wildlife, Black & White, and Anything Goes. Earning Honorable Mention awards in those categories were:

  • Wildlife: Briah Krueger, junior, Academy of Excellence
  • Black & White: Miriam Borgwardt, freshman, Winnebago Lutheran Academy
  • Anything goes: Jack Gitter, eighth grade, Shepherd of the Hills Catholic School

All four winners will receive their photographs professionally framed, courtesy Gallery & Frame Shop in downtown Fond du Lac. All entries also are on display in the Langdon Divers Community Gallery throughout May.

A public reception will be held Wednesday, May 8 from 5:30 to 7 p.m.; the reception will be paused at 6 pm to recognize the winners of the contest. 

Contest judges were professional photographer Casey French of Sumercé Artisans and Casey French Photography, Julie Balson of Gallery Frame Shop, and Margaux Mich of Lunar & Lake Book Market. They praised Wagner’s technique with the winning photo.

“The photograph is not only perfectly timed and composed well, but it also conveys something deeper: a bird pondering flight,” said French, a professional photographer.

Mich added that she also loved the composition of the photograph.

“I chose this photo for the perfect moment captured of shadow and light in nature. It allows others to view this unique moment in time,” she said.

The Langdon Divers Community Gallery is open seven days a week, whenever the Fond du Lac Public Library is open at 32 Sheboygan St. The gallery may be found off the atrium at the south entrance to the Main Library. 

For updates on Langdon Divers Community Gallery, follow the gallery on Facebook at www.facebook.com/langdondivers. Kolstad may be contacted at mel@kolstad.net.