Mini Challenge #15~Christmas and Snow

Pat · December 21, 2007, 03:10:56 PM

WE'RE VOTING!!
on our
Mini Challenge #15
~Christmas and/or Snow

Please vote for your top SIX before clicking on the submit button. All voting must take place in one operation.

Voting will close on January 24 so hurry and get your voting done! We'll then post the winning entry and the member whose entry that is will choose the next topic for our next challenge!

Click on this link to see all photos without having to scroll from page to page:

http://www.christianphotographers.com/community/index.php?topic=6498.0;all

How to Use This Board

Here's our
Fifteenth Challenge for you all.

SNOW PICTURES
and
MEANING OF CHRISTMAS

Details:

This is a different challenge. It's a combination from the two winners of our last two challenges as they overlapped. So, Show us your best photos illustrating the theme of What Christmas Means to Us and also let's have some SNOW!! for this challenge.

Use the attachment feature to show your photos (see directions above in the link to "How to Use This Board") in your post or link to them from your gallery or an offsite location that allows linking using the image codes. If you have trouble, please contact a moderator (name in blue) or an administrator (name in red) and we'll help you post your photo. If you have your photo in your gallery, please don't use the attachment feature as that puts the photo on our server twice but rather link to it.

Please upload up to 4 entries per member for this challenge.

The challenge is open now and will be closed to uploads on January 14, 2008 and then we'll vote on them.

Please put a title in your post for your photos. We need the title for the poll.

Of course, we're going to see who is posting the photos so this is not an anonymous challenge. So start posting. Click on the "Reply" button below and start this challenge!
Remember, this is a fun project!

MItchellBrown · December 21, 2007, 07:29:38 PM

TITLE

He is the Reason

Pat · December 21, 2007, 07:33:55 PM

Ohhh, how lovely, Mitchell!

Thanks so much for sharing that lovely photo with all of us.

Jane Walker · December 21, 2007, 09:43:08 PM

So true, Mitchell ... He is THE reason. Thanks for the beautiful reminder.

Fotobirder · December 25, 2007, 09:09:44 PM

Pat. I need your help again. I entered a picture but it never showed up. When I went to do it again, it said that the picture had already been entered. I just can't find it.

Thanks
Steve

Fotobirder · December 26, 2007, 05:20:46 PM

This entry is called "Is there Room In Your Heart For Jesus. This old Mill in Georgia has been turned into a Bed and Breakfast. This picture was taken during a snowstorm in the Georgia Mountains.

Steve Slayton
Fotobirder

Fotobirder · December 26, 2007, 06:47:45 PM

This is entitled "Leap For Joy." For unto us a Child is born, to us a son is given. Given to Die. Phillippians 2 says: And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death-even death on a cross!

Steve Slayton
Fotobirder

Fotobirder · December 26, 2007, 08:24:57 PM

While out during the Christmas season, I always look for home decorations that declare the birth of Jesus. I found this one place in Social Circle, Georgia that hit the nail on the head. The entry is simply entitled: "Happy Birthday Jesus."

Steve Slayton
Fotobirder

Mainemom2005 · December 27, 2007, 05:01:01 PM

Christmas Parade

[attachment deleted by admin]

Mainemom2005 · December 27, 2007, 05:06:39 PM

Brothers Playing the Snow

Mainemom2005 · December 27, 2007, 05:11:40 PM

Winter Babies d.o.b. Nov,Dec and Jan

Mainemom2005 · December 27, 2007, 05:24:27 PM

Snow brings Backbreaking Work

Fotobirder · December 30, 2007, 06:01:13 PM

This entry is entitled "Whiter than Snow." The song was composed in 1872 by James Nicholson and goes like this:
Lord Jesus, I long to be perfectly whole; I want Thee forever to live in my soul; Break down every idol, cast out every foe; Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

Refrain: Whiter than snow, yes whiter than snow; now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

Steve Slayton
Fotobirder

shutterbugmom · January 07, 2008, 01:52:56 PM

"Merry Christ-mas!"

With the society in the USA trying to remove Christ from everything Christmas, including the word Christmas being substituted with the word holiday...I wanted to create a card that includes Christ in Christmas. Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday to Christ, our beloved Savior...the true meaning of Christmas!

shutterbugmom · January 07, 2008, 02:14:02 PM

"Christmas is Giving"

One of the things that means the most to our family at Christmas is giving. Each year our church participates in Samaritan's Purse's Operation Christmas Child. It's a program that takes one shoe box full of needs and toys for children around the world that may have never recieved a gift before in their lives. This box always includes the gospel of Jesus Christ and the message of Salvation in their own language. The best gift we could ever give. Our church exceeded our goal again this year and it is so exciting to know that sometime in the next several months the children we chose gifts for and prayed for, and continue to pray for, will be receiving our shoe boxes and God's Good News!

I just love the look of this little boy's face as he proudly brought forth his box for the dedication of the shoe boxes. It really sums up what it's all about. I like the helpinig hands, too, since it takes the help of all of us to send these boxes around the world.

shutterbugmom · January 07, 2008, 02:22:56 PM

"Kneeling Santa"

One of our family traditions during the Christmas season is looking at Christmas lights. We get comfy, get our hot cocoa and coffee and head out with the music playing in the car. I just love to look at all the lights. Of all the ones we've seen over the years, this one is my favorite scene.

I always get a little bit of a chill when I see that Santa kneeling at the feet of Jesus. Since Santa, in this day and age, represents selfishness, the world and worldly things to me and all that's wrong about Christmas...I see this Santa and see the potential for the lost world and those who could know Him if His people will only be faithful to "go" and share the gospel.

shutterbugmom · January 07, 2008, 02:47:05 PM

"Winter Afternoon"

This is still one of my favorite Idaho snow scenes that I've taken. It was a COLD afternoon as the sun was setting and the light was just gorgeous. My hubby stopped the car for me to get out a take a few shots of this scene, but my fingers were soon so cold I couldn't feel them to push the shutter. That was my hint to get back in the car and continue home.

Jane Walker · January 07, 2008, 04:54:41 PM

Kathleen, you make it very difficult, all of a sudden, to choose a favorite -- I love each of these you have posted today. Each is uniquely different from the others but each is dynamicly beautiful -- and with a message. Thanks for what you do.

Fotobirder · January 10, 2008, 02:57:14 PM

I agree. Kathleen's snow picture is gorgeous. I love a great scenic picture. Since were both on Smugmug. I took the liberty of looking at your gallery

Just wished we could get more entries. I love looking at everyones pictures.

Steve Slayton
Fotobirder

Pat · January 10, 2008, 06:12:01 PM

Have I included everyone up to this point in the poll? Or have I left anyone out? Please let me know.

I've extended it for a few days to see if we can get more entries.

Pat · January 10, 2008, 06:23:17 PM

Snowy Path to the House

On New Year's Day, we were invited to our friend's home for breakfast and after a very snowy night, this was the scene as we arrived at their driveway. We made it up that snowy driveway too to the house!

Pat · January 10, 2008, 06:33:46 PM

Winter Goldfinch

This little bird was patiently waiting on this snowy limb until there was some room at the feeder for it to land and get its share.

Pat · January 10, 2008, 06:35:09 PM

HOAR FROST

Last week, we had a wonderful display of hoar frost. By noon it was all gone as the sun started to shine. Everything was coated by the frost and it was certainly a sight to behold.

Pat · January 10, 2008, 07:10:54 PM

Hoar Frost
or
Self Portrait

On our way to view the beautiful scene our wonderful Creator had painted of hoar frost coating everything, I spied this Christmas ornament hanging on the tree in someone's garden and I could maybe call it "Self Portrait" lol See me?

Al Moak · January 10, 2008, 09:00:09 PM

Pat, those are wonderful shots indeed! On the "Snowy Path" one - is that, as I think it is, a tire track leading up to the house? If it is, that is indeed a great shot with a great title!

Pat · January 10, 2008, 09:13:52 PM

Hi Al...

When we got to the house where we had been invited for breakfast, that's the driveway. Nicolas had been up the driveway with one sweep of his little snowblower and no time for any more so we just drove up through the snow. It was fun!

By the way, thanks for your kind comments!

Janet · January 10, 2008, 09:28:31 PM

Boy, there are some really great shots in here! Going to be very hard to choose, for sure!

Pat, I LOVE the "self portrait" one! The contrast of that rich red with all the snow is a show-stopper!

Jane Walker · January 10, 2008, 09:44:12 PM

WOW Pat, those are really beautiful shots ... I LOVE them all, so how do I choose my favorites? $:-\$

Paul · January 10, 2008, 10:47:41 PM

The Heart of a Frosty Morning

There was a beautiful scene in the early morning as the fog froze on all of the tree limbs and branches until the sun came out and melted it all away.

Jane Walker · January 10, 2008, 10:58:13 PM

Beautiful is right, Paul. Thanks

Pat · January 10, 2008, 11:56:43 PM

That's a really nice photo Paul. Love the way the tree limbs almost form a heart. Now, do you have three more photos you can upload?

Backpacker1uk · January 11, 2008, 10:21:16 AM

We have no snow

[attachment deleted by admin]

Marilyn · January 11, 2008, 10:42:03 AM

All these photos are absolutely wonderful I don't see how I will be able to chose those that should wind the challenge. Pat and Paul those are truly beautiful. shots.

Summicron · January 11, 2008, 07:06:22 PM

I thought, whilst I was at it,I'll put one of my own Christmas shots in, this is the sharpest one I took of the subject, house was lit up in aid of Derian house a terminally ill childrens hospice in Chorley Lancashire.

Santa Fantasy

Janet · January 11, 2008, 08:06:16 PM

Very pretty--I'll bet the kids loved it!

Paul · January 12, 2008, 05:10:02 PM

Whiter Than The Snow

This scene reminded me of the purity of God being whiter than the snow as it says in
Isaiah 1:18 The verse also reminds me that it takes my faith in Jesus' shed blood
to make me as pure as the wind-driven snow. Have you reasoned with God?

Jane Walker · January 12, 2008, 07:29:28 PM

Another absolutely breathtaking photo, Paul! I think Pat's going to have to close this challange soon or there's NO WAY I'll be able to choose only a few. $:-\$

BTW I love the scriptures you included with the photol

Paul · January 12, 2008, 11:40:20 PM

Snowy Evening From Window

Jane Walker · January 13, 2008, 02:54:28 AM

Again, a very captivating photo. Paul. I love the contrast between the cozy warmth inside to the snow and cold outside .... Here we go again ... decisions, decisions, decisions ... $:-\$

Janet · January 13, 2008, 05:53:39 PM

Paul, those two are great! Pat is a wonderful photographer (among other talents) and it looks to me like the two of you will come up with amazing photos! Thanks for sharing these.

JudyB · January 13, 2008, 11:48:43 PM

Paul: You and Pat are a great match. Your photography complements each others. WOW is all I can say!!

Is that one through the window at your home? The table is familiar but the lamp isn't. These are beautiful shots.

Pat · January 14, 2008, 01:02:46 PM

Thanks everyone for your comments.

We'll open the poll for voting late this evening so start choosing, folks. I'll be removing all posts in here that don't have an entry in them just to make the voting easier.

More later...

JudyB · January 14, 2008, 01:57:18 PM

Hey pat I know where those frosty pictures were taken!!!!!

They are beautiful!

Pat · January 14, 2008, 02:01:10 PM

Yes, Judy, down at the O.R. Can you imagine that beautiful place being filled with houses? They are talking about that now in the City Council!

Paul · January 14, 2008, 07:36:59 PM

Thanks for all the comments as this my first try as I just recently joined your site. I've enjoyed seeing all the pictures posted and maybe one day I'll figure this whole thing out so I can post my pictures without help from, guess who!!!!!!

Pat · January 14, 2008, 09:06:53 PM

WE'RE VOTING!!
on our
Mini Challenge #15
~Christmas and/or Snow

Please vote for your top SIX before clicking on the submit button. All voting must take place in one operation.

Voting will close on January 24 so hurry and get your voting done! We'll then post the winning entry and the member whose entry that is will choose the next topic for our next challenge!

Click on this link to see all photos without having to scroll from page to page:

http://www.christianphotographers.com/community/index.php?topic=6498.0;all

Pat · January 14, 2008, 09:08:15 PM

There are some really great images in here.

For ease of voting, make sure you click on the "All" button so that you can scroll right through them to view the photos or the link in my post above.

Make sure you do your voting all at once time. You can't vote for maybe three this visit and then three the next as the software won't let you do that.

Even if you didn't enter a photo, you can still vote! We hope that there are many, many members who will come in and vote!

mybcjazz · January 14, 2008, 09:52:14 PM

Wow! It's tough with so many good shots!

But I did it. My votes are in!

Gripped,
Kevin

Pat · January 14, 2008, 10:00:28 PM

Hey! That's great Kevin! I didn't see one of yours there!

JudyB · January 14, 2008, 10:16:03 PM

Pat that is a crime about the OR. anything your community group can do?

OK I am voting.

Andy_Sorensen · January 15, 2008, 07:07:35 AM

My first post here!

I live in Alaska and do a lot of photography:

http://www.andysorensen.com

Here's a 'snow' photo - I enjoy doing macro work of snowflakes. This is one of my favorites:

Mainemom2005 · January 15, 2008, 09:21:10 AM

Beautiful Snowflakes, I would love to photograph in Alaska

Pat · January 15, 2008, 11:58:18 AM

Welcome to Christian Photographers, Andy!!!

Andy, what an absolutely gorgeous photo! Wow!!! Don't we have a wonderful Creator? I just love your image. I would love to do this type of photography.

I know that if your image had been in here before we opened the voting, it definitely would have won. Looking forward to seeing your images in the next challenge! Please feel free though to post more snow photos in here and it will give us something to look at while folks are voting.

Did you post an introduction in our Intro area? I'll go and see...

Pat · January 15, 2008, 12:28:45 PM

So, folks, I see that only EIGHT ( 8 ) have voted! Have YOU voted? If you're a member of CP, you can vote.

Just pick out your favourite SIX and then put a dot in the little circle to the left of that person's entry/name and then click on "Submit".

Let's all encourage these folks so that our next challenge will even be better and better!

Let's VOTE!!!

Pat · January 15, 2008, 12:31:00 PM

Andy, what kit do you use?

EDIT: I would encourage everyone to click on Andy's link to his own site. What "eye candy"!!

Andy, I was interested in seeing the books you like. I love Freeman Patterson's books and have nearly all of his.

JudyB · January 15, 2008, 01:04:34 PM

Wow what beautiful snowflakes! how in the world did you take them?

Pat · January 15, 2008, 05:12:46 PM

Have YOU voted yet?

We sure hope that many will get in here and vote!

Marilyn · January 15, 2008, 05:15:50 PM

Wow is all I can say about your Snoflakes Andy. Awesome

Pat · January 15, 2008, 11:33:07 PM

Where are all of our voters?

Sure hope that many more come in before we announce the winners next week.

Andy_Sorensen · January 16, 2008, 02:04:22 AM

Quote from: JudyB on January 15, 2008, 01:04:34 PM
Wow what beautiful snowflakes! how in the world did you take them?

I use a Canon SLR digital camera with a specialized lens arrangement using vintage Canon macro lenses - all this mounted on an old film developers stand which acts as a super sturdy tripod. I use a cool, intense light source underneath the snowflake which allows for the ice crystal shot rather than the typical white snowflake. And I shoot many, many flakes to get a few good ones. It all has to be done outside, so I fight the cold and all the troubles that come with it - such as shortened battery life and cold, windy snow storms. But the results are worth it. I always find myself watching the weather for that next snowstorm with perfect weather conditions for nice crystals. Not every storm is worth shooting. Too often, the perfect snow is falling at 3 am. Sometimes I can find the time to shoot at that hour, but all too often I am unable too.

Colin · January 16, 2008, 07:41:10 AM

Lovely pictures everyone! I was going to do an Irish vote and vote twice! That is something I would have to explain but dont worry about it. I have voted anyway. We had a little fall of snow awhile ago and I am waiting patiently for some more so I can video it!

Pat · January 17, 2008, 01:02:12 PM

It's getting close!

We have a tie!

Have you all voted?

Pat · January 17, 2008, 01:02:31 PM

I've voted!

shutterbugmom · January 17, 2008, 01:26:17 PM

I voted, too!

JudyB · January 17, 2008, 02:09:44 PM

Andy thank you for explaining that. Very interesting!

Wow the voting keeps changing the results!

Keep voting folks!

Jane Walker · January 17, 2008, 03:40:10 PM

Me too ... I voted the first day, but I'll vote again if that'll break the tie.

Just joking.

Fotobirder · January 17, 2008, 07:01:40 PM

Well, I voted also. Correct english you know. LOL. Pat doesn't play fair. She knows I have a weakness for Wildlife and our Feathery friends. But it's great to see so many beautiful Snow pictures. Would you believe that Atlanta has had two snows in the past two weeks. And they are forcasting another one for Saturday. As I write this reply, Louise and myself just got back from the mountains. You guessed it. Taking more snow pictures. The Rain melted most of the snow here last night. But up in the mountains were beautiful. God is meeting our needs for a Drought. I believe it has something to do with a Governor who called a prayer meeting at the capital. Of course, he took a lot of flack from non believers. But they'll get over it hopefully. By for now and may the LORD continue to bless you.

Steve
Fotobirder

Backpacker1uk · January 17, 2008, 08:16:28 PM

Quote from: Andy_Sorensen on January 15, 2008, 07:07:35 AM
My first post here!

I live in Alaska and do a lot of photography:

http://www.andysorensen.com

Here's a 'snow' photo - I enjoy doing macro work of snowflakes. This is one of my favorites:

You would have had my vote this is beautiful

Marilyn · January 17, 2008, 08:31:04 PM

I voted too.

Andy_Sorensen · January 18, 2008, 03:05:53 AM

Quote from: Backpacker1uk on January 17, 2008, 08:16:28 PM
You would have had my vote this is beautiful

Thank you for the compliment!

Fotobirder · January 23, 2008, 04:01:51 PM

Pat I love all your entries. it was hard to choose. The picture with the reflections (hoar Frost) is excellent. You're not only a great moderator but an excellent photographer also.

Pat · January 24, 2008, 10:56:39 AM

Thank you so much, Fotobirder. What a lovely compliment!

Well, I'm off to Washington, DC to the Air & Space Museum and then tonight, I'll see who won and post the results.

Talk to you all later

shutterbugmom · January 24, 2008, 12:31:42 PM

Quote from: Jane Walker on January 07, 2008, 04:54:41 PM
Kathleen, you make it very difficult, all of a sudden, to choose a favorite -- I love each of these you have posted today. Each is uniquely different from the others but each is dynamicly beautiful -- and with a message. Thanks for what you do.

Thanks so much for the lovely comments Jane! You too, Steve. I'm a little late on thanking you, but your words are very kind and humbling.

I think it got much harder to choose after Pat and some others posted, though. Let's not ever do a "Snowflake" category for a challenge, though. Let us just say Andy wins that one. Although, I suppose there could be others out there freezing in the cold and taking pictures like that, but perhaps not as elegantly and excellently executed as those Andy has captured. The fact that he enjoys it is evident.

Of course, I must mention the skillfulness of the one that created those snowflakes. No two the same! What an awesome and creative God we serve!

Pat · January 24, 2008, 10:11:33 PM

HELP US CONGRATULATE THE WINNERS
OF
CHRISTIAN PHOTOGRAPHERS' FIFTEENTH
PHOTO CHALLENGE

Thank you to everyone who entered the 15th Christian Photographers Photo Challenge, and thank you to everyone who voted.

Here are the results of this challenge entitled:

"SNOW PHOTOS
and
"MEANING of CHRISTMAS"

FIRST place

"HOAR FROST"
by Pat

Tied for SECOND place

"WHITER THAN SNOW"
by Fotobirder

"WINTER AFTERNOON"
by Shutterbugmom

THIRD place

"HE IS THE REASON"
by MitchellBrown

Congratulations Everyone!

Well, I'm not going to select the next challenge. I'll defer this to a Second Place winner and since Shutterbugmom chose one already, I think we'll select Fotobirder. Fotobirder, please send me a Personal Message with the topic of the next challenge. Please send a little description of how you want the title interpreted.

Marilyn · January 24, 2008, 11:13:38 PM

Congratulations to all you wonderful challenge winners. You did good.

Pat · January 24, 2008, 11:22:20 PM

Thanks Marilyn!

Now we'll all be looking forward to the next one!

Andy_Sorensen · January 25, 2008, 02:53:20 AM

Congratulations winners.

I too am looking forward to the next one!

SmokeytheDog · January 25, 2008, 03:41:16 AM

Well I didn't get out to take any snow photos during the contest, so I'm going to post this one I took during our men's retreat recently.

Pat · January 25, 2008, 07:55:15 AM

Ohhhh, Smokey, that's a lovely photo!

I love the way that that wonderful fence line takes my eye right to the end of it and I want to continue own the path/roadway.

Marilyn · January 25, 2008, 10:18:55 AM

Great photo Smokey.Like Pat said I want to keep going on that path/road

JudyB · January 25, 2008, 12:32:07 PM

Way to go everyone.

Awesome photos!

Fotobirder · January 25, 2008, 01:22:34 PM

The Snow pictures were great. I got with my wife, Louise and we thought of a Combined Mini-challenge subject. Since Spring hopefully is coming. Early Spring Pictures. Flowers, animal, Birds etc. Also Spring to Christians mean New Beginnings. I was thinking of Sunrises, babies Human or Nature such as Birds etc. People, Wildlife (Including Birds ) and Nature(Scenics). Hopefully this want leave anyone out. May the LORD bless and keep you.

Steve
Fotobirder

Fotobirder · January 25, 2008, 01:33:45 PM

Will someone tell me how to reply to individual messages. I've tried but just can't figure it out.

Fotobirder
Steve

Andy_Sorensen · January 25, 2008, 09:32:23 PM

Spring is a loooooonnnnnggg ways away here where I live!

Fotobirder · January 25, 2008, 10:00:45 PM

I quess I though that everyone on theis site was a southerner.

Lets see what others say. It doesn't have to be a recent picture. It can be from last year. At least I think it can. $:-\$ May the LORD bless & Keep you.

Steve
Fotobirder

Fotobirder · January 25, 2008, 10:05:50 PM

After looking at some of the past Mini Challenges, I've decided to come up with something more simple. That should be easy for me. Stay Tuned.

Steve
Fotobirder

Pat · January 26, 2008, 12:42:24 AM

I'm sure we'll hear from Fotobirder soon and then I'll open the new challenge.

Fotobirder · January 26, 2008, 10:09:32 AM

I had thought of something but I didn't realize that Spring isn't even close to here for some of you. I looked back on some of the past challenges and they gave me some good ideas. The Mini Challenge is Humor.

Send your pictures that will give us a good laugh. Of course, use good judgement in what you send.

May the LORD bless & keep you.

Steve
Fotobirder

Al Moak · January 26, 2008, 10:17:13 AM

I got curious about the word "hoar-frost." I looked it up. It refers to a particularly whitish frost, and it occurs because the ice crystals aligned themselves in a particular way so as to reflect white light. Your photo, Pat, certainly emphasizes that kind of frost. It's a great photo, though I must admit I'm even more interested in those ducks floating around than I am in the great amount of frosty ice.

Pat · January 26, 2008, 11:38:00 AM

Fotobirder, as one of the winners of the last Mini Challenge, has made his decision!

Our new challenge is now open!

Please CLICK HERE

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Mini Challenge #15~Christmas and Snow

PLEASE vote for SIX entries before clicking on SUBMIT!