The Fall Judged Photo exhibit was on the walls at Rainbow Stew in Yucca Valley from October 16 to November 15, 2023.

Our seasonal art shows are open to the public and judged by an invited professional creator or instructor and they provide a fantastic glimpse of what our local creators have been focused on.

A total of nineteen (19) entries were received that came in from five (5) participants. Please pass along the word for upcoming judged exhibits because everyone is invited to participate! More participation increases variety. We are challenging one another to seek out new scenes. We are making note of new and renewed techniques. Participation in these judged shows hones our skills as we learn from one another.

The entries were sorted into a three category - Nature, Creatures, and Manmade, with first, second, third, honorable mention, best of show, and sometimes a president's award given out. Moneys received during intake go entirely toward prizes.

The Judge

Bill Brewer, a California native, resides in the high desert but his photographic journey has taken him across the globe. With a graduate degree from USC, he has shared his passion for photography at Long Beach City College. As an artist, he appreciates the detailed nature of photography. Bill's goal is to capture moments that reflect his experiences and emotions, conveying the unique feeling of a particular time and place.

Bill Leigh Brewer

Nature's Kaleidoscope

Passages by Victoria Sebanz

First-place
"Passages"
Victoria Sebanz

"Lots of good things here: the curing shape that gets repeated behind it. The perfectly handled depth of field. The choice of where the sharpness should be. The dynamic range that goes to the edge, but not past it."

Party Dress by Victoria Sebanz

Second-place
"Party Dress"
Victoria Sebanz

"Nicely done. The edges of these blossoms are energetic and abstract. If those edges had been sharper, this would be up Powerhouse image."

Bobbles by Raini Armstrong

Third-place
"Bobbles"
Raini Armstrong

"Good composition. Exposure and color balance look just right. It's sharp in the interior of the flower - it's a little unsettling that the main petals look a little soft. Really soft lighting, but that's a choice."

Rocks and Reflections by Bob Rufer

Honorable Mention
"Barker Dam"

Bob Rufer

"The rock in the foreground really makes this shot! The second rock and the algae carry one into the scene nicely. I might wish the rocks at the top were less bright."

Beautiful Creatures

Evocation 1 by Victoria Sebanz

First-place
"Evocation"
Victoria Sebanz

"Beautifully subdued tonal range. The subject's face is nicely captured in the swirl of motion."

Cant Catch Me by Raini Armstrong

Second-place
"Can't Catch Me"
Raini Armstrong

"Great capture! You sense the dogs energy and joy."

Tree Hug by Myrtle Cassell

Third-place
"Tree Hug"
Myrtle Cassell

"The boy is wonderfully framed by the tree trunks. His lit face peeking from the Shadows really works."

Hey There by Bob Rufer

Honorable Mention
"Hi, Neighbor!"
Bob Rufer

"Nice use of shallow depth of field."

Hand of Man

Temple by Victoria Sebanz

First-place
"Temple"
Victoria Sebanz

"Wonderful locomotion, beautiful colors and detail. It's a little ambiguous weather we are looking up or down."

This entry was an ACCIDENTAL REPEAT SHOWING of a piece that had placed in a previously judged show. The placement stands, because the judge had no idea of the mistake. However, no prize money was awarded.

 Infrastructure by Meilani MacDonald

Second-place
"Infrastructure"
Meilani MacDonald

"Good composition. I like the overlapping bolts in this macro shot. In a shot like this focus is critical. It's interesting that you make the middle Bolt import ant compositionally, but your focus is farther back."

Weaves by Raini Armstrong

Third-place
"Weaves"

Raini Armstrong

"Nice architectural detail. The dynamic range is being pushed to its limits and beyond. We have practically no Shadow detail and the Highlight area is also exceeding it's range. One question I ask myself when I am shooting is, what is this picture about? What is the most important element? In the case of your picture, I would say It's the curved shape, which is chopped off here."

Purple Mercury Grill by Bob Rufer

Honorable Mention
"Purple Mercedes"
Bob Rufer

"I like the row of chrome pieces - the repetition of form is nice. The shot is not quite level, and the focus is pretty soft. Looks like you're in hot sunlight. Car Shooters often find shade or soft light to work in - but not always!"

Noir Twilight by Victoria Sebanz

Best of Show

"Noir (Twilight)"
Victoria Sebanz

"The only black and white in the show, this one almost jumps off the wall. Tasty tonal range with a deep blacks and white whites. Simple diagonal composition. The Shadows from the hard light are very effective."

Thanks go to the participating creators that shared their work with us. To Rainbow Stew and all visitors that make these shows possible. And congratulations to the creators that placed!

If you find yourself out and about, make sure to stop by Rainbow Stew and enjoy the Judged Photo show. It will be displayed until October when we transition into the Judged, open to the public, Photography exhibit!

We all want to take advantage of this great space because it sees a constant stream of traffic throughout the week. Chaparral Artists see sales through this venue, so do not pass up the opportunity to hang your art with us when you can during these shows.

Stay safe and continue creating!

Judged Art - Sep '23
"Same but Different" - Nov '23