The response we received to the FOREVER storytelling photo contest was amazing.
It’s always incredible when people share their personal lives in such poignant, touching and sometimes funny ways.
It was beyond difficult to get it down to a Top 10. There are so many considerations and photo contests always boil down to apples and oranges, but this is our best shot. We will be announcing the top three prizewinners on Tuesday, May 19.
In the meantime, here are links to the top 10 so that you may all look at them and comment and share. We are not asking you to vote but we would love to know your favorites. The top three has not yet been chosen and your opinion matters. Congratulations to all of these great photographers. These are in no particular order:
Jeanine James / THE LONG DAY
https://my.forever.com/shared/album/IQmia7Ev9nM
Ben Rupp / WHEN MOM’S AWAY, THE BOYS WILL PLAY
https://my.forever.com/shared/album/YdgjOKIMREo
Kellie Pribbernow / GROWING: SELF PORTRAIT SERIES
https://my.forever.com/shared/album/b-B1Zoe8oaQ
Ginger Thomas Bendall / LIFE GIVING WATER
https://my.forever.com/shared/album/lMOK0_jErkQ
Beth Thomander / COURAGE AND STRENGTH
https://my.forever.com/shared/album/V5U4e_eeX78
Tricia Miller / THIRSTY BOY
https://my.forever.com/shared/album/xCTBSJoxomg
Laura Hughes / THE CHASE
https://my.forever.com/shared/album/0AmQ-Nvmxns
Nancy E Reyes Thomas / SNOW
https://my.forever.com/shared/album/WOALIyEX8-s
Kelli Watson Gowdy / HAIRCUTS
https://my.forever.com/shared/album/ckZbCvOaHIU
Jennifer Korin / BANDPOCALYPSE
https://my.forever.com/shared/album/OxNEA8-caRQ
First off let me say congrats to the top ten finalists and I am so excited to be amongst these amazing photographers!
I love them all but my favourites were:
“The Chase” – Stunning photos Laura! I love the dog’s determination and hope! You captured that well.
“The Long Day” – Jeanine, what an emotional set of photos and I love the last one especially. Just think when that little boy is a man how special that photo of how small he is in the bed next to his Mom will be. He will cherish it forever.
And I would have to say my all time favourite is of my son Grant who is one amazing kid for what he has had to endure and change in the last year of his life. He has taught us all what courage and strength is about.
I absolutely love Ben Rupp ‘ s when mom’s away the kids will play. So funny and creative.
I think my favorites are (other than Thirsty Boy 😉 )
‘The Chase and ‘Haircuts 🙂
Love Ben Rupp’s photos. Very clever!!!
My top three are (in this order): Growing (amazing and deserves special credit), When Mom’s Away, and The Long Day. I have to admit, though, that I am quite disappointed that neither my Mud Run, or Before and After Nick Kelsh, made even the top 10! Regardless, this assignment to create photo stories was quite a good one, and it was fun thinking of possibilities.
I really like the crisp photos captured in Thirsty Boy and the story behind Courage & Strength. Of course, I’m partial to “The Chase”; Luna loves this short daily routine in her life (and is always quite pleased with herself when she successfully “flushes the flock”).
Big congrats to all the Top 10’s. Proud to be a finalist with you 🙂
The Chase is my favorite because it conveys the story of the dog’s exuberance. Also, the aesthetic of the shots is spot on–clear, layers of color,
and action.
The photos in “Haircuts” clearly told a story from beginning to end. The intent is clear, the expressions are telling and the and the finale photo wrapped up the story nicely.
“The Chase” is exceptional as there is no posing of a canine in this situation. The dogs plan, the chase the flight and the final proud moment was captured in a totally natural way. Additionally the color & focus was beautiful.
The Chase is my favorite! Laura’s talent for capturing both action and the personality of an animal is incredible!
What amazing stories these photos tell!
“The Long Day” – I love that you captured the smile on big brother’s face while he looks at his little sister and Dad shares the news – the “Miracle” on the wall is perfect. The last shot really pulls it all together though – so tired, and so happy!
“When Mom’s Away, The Boys Will Play” – This is so funny. The “Never Grow Up” pillow on the couch is the perfect end note to this collection. And I want to know how you breathe fire! Not that I would try that with my kids while my husband is away, oh, no…
“Growing: Portrait Series” – I love the progression of shots, and the natural light – what a beautiful and honest way to show a growing family! (Especially a growing Packers, Star Wars, and Marvel family – those are the best kind!)
“Life Giving Water” – The contrast between the dirty water and the final image of pure clean drinking water tells a beautiful story of hope!
“Courage and Strength” – I love the triumphant pose and smile of the last photo – that is a young man who can handle anything life throws at him! The photo quality is stunning, and the black and white is a perfect choice.
“The Chase” – These photos are so vibrant and alive I feel like I can feel the sun and hear the dog barking and the gulls cawing – the first photo captures anticipation perfectly!
“Thirsty Boy” – I actually laughed out loud when I saw this series of photos . The stunned look on his face – so amazingly cute!
“Snow” – How incredible that you captured each step of this cause and effect – a funny series of photos, and I love the frozen action (ugh – excuse the pun).
“Haircuts” – Haircuts are such a milestone, especially with long hair – I loved how each photo’s focus is so perfectly chosen to tell a specific part of the story. The photo quality is amazing!
I am absolutely flabbergasted to be included in a list of this caliber. After browsing your lovely galleries, I am totally conscious of the honor! I will take it as a tribute to my kids’ determination following their band director into any situation. (I kept telling myself to put my camera away before it was ruined by the elements – so glad I didn’t!) Congratulations, all!
Beautiful work and the top ten are well deserved. Kudos to all! My favorite is The Chase. It really does tell a story and I felt like I was watching the show!
Tough to pick three. My choices would be The Chase, Thirsty Boy, and Haircuts. I can see the story progression. All of the submissions are wonderful !
So much fantastic talent in this top 10 group of photographers! The narrative created by “The Chase” stands out because it is playful, engaging, and authentic. How fascinating, that just these images can trigger the mind to generate the sounds and smells of the ocean and the feel of sand between one’s toes. Not to mention the adorable subjects! Bravo, Laura Hughes!!! Please continue to share your gift with the world!
I love The Chase by Laura Hughes! I live in Maine and this photo series just says Maine to me– and tells a familiar story for those of us who live here with dogs.
Love “the chase”
“The Chase” absolutely is my all-around first choice, especially if photography skill and composition count. That series tells a story of the eternal hope and joy that exists in a dog’s heart at the beach! For storytelling, my next two choices in the order would be “Bandcopalypse” and “Haircut.”
The Chase is my fave, such a natural story and really great shots – no words needed, the photos told the exact story and there was no need to “strike a pose.” Also liked courage and strength and Haircuts – really liked the stories they told. Loved the one photo of the little guy shooting himself in the face with the hose water. Great job all!
I was away for a work meeting and had to leave my boys at home. Every mother worries when they can’t be that extra set of eyes for her children or worries that she’s going to miss something big. But, while I was away, Ben Rupp caught all of the kids’ interactions perfectly and gained a smile from his wife that just couldn’t be there for everything that day.
I’ve always said that the joy of photography isn’t solely for the enjoyment of the photographer but also the audience. A tense meeting turned into a great day because of the memories that were being shared.
I loved When Mom’s Away, The Boys Will Play. As a mom, isn’t there a part of your brain that just KNOWS this is what is really happening when Dad stays home alone with the kids? My favorite is the fire breathing! This is a unique and creative set of photographs.
Love Ben Rupp’s photo, when Mom’s away!!!! Super cute!!!!
Love Ben Rupps “When Mom’s away, the boys will play.” Original, fun AND nice shot.
I love ben rupp’s…when mom’s away the boys will play” absolutely the funniest pics i’ve seen.
My favorite has to be Ben’s photos of when the mom’s away! Too adorable! Total boys weekend! Love it!
When mom’s away the boys will play is hands down the best of the top 10. Great job Ben Rupp!
I thought Ben Rupps pictures were cute! It’s always great to see a dad spending time with his boys. It’s hard to find that nowadays.
Ben Rupp’s – When moms away…. photos are the best of the best. Great job Ben.
What an honor to be included with these amazing photo stories! Thank you!
I’ve had so much fun creating my self portrait series, and I look forward to continuing the trend! 😉
I really love the When Mom’s Away photos. Hilarious! And Life Giving Water tells a beautiful story. Great job to everyone.
Thank you, FOREVER, for hosting such a genuine photo contest. And thank you, Nick Kelsh, for being such a sincere inspiration and encourager.
When mommys away is fantastic because it does such a good job at poking fun at most mothers fears of daddy staying home with the kids, and also shows a man combining 2 very important joys in his life and having fun with it by being a good dad and including his boys in his work/hobbies.
Oh, my goodness! I had no idea my photos were chosen for the top ten! What an honor. Reading your precious comments on my daughter’s hair donation has brought tears to my eyes. Thank you so much. And to all those photos chosen, what awesome talent we have in this world! Laura, your capture of your pup is amazing!
I love them all, but the Snow piece is my favorite especially now with these humid, hot days in Maryland