The first place selections by juror Marc Muench in the 2017 Maine Photography Show, as announced Friday night at the Boothbay Region Art Foundation  are aas follows. The complete list of winners and some stories behind the photos will be published later.

See the show at BRAF, 1 Townsend Avenue in Boothbay Harbor, Thursday - Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. through early May.

BEST IN SHOW

“My Brain on Dhaka” by Meredith Kennedy,  Portland

 Marc Muench comment:

The combination of motion and static grabbed my attention, then the colors moved my eyes through the scene, and then I spent an exorbitant amount of time studying all the interesting little details scattered about. The processing is spot on, no fake colors needed, just the right amount of exposure, coupled with the perfect shutter speed gives this image the Best In Show award.

First Place, Theme - (Red, Green & Blue Landscape)

“Maasai” by Cory Gardiner, Woolwich

Marc Muench comment:

This is a great fulfillment of the assignment while exhibiting scale, texture, composition and most importantly, the nature of the Maasai people. I enjoy the simple light and processing, keeping the final piece very natural. I’m drawn into the scene, wishing I were there walking along with them.

First Place, Color

“Night Turns into Day” by Jeffrey Bazinet, Scarborough

Marc Muench comment:

The transition of the dawn hour is tricky to capture in a still photo, and this does it well. Not only is the composition excellent, but the processing achieves a dreamy quality, giving the entire scene a bit of serenity. The snow, light beam and wispy waves all add to the fun of this image.

First Place, B&W

“Seated” by John Kaminski,  Portland

 Marc Muench comment:

I laughed so hard when I first saw this; thanks for the clever scene. It's not the large belly that made me chuckle, but the fun juxtaposition of the sitting man and the walking person. The story is more interesting without the larger man’s appearance, as it leaves the imagination running (no pun) and the attention is given to the walker in the background. Very well done!

First Place, Student

“The Daily Commute” by James Lynch, Falmouth

Marc Muench comment:

This image stood out immediately. The clever use of movement trailing a skateboarder through the city is fun and makes what could be a very simple scene magical. Everything about this picture works — the position of the boy, his foot, his head against the buildings in the distance and the light. Great work!