Library Showcases Photography Contest Winners

What started out three years ago as a creative outlet for teenagers has turned into an extensive exhibit of photographic talent from all ages on display at the Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library.

The library’s 2011 Photography Contest was held and winners were announced at an evening reception at the library in August.

The Friends Of The Stow Munroe Falls Public Library provided the prizes and reception for the photo contest. The first, second and third place winners in each category received cash awards and the honorable mention recipients received certificates. Winners of each category can be found here.

Dylan Stover, Adult-Best of Show award recipient, was shocked but thrilled when he found out he was the top winner in the adult category.

“I’ve been happy with my photos and thought I had a good chance, but this was very surprising,” he said. “I only started taking photos around Christmas when I got a camera. This is the first contest I entered. Now I’m probably going to get another new camera.”

His award winning picture, called "Courses," was taken near the Everett Road Covered Bridge in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. 

“I took it after the floods this spring at an exposed stream bed where there was a lot of silt,” he explained. “A bird walked through the stream bed … I think it was a blue heron. The title I gave my photo was ‘Courses’ because of the course of the water and the course of the bird. It made me think of my own course in life. It has a contemplative element to it.”

Stover, 25, is completing a degree in biology at Kent Sate University and currently does research for Cleveland MetroParks. He enjoys sharing his love of the outdoors with others.

“I like anything I can do to help people see the world more closely, especially nature. I’m very happy other people saw my photo," he said.

Largest Photo Contest at Library

With 168 entries by 80 photographers, this year’s photography contest was the largest one to date.

“Every year it seems to get bigger and bigger,” said , Marketing and Public Relations Manager for the Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library. “It started out as a creative contest for teens, but we had so many adults inquire about it, we expanded it.”

Malthaner and the entire library staff are proud of their patrons.

“The photography contest showcases the talents of our patrons and draws people into our library to view their work,” said Malthaner. “Plus, the photography reception is such a wonderful interaction of teens and adults.” 

The photographs will be on display until Sept. 15 at the library.