Young photographers win state honors

Two local high school seniors captured stunning pictures and top awards in the inaugural Montana High School Photo Contest organized by Rocky Mountain School of Photography in Missoula

Lacey Hill of Kalispell took first place.

The Stillwater Christian School senior earned the top honor for a wintry portrait of her cousin taken in a field in Great Falls using a Canon Rebel EOS T3i.

“I was inspired to photograph this image due to the beautiful fluffy snow that had fallen overnight,” Hill wrote in a short piece for the contest. “I figured that having her blow the snow towards the camera was a creative way of capturing her bright eyes and the fun side of playing in the sparkling snow.”

Hill wrote that she has been interested in photography since middle school and always tries to carry a camera o capture those spur-of-the-moment photos. She also wrote that she plans to earn a degree in business management and eventually open a photography studio.

As first-place winner, Hill will receive a private image review from Rocky Mountain School of Photography and a free photo weekend seminar in Missoula or Billings in addition to other prizes.

Saila Rogge, a senior at Flathead High School, placed fourth for her action photo of a boy diving into Flathead Lake.

Rogge wrote: “Since I was young, I have always had a fascination with taking photos, from my first disposable cameras to my current Canon EOS rebel T3i, there’s just nothing like capturing the precious moments in life the best you can.”

After graduation, Rogge will attend the Montana State University.

Naomi Garrison of Troy High School placed third in the contest.

High school students across Montana were asked to submit up to five images of any subject matter using any type of camera.

There were 364 submissions from 88 students. The top five photos were judged on composition, light and overall impact.

All images are available at www.rmsp.com/about/photocontest.