"It almost seems like a conspiracy as Chris won my Judges Choice about Anchorage too. Although Chris and I 'converse' pretty much on a daily basis, I don't think our friendship played a major role in my decision. I truly find his entry awesome! To me this shot has everything a screenshot needs:
First of all this one has great dynamics; the C-17 is about to touch-down, which adds a little 'suspense' if you like. The moment just before touch-down is always exciting. Are we going to make it ...?
Then Chris created a very clever, creative angle; I like the extreme zoom (which - in my book - justifies not showing a complete aircraft) and the fact that the markings on the runway come together at the end of the shot. Clever use of angles!
Furthermore, he has given the environmental elements some serious thought; this shot features some very subtle and sweet cumulus clouds with a light cirrus top layer just peeking through there. Add a few stars make this one very realistic. The custom C-5 in the background is also a very nice and personal touch. I know Chris has a
sweet spot for the Galaxy and apart from that he spent hours tweaking the PAED AFCAD and the traffic to his liking.
This is - ultimately - a shot from a guy who's been stationed at Elmendorf for two years. And I think your studies of Walk & Follow really show with this shot Chris!Congratulations my 'old' friend
Can't wait to see what you come up with next week!!"
"Skoker takes a very well deserved second place."
"Though his shot doesn't feature any 'well defined' clouds, and an action like this will definitely get you kicked out of the Air Force, I still think it is awesome! If this shot doesn't make clear what I mean by dynamics, nothing will. Though I think he could've disguised the Shaw markings on the Viper, it is a great model (Kirk's?)
I love the heavy load-out. It makes the aircraft look very menacing. I like how Jordan thought about giving the C-17's room in the shot. He could've overlooked to show the complete models while positioning the Viper. This really shows his attention to detail. I also find the mountains in the background a very nice bonus ..."
Third place is for Bob!
"Though Bob is famous for his gorgeous FEX clouds, the clouds in this shot didn't land him in third. This 'late springtime afternoon' shot has great coloring, lighting and perspective.
I think the lighting on the scenery is a great capture! It really makes the scenery objects stand out from those dark trees in the background. And the shadows cast by the line of Eagles, plus the lighting of the poles behind them, are very good.
The aircraft has a vivid livery (I love the Russian feel of it and the '13' on the nose stands out very nice) however, I think a little more dynamic positioning could've made this shot the winner."
These are the three winners, but I would like to give a honorable mention to Rob (clever frame you had there!), Mitch, and Shane.
Your shots were amazing too and I like that you seem to have noticed my preferred screenshot style: taken at ground level
Thank you all for 'playing'; I really appreciated all large amount of responses! Good luck to all in next weeks Judges Choice, hosted by Aussie!
Harold"
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