The annual photography contest in Freycenet-la-Tour has once again proven to be a remarkable success, drawing 55 submissions from photographers eager to showcase their creative vision. The competition was carefully judged by a panel of four impartial jurors, specifically selected for their neutrality to ensure fair evaluation. None of the jury members had personal connections to any contestants, and all photographs were submitted anonymously to maintain objectivity throughout the judging process.
The contest was divided into four distinct categories, each highlighting different aspects of photographic artistry. The "Unusual" category received 13 submissions and challenged participants to capture extraordinary, spectacular, and surprising images, whether spontaneous or carefully composed. Alain Gay claimed first place with his striking image titled "patriotic clouds," while Sandrine Breysse secured second place with "a heart to take on the way," and Rémi Varbedian earned third place for "a line on the road."
The "Water" category proved particularly popular with 15 submissions, featuring poetic and graphic interpretations of water in all its forms, including flowing streams, mist, and snow. Rémi Varbédian dominated this category, winning first place with "iridescent water bubbles" and sharing third place with "deceptive water." Zoé Varbédian captured second place with "and flop, water that jumps when you jostle it," while Marie-Jo Danthony-Guérin tied for third place with "snow and tile graphics."
The "Profession" category showcased the photogenic nature of various trades and their practitioners through 7 compelling submissions. Photographers captured scenes ranging from fieldwork and beekeeping to intricate lace-making and local commerce. Alain Gay earned first place with "Emilien and his beehives," followed by Elise Nicolas in second place for "Lace square and fairy hands," and Rémi Varbédian in third place with "A shop to eat."
The "Animals" category emerged as the most popular, receiving 20 submissions that distinguished themselves through remarkable originality. Contestants presented an impressive array of subjects, including a frog traveling on a raft, dogs making endearing expressions, another dog splashing in a fountain, an inquisitive frog's eye, and a young fox kit. Thaïs Varbédian claimed first place with "the frog's raft," while Alain Gay secured second place for "in the frog's eye," and Capucine Varbédian earned third place with "in the puppy's eyes."
The competition concluded with an awards ceremony where prizes and recognition were distributed to the winners. All 55 photographs submitted to the contest are currently on display in the sanded hall of the ENA (National School of Administration) and will remain available for public viewing until September 27, allowing the community to appreciate the full range of artistic talent showcased in this year's competition.
