Duluth, Minnesota, January 18, 2000 -

Winners have been named in the Fifth Annual Lake Superior Magazine Photo Contest. The honored competition garnered more than 1,000 photographs from 160 photographers, high quality images of Lake Superior area scenes. Winning photos are published in the newest edition of Lake Superior Magazine, February/March 2000.

“This annual competition is a chance for our readers and visitors to show off just how stunning the Lake Superior region is,” says Paul Hayden, editor of the magazine. “It is truly amazing the talent that reveals itself from these amateur photographers, which doesn’t make the judging any easier. The 14 pictures selected as best in the contest make a stunning 6-page photo feature in our February/March 2000 issue that truly captures the essence and beauty of Lake Superior.”

The judging was done by the editorial and design staff of Lake Superior Magazine. Hayden says, “The overall quality was superb and the choices pleasantly difficult. Some shots show lake visions we often see, while others reveal a way of seeing that's different. All show the depth and breadth of Lake Superior's influence on its people and country."

The Grand Prize winner is Linda Kangas of Ironwood, Michigan, with her black-and-white photo of "Wait," an old fishing tug in Isle Royale National Park. Linda earns a $200 travel package for use within the Lake Superior region. 

Ben Carrasca of Duluth, Minnesota, won First Place (color division) for his “Lester River.” First Place (black-and-white division) went to Michael Vacek of Duluth, Minnesota, for “By Gooseberry.” Both winners receive a $50 gift certificate for Lake Superior Collection products, a subscription to the magazine and a 2000 Lake Superior Calendar.

Second prize winners Shawn Stockman, Chicago, Illinois (color division) for “Majestic Arch and Kayaker” in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and Carol Marston, Mankato, Minnesota (black-and-white division) for “Retired” both receive a subscription and calendar. Carol Marston was also a prize winner last year. 

The cover of the new issue displays an Honorable Mention photo “Fishnets at Outer Island” by John Noble from Hazelhurst, Wisconsin. He joins eight other Honorable Mention award winners: Joan Eshleman-Velde, Sterling, Illinois; Mark Haugen, Duluth, Minnesota; Jean E. Johnson, Carlton, Minnesota; James Lackey, Duluth, Minnesota; Jack Salmela, Duluth, Minnesota; Kay Tervo, Duluth, Minnesota; Michael Vacek, Duluth, Minnesota; and Jay R. West, Bloomington, Minnesota.

“We definitely want to thank all who participated in our contest,” Hayden says. “The sixth annual photography contest will commence later this year, so all of our readers will want to watch for details.”

The February/March 2000 issue of Lake Superior Magazine containing the prize winning entries is now on sale at better magazine and book stores across the country or from the publisher at 1-888-BIG LAKE (244-5253). Images of the winners are available for viewing at the magazine’s website: http://www.lakesuperior.com

View Winning Pictures