'Flying High' by Samantha Battis takes top spot in Rochester photography contest

Best Of Show - #87 Flying High - Samantha Battis (Courtesy image)

ROCHESTER - On May 13th Hurd Hall at Rochester First United Methodist Church was filled with photos, people, prizes and refreshments at the 5th Annual Community Photography Show Awards Reception. The amazing photos by local amateur photographers will be on display through June 11. Small groups or individuals may view the photos weekday mornings 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or by calling the church office at 603-948-1179.

Ribbons and over $750 in prizes were awarded in the following catagories: Best Of Show - #87 Flying High - Samantha Battis; Scenic - 1^st - #1 Seclusion - Lisa Shurtleff, 2^nd- #86 After the Storm - Samantha Battis; People - 1^st - #87 Flying High -Samantha Battis, 2^nd - #46 Blacksmith - Pat Watts; Animals - 1^st - #75 Hang in There - Lily Hunt, 2^nd - #25 Taking Flight - Denise Houde-Forsythe; Young Adult - 1^st - #60 Summer of 2019 - Claire Prieto, 2^nd - #53 Summer Campfire - Kaden Fieldsend; Miscellaneous - 1^st - #38 Charlie Brown Christmas - Beth Allard, 2^nd - #44 Drops on Bud - Pat Watts; Judges' Favorites - Don Chick - #29 Skimmer at Sunset - Kandia Watson; Tanya Lee Hervey - #86 After the Storm - Samantha Battis; Barry Nation - #1 Seclusion - Lisa Shurtleff; People's Choice - #55 Broken Truck in the Woods - Kaden Fieldsend. In addition over 30 Special Merit ribbons were awarded.

Judges Barry Nation, Tanya Lee Hervey and Don Chick spoke about the judging process and gave tips for improving photos. Following the awards the judges answered questions and gave helpful information to individual photographers.

Show coordinator Cindy Edgerly said the show would not be possible without the sponsors Rochester First United Methodist Church and Rochester Main Street, the generosity of the judges, the business community and the willingness of the photographers to share their photos that all make it possible for local amateur photographers to display their talents.

Generous donations for prizes were given by: Barry Nation at Winterwood Photography, Buffalo Wild Wings, Charlie's of Rochester, Clemento's Pizzeria & Brew, Fallen Leaf Bistro, Freedom Beauty Salon, Granite Steak & Grill, Hervey's Tire Company, Inc., Jetpack Comics & Games, Jimmy Jones Locker, LaCorona Mexican Restaurant, Little Miss Sophie. Mitchell Hill BBQ Grill & Brew, Mr. Sippy BBQ, Papaya Thai Restaurant, Pepper's Landing Lobster Company, Porter's Pub, Potter's House Bakery and Café, RiverStones Custom Frames, Stitches, Studley's Florist & Garden Center, Town Square Barber Shop, Tri City Bicycles, Wild Willy's Burgers, Windjammers Seafood Restaurant, 110 Grill.