The 2023 FOCUS45 Amateur Photography Contest's Award-Winning Submissions

The Sunset Project is proud to announce the prize recipients of this year's FOCUS45 Amateur Photography Contest, as decided by our judging panel of industry professionals and creative community members!

First Place

This submission received the highest overall score from the judging panel and received a Canon EOS RP Mirrorless Camera Kit.

"Toes in the Sand"

By Mandy Polaski of Hawks, MI

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Second Place

This submission received the second-highest overall score from the judging panel and received a $500 B&H Photography Gift Card.

"Soul Devotion"

By Kristy Soltysiak of Hubbard Lake, MI

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Third Place

This submission received the third-highest overall score from the judging panel and received a Go-Pro Hero 11 Black Adventure Kit.

"The Wind and The Fog"

By Terry Doyle of Rogers City, MI

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Honorable Mentions

In no particular order, these submissions each received a $50 B&H Photography Gift Card.

"Daybreak Through The Fog: A Grand Lake Sunrise"

By Julie Mitchell of Presque Isle, MI

"By The Light of The Moon"

By Jessica Adams of Harrisville, MI

"Peaceful Path"

By Cassandra VanHorn of Alpena, MI

"Sunrise Over Houghton"

By Heather Curtis of South Branch, MI

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Special Prize Categories

Each year, The Sunset Project includes a series of "Special Prizes" to be awarded in addition to the other prize placements. This year's "Special Prize" Recipients are:

Best Youth Award

Awarded to the individual aged 14-21 who received the largest number of overall votes during the public voting period. This submission is presented with an additional $150 B&H Photography Gift Card.

"Peaceful Path"

By Cassandra VanHorn of Alpena, MI

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People's Choice Award

Awarded to the individual who received the largest number of overall votes during the public voting period. This submission is presented with an additional $100 B&H Photography Gift Card.

"Daybreak Through The Fog: A Grand Lake Sunrise"

By Julie Mitchell of Presque Isle, MI

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The Sunset Project Staff Pick Award

Decided by an internal vote of The Sunset Project staff, this award is meant to highlight a photo that we felt should have received more public votes given its subject matter, composition, and adherence to the theme. This submission is not eligible for other prize placements and is presented with an additional $100 B&H Photography Gift Card.

"A Fall Snack"

By Noah Gibson of Alpena, MI