Reader’s Lens | Flower power

Seattle Times reader Shun Takano’s dramatic macro-lens view of a flower in his yard.

Katie G. Cotterill

Seattle Times photo staff

Photographer: Shun Takano, Renton Photo taken: April 1, Renton Highlands Photographer’s description: “Macro shot of a flower growing in the yard — reminds me of a kaleidoscope. Taken with a Sony A7RM2 with Sony 90 mm FE macro lens.” Katie’s critique: “Macro shots are always so fun and present a new way of seeing something. I love how the focus is on these little crystals. Great use of the rule-of-thirds that allows the petals to create leading lines to the focal point.” Share your recent photo from around the Northwest. Submit online at seattletimes.com/northwestphotos. We judge the best and award a $250 prize every December. Below is a gallery that includes past Reader’s Lens picks.

April photo contest: My Commute

April is “Ride Transit Month,” so The Seattle Times is giving away a Canon camera bag for the best reader photo with the theme “My Commute” (whatever form of transportation you use). The winning image will be featured in Reader’s Lens the final week of April. Submit online by April 17 at seattletimes.com/northwestphotos (write “My Commute” in the subject line of your email).

Photographer: Lauren Ito, Mercer Island.

Photo taken: Oct. 31, Mercer Island.

Photographer’s description: “During this sunset I saw a perfect blackberry frame, and climbed into the prickly hedge to capture this shot. Well worth the prickles! Shot with a Canon 7D Mark II, Tamron 28-75mm lens.”

Katie’s critique: “We get a lot of Mount Rainier submissions, and our photographers shoot a lot of photos of Mount Rainier. What I like about this shot is the framing — it isn’t just a straight shot of the mountain. The hedge cleans up the foreground by blocking the cityscape and the rogue vine creates the perfect window to peek through. Great layers and a beautiful sunset surrounding a gorgeous mountain.”

Photographer: John Thielemann, Woodinville.

Photo taken: Sept. 25, on the Snoqualmie River.

Photographer’s description: “My friend’s dog, Chella, was having a great time retrieving tennis balls from the river below Snoqualmie Falls. I was trying to catch the backlit action as she shook herself. This is a heavy crop of one lucky shot taken in a series using continuous shutter release. Exposure at 1/200s, f/5.6, and ISO 200 with Nikon D7000 and Nikon 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G lens set at 46mm.”

Katie’s critique: “Great job by the photographer to see the backlighting that created this fun image that has tons of texture. By having a shutter slow enough that it doesn’t quite stop action, we get that slight blur that shows the dog’s movement but still allows its eye to be sharp. Great use of the rule of thirds. Fun photo!”

Photographer: Hai Nguyen, Renton.

Photo taken: Oct. 23, Boardman, Ore.

Photographer’s description: “Boardman Tree Farm was a surreal place to…witness the vibrant golden colors at peak, and (the) symmetry of how these trees were planted was just too captivating. Knowing that this tree farm will soon be chopped and renovated into a cow farm, it was definitely worth the drive from Seattle. Nikon D800E with Nikon 70-200mm, f2.8.”

Katie’s critique: “I’ve heard about the beauty of this farm on the northern edge of Oregon with its astounding symmetry, and Hai Nguyen captured it wonderfully in this self-portrait. The leading lines are great, highlighting the pretty golden leaves. The pop of blue of Nguyen’s jacket against the yellows is really fun. Great lens choice to get some compression but wide enough to get a scope of the landscape.”

Photographer: Kristin Ogren, Seattle.

Photo taken: Oct. 28, Ray’s Boathouse deck, Shilshole Bay.

Photographer’s description: “While enjoying fish and chips on a sunny October day, I took a spontaneous shot with my cellphone, a Samsung Galaxy S5. Auto settings were ISO: 40, F 2.2, 1/628. Turned flash off for a silhouette effect.”

Katie’s critique: “When I first looked at this photo I thought it was a reflection but then all those little differences popped up, which was fun. Great job to turn off the flash and expose for the sunlight and wait for just the right moment as the boat went by. I might crop just slightly off the left side of the frame to get that vertical beam as much in the middle as possible.”

Photographer: Tim Nicol, Republic, Ferry County.

Photo taken: Oct. 22, in his garden.

Photographer’s description: “A chipmunk in the late afternoon sunlight in my garden in Republic. Taken with a Nikon D7100 and a Tamron 150-600mm lens.”

Katie’s critique: “I love the simplicity of this photo highlighted by the beautiful autumn light. The lens used creates a super-clean background because of the shallow depth of field that allows us to not get distracted by the background and focus on the adorable moment. Great photograph!”

Photographer: Jerry Cahill, Tukwila.

Photo taken: Oct. 9, Westport.

Photographer’s description: “We were on a break in Westport. When we went down by the jetty we saw these raccoons playing. We watched them for quite awhile and as we did so they began to watch us and I started taking pictures. We were fortunate to capture this portraitlike photo. I use a Nikon DSLR camera.”

Katie’s critique: “This tack-sharp family portrait is beyond cute. The photographer did a great job of getting in tight while also using the rule-of-thirds well with those adorable faces aligned along the top third. A nice moment with the right little guy sticking out his tongue.”

Photographer: Gary Peltz, Seattle.

Photo taken: Oct. 9, east side of Stevens Pass.

Photographer’s description: “While looking for some good fall colors on Highway 2, this stand of Aspens came into view across the road from a large pull off. The sun came out right as I was shooting to light the trees up.”

Katie’s critique: “Sometimes we have to wait an excruciating amount of time for the beautiful light to show up and sometimes we are blessed with it right away, like the photographer was in this case. The golden leaves are highlighted by the lovely light and we get that hue throughout the frame. I love that there aren’t any distracting evergreens to take our eye away from these golden beauties. A fall gem of a photo.”

Photographer: Shun Takano, Renton.

Photo taken: Sept. 30, Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park, Renton.

Photographer’s description: “Took the macro lens on my daily walk and saw this yellow fallen leaf on one of the boardwalks. Taken with Sony A6300 with 90mm macro lens.”

Katie’s critique: “I love this shot that screams autumn. The macro lens allows us to get all that great detail and texture — and the beautiful light accentuates all of that. The grains of wood and that knobby knot, in addition to the leaf, are great sources of leading lines and a focal point to keep your eye going around the frame. Fall is here!”

Photographer: Raxit Kagalwala, Bellevue.

Photo taken: July 21, summit of Mount St. Helens.

Photographer’s description: “We hiked up to the summit of Mount St. Helens in a group of 20 people, including kids ranging from 10 to 18 years old. It turned out to be a beautiful day, with gorgeous views of the surrounding peaks. This photo shows our group at the summit, with Mount Adams in the background.”

Katie’s critique: “This is a very fun photo with tons of texture and a breathtaking view. Getting wide and taking a few steps back on this shot is really what makes this frame. It isn’t the stereotypical we-made-it-to-the-top group shot and I think that’s why I love it so much. Fun and beautiful!”

Photographer: Kevin Farrell, Olympia.

Photo taken: July 2016, McNeil River State Game Sanctuary, Alaska.

Photographer’s description: “My 13-year-old daughter, Lindsey, and I were successful in obtaining access permits — through a lottery — to (the game sanctuary). World’s highest concentration of grizzly bears. Amazing!”

Katie’s critique: “A fantastic moment captured. Seeing the whole fish out of the water at the instant the grizzly catches it in its mouth is spot on. Getting in tight allows us to focus on that moment. The fur at the lower left corner is slightly distracting but at the same time we get a sense that there are multiple bears there. Overall, a really great photo.”

Photographer: Chris Picard, Seattle.

Photo taken: Sept. 2, a Seattle garden.

Photographer’s description: “Taken in the morning in a community garden along 15th Avenue West after some rain the night before. The dark background is from shadow behind the flower. I used a Nikon D7100 with an 18-140 MM lens.”

Katie’s critique: “Beautiful use of the rule of thirds to accentuate the gradient of color. The light is absolutely stunning in this frame, allowing the background to go black and create a super-clean image while making the water droplets pop and create more texture. The photographer got in tight and wasn’t afraid to exclude parts of the flower and that’s what makes this abstract and extremely pretty. I’d love to hang this on my wall.”

Photographer: Steven Bright, Seattle.

Photo taken: July 8, San Juan Island.

Photographer’s description: “I was working for a month up in Friday Harbor. During my days off, I would watch the sunrise near the American Camp. This black fox was very curious and walked right up to me. He had a piercing stare which I captured using a Canon Rebel T3i and 250mm lens.”

Katie’s critique: “Typically your eye will travel around a photograph to different elements but my eyes just keep getting drawn to this guy’s eyes. The photographer said it best — this little guy has a piercing stare — and he captured it well. The amber-colored eyes pop against the gray and black of his coat, especially with the shallow depth of field. Clean and beautiful image.”

Photographer: Tanya Karwaki, Seattle.

Photo taken: June 25, near Ketchikan, Alaska.

Photographer’s description: “While I was on the beach the whale entered the bay. It was showing its fluke and I tried to take a photo with no luck. Suddenly it jumped out of the water. I aimed my point-and-shoot Olympus Tough TG-4 and came away with this playful photo!”

Katie’s critique: “Wow! A very majestic photo that captures the perfect moment. The lighting is beautiful and I really like the texture throughout. The wide shot accentuates the scale of the whale. I almost want to crop out some of the clouds from the top to focus in a little bit more on the whale. Fabulous shot!”

Photographer: Lynne Simons, Bellevue.

Photo taken: Aug. 13, in household garden.

Photographer’s description: “I was picking spent geranium blossoms when I noticed I had company. I ran in the house and grabbed my camera and macro lens and felt so lucky that my visitor waited for me. I wish I could identify it. I have not seen anything like it in my garden in the past, and think it may be a form of grasshopper that seems to feel quite happy in geranium blossoms. I used my Canon 5D Mark III and 100mm macro lens mounted on a tripod.”

Katie’s critique: “We sometimes take for granted the small things around us that have a smaller world than us. This was not one of those instances. Lynne Simons noticed and made a great shot of this little guy. (We think it’s a katydid, also known as a long-horned grasshopper; anybody else have some insight?) What I love about this frame is seeing the detail in its face and how the bright green pops against the beautiful white of the geranium. This photo definitely made me smile. I hope it inspires others to take time and take in our small world.”

Photographer: Yee Feng, Seattle.

Photo taken: June 30.

Photographer’s description: “A beautiful summer evening at Seattle’s Seward Park Crit with Audi Cycling Team leading the charge. This race series has been running for 27 years and is a fantastic part of cycling in the Pacific Northwest. This was shot with a Canon 5D Mark III and a 45mm TS-E lens.”

Katie’s critique: “The photographer clearly had fun playing with a lens that isn’t in everyone’s camera bag. Using a tilt-shift lens can be a way to break out of how you typically see and challenge your photographic eye. It allows a selective plane to be in focus. I enjoy how the line of bikes are the focus, with the ‘one way’ sign adding to that linear effect.”

Photographer: David Dana, Bellevue.

Photo taken: June 19, Poo Poo Point, Issaquah.

Photographer’s description: “This was my first visit to the popular launching point for paragliders and hang gliders. This hang glider was the only one in the air, skillfully riding the thermals. I was struck by the patterns of the wispy clouds behind him, and found this angle that reminds me of a surfer riding a cresting wave. Shot with a Nikon D90, zoom lens set to 140 mm.”

Katie’s critique: “I love the comparison to a surfer. What stands out about this photo is how clean it is — there isn’t a tree popping up to distract. And the clouds definitely make this frame. Going wider on the shot to show those wisps was a great choice.”

Photographer: Cheri Kopp, Shoreline and Port Townsend.

Photo taken: July 9, Port Townsend Saturday Farmers Market.

Photographer’s description: “We’re fans of Chimacum’s Spring Rain Farm, both for their produce and merchandising, including the $20 ‘flight’ of berries: any six containers of your choice. This is an iPhone photo taken just before we chose fresh raspberries, Silvan berries, strawberries and orange cherry tomatoes — YUM!”

Katie’s critique: “This defines farmers markets for me. I love the bold colors and the pattern. The thoughtful elongated crop makes sure no distracting elements are included. The light hitting the berries and tomatoes is also really nice. Very fun image.”

Photographer: Craig Goodwin II, Spokane. Photo taken: July 12, Mount Spokane State Park. Photographer’s description: “The Northern Lights shine brightly on the horizon behind the historic Vista House at the top of Mount Spokane. This is a 25-second exposure with a Nikon D600 and I used my headlamp to illuminate the foreground. I waited for the moon to set at 12:30 a.m. and took pictures for an hour as the aurora pulsated in the sky. The Big Dipper is visible to the upper left of the house.” Expert says: “I’ve become familiar with Mount Spokane’s Vista House after years of photo editing for travel and ski stories – this is easily the best image I’ve seen of the iconic site. The picture has many great photographic elements: a sense of place, a long exposure showcasing a heavenly sky, and a colorful and radiant aurora borealis. Photographing the Northern Lights often takes a bit of luck, research and patience. So extra kudos to the photographer for capturing this stunning picture.”

Photographer: Dale Anderson, Mountlake Terrace.

Photo taken: June 30, Snohomish.

Photographer’s description: “Shot through the parachute vent of a hot-air balloon envelope, the pilot prepares the balloon for a ride over the Snohomish area. Shot with a Nikon D-810 camera and Nikkor 14-24mm f2.8 lens. A great time was had by all.”

Expert says: “I found the kaleidoscope-like effect of the hot-air balloon’s envelope hypnotizing. The pattern, combined with the balloon’s vibrant colors, also brought me to a place of whimsical fantasy. The silhouetted individual in the center of the frame provides a great sense of scale.”

Photographer: Dan Edds, Bellevue.

Photo taken: May 6, Bellevue Botanical Garden.

Photographer’s description: “Any time is a great time to visit Bellevue Botanical Garden. This is a capture of a red peony just before it hits full bloom. Canon 40D, lens: EF 70-200mm, f2.8.”

Katie’s critique: “I have never been to Bellevue Botanical Garden, but this photo makes me want to go. Gorgeous, elegant, beautiful photo! The combination of the perfect depth of field, the contrast of the dark edges of the frame against the bright pink petals and the crisp lines of the edges of the petals makes everything about this photo pop. Great job by the photographer to get a tight shot that becomes fine art.”

Photographer: Jesse Van Hoy.

Photo taken: June 12, Cal Anderson Park, Seattle.

Photographer’s description: “At the vigil for Orlando, a woman lights a candle in honor of the lives lost. Used a Nikon D750 with a Sigma 50mm f/1.4 lens.”

Katie’s critique: “A beautiful moment captured while remembering a heartbreaking event. This photograph has great lines, nice depth of field and is really clean. I love the glow from the candle on the woman’s face. I’m nitpicking here, but I wonder if the photographer could have angled the camera to get that tiny bit of light pole out of the background. It might not have been possible. Either way, this is a really nice photo.”

Photographer: Kathleen McCrary, Seattle.

Photo taken: May 29, Meadowbrook Pond.

Photographer’s description: “Shot with a Canon S95 at Meadowbrook Pond in northeast Seattle.”

Katie’s critique: “The theme song from the late-1980s hit cartoon ‘DuckTales’ is now stuck in my head. I’m not complaining. I also have no complaints about this funny and well-executed photo that wins our June contest with the theme ‘On the Water.’ Great job getting close and creating a non-distracting frame. It’s cool to see all the details in the feathers on this duck’s butt.”

Photographer: Lee Koshman, Bothell.

Photo taken: June 6, in a Bothell yard.

Photographer’s description: “I never realized that the black dragonflies sometimes have blue in their wings. I also find the intricacy of their wings astonishing. Picture taken with a Nikon D3100, set at 1/1250 sec., f/5.6, and ISO of 200.”

Katie’s critique: “Great job getting in close so we can see this little guy — the shimmer and other details in the wings is fascinating. The lines in this photo are nice, with the purple background leading you right to the cool wings. Good depth of field so we aren’t distracted from the main subject.”

Photographer: Yoshiki Nakamura, Seattle.

Photo taken: May 31, Palouse Falls State Park, Franklin County.

Photographer’s description: “On the way back from a Palouse photo trip, I stopped by Palouse Falls. At the time I arrived it was cloudy but by 11 p.m. it started clearing and was completely clear by 1 a.m. (With no moon showing) it was very dark and … a high-CRI LED was used to light the falls area. 14-mm, ISO 2500, 30 seconds at f/2.8.”

Katie’s critique: “This photograph beautifully captures Palouse Falls. The photographer did a great job in thinking to light-paint and highlight certain features, adding depth to what could have been a dark photo even with the long exposure. Great job balancing the artificial light with the long exposure so as to capture the Milky Way and movement in the water. Stunning image!”

Photographer: David Neiwert, Seattle.

Photo taken: May 11, off San Juan Island.

Photographer’s description: “A humpback whale calf breaches in Haro Strait, on the western side of San Juan Island, with the Olympic Mountains in the background; taken from my kayak. I used a Nikon D300 with a Nikon 70-300 lens and stayed very close to shore.”

Katie’s critique: “Wow! An amazing moment to witness. Perfect timing. I love being able to see the spray coming off the whale and having the Olympic Mountains in the background. I wish the whale-watching boat wasn’t there, just to clean up the frame, but it adds an element of reality. Awesome photo.”

Photographer: Dylan Ma, Bellevue.

Photo taken: May 7, from Bellevue.

Photographer’s description: “Watching the crescent moon slip behind the Olympic Mountains and above the Space Needle showed me that we should always be looking up, from where we are on Earth today to where we will be in the future. Taken with a 560-mm focal-length telescope and Canon T3i.”

Katie’s critique: “This is one of the more thoughtful and unusual ‘Looking Up’ photos we received for May’s theme. Shooting through the telescope was a fabulous idea. Looking closely, we’re able to see the outline of the moon extending from that sliver, which is pretty cool. The red lights atop the buildings nicely mirror the color of the sky. And the compression from the telescope allows the mountains to loom high over the skyline. Keep looking up, y’all.”

Photographer: Gloria Z. Nagler, Lake Forest Park.

Photo taken: May 8, in Magnuson Park community garden, Seattle.

Photographer’s description: “First time I’ve seen a bee dangle from a stamen. Taken with Canon 5D Mark III, with 100mm macro lens.”

Katie’s critique: “This is a really fun and lovely macro shot. The upside-down bee is a unique sight captured, and the macro lens allows us to see all the little details on the flower and bee while creating a super-clean background.”

Photographer: Tim Nicol, Republic, Ferry County.

Photo taken: April 22.

Photographer’s description: “A calliope hummingbird. Photo was taken with a Nikon D7100 and a Tamron 150-600 Lens.”

Katie’s critique: “This shot is gorgeous and so incredibly clean due in part to the lens used. I love the colors and how the magenta feathers stand out against the browns and greens throughout the photo.”

Photographer: Victor Tom, Redmond.

Photo taken: April 17, Carnation.

Photographer’s description: “The words ‘verdant’ and ‘bucolic’ describe springtime in the Snoqualmie Valley. And with Mount Rainier looming in the background, it makes for a quintessential Pacific Northwest landscape. I was particularly captured by the shaggy horse — not a fancy Arabian dressage equine but a hardworking, everyday farm horse. Shot with a Sony A7R, Canon FD 100-mm f/2.8 lens.”

Katie’s critique: “This horse looks like it has a wise soul, due in part to the gorgeous light in this frame. It hits the horse beautifully, highlighting the whip of the tail, its shaggy hair, and the grass around it. I like that the horse is centered in the frame, going against the rule of thirds, as the curves of the horse and landscape make it visually appealing.”

Photographer: Ken Wiersema, Bainbridge Island.

Photo taken: March 31 sunrise, from Bainbridge ferry.

Photographer’s description: “A friend of mine on the boat saw me running up on deck to take this and later asked, ‘Do you always take photos from the boat?’ I answered, ‘Only when it’s gorgeous!’ ”

Katie’s critique: “Gorgeous shot of the sunrise — wispy clouds get me every time. I feel like we get in a zone while on our commutes, not paying much attention to what’s around us. But taking note of the beautiful and diverse Pacific Northwest as we commute through it every day is important and this photo documented a stunning aspect of that. Next time, try incorporating a detail of the ferry into the photo to get a foreground that adds an extra storytelling element. Nevertheless, great photograph!”

Photographer: George Leinonen, Port Townsend.

Photo taken: March 26, Ebey’s Landing, Whidbey Island.

Photographer’s description: “A fledgling bald eagle takes flight over the shoreline of the National Historical Reserve on Whidbey Island. Taken with a Nikon D810 and a Nikkor 180mm lens.”

Katie’s critique: “I love the texture in this photograph — from the coloring in the feathers to the sea foam atop the water. And this is a stunning capture of the eagle. The curl of its wings and being able to see its determined face is really beautiful. Nice job leaving space in front of it to fly into.”

Photographer: Shun Takano, Renton.

Photo taken: April 1, Renton Highlands.

Photographer’s description: “Macro shot of a flower growing in the yard — reminds me of a kaleidoscope. Taken with a Sony A7RM2 with Sony 90 mm FE macro lens.”

Katie’s critique: “Macro shots are always so fun and present a new way of seeing something. I love how the focus is on these little crystals. Great use of the rule-of-thirds that allows the petals to create leading lines to the focal point.”

Photographer: Mark Wangerin, Seattle.

Photo taken: March 21, West Seattle.

Photographer’s description: “All winter I looked for barred owls in Lincoln and Fauntleroy parks. … This day the parents and single fledgling were ‘hooting it up’ and being mobbed by Steller’s jays and Anna’s hummingbirds. I took a series of photos, including this one of a hummingbird challenging the owl (look closely). Taken with a Nikon D7100 with Sigma 150-500mm lens hand held at 1/200 sec.”

Katie’s critique: “Wow! I didn’t see the hummingbird on first glance. This is a cool and unique shot. I want this photo to be less ‘Where’s Waldo?’ and have more impact — by zooming in more with that 500mm lens or cropping to showcase the hummingbird’s presence. Nevertheless, what an awesome moment captured!”

Photographer: Dale Johnson, Seattle.

Photo taken: March 19, University of Washington Quad.

Photographer’s description: “A different perspective of the Quad. I was trying out my new DJI Phantom 4 quadcopter with a built in camera. I wanted to capture the cherry blossoms in bloom…Saturday afternoon and full of people enjoying the day.”

Katie’s critique: “Each spring thousands flock to UW to see the cherry blossoms and capture the beauty. We received dozens of cherry-blossom photos this year and this is by far the most unusual angle I’ve ever seen. I love how the gorgeous old buildings frame the image. The lines of the Quad add a cool element as tiny ant people enjoy the puffs of cherry blossoms. Drones are becoming more popular by the day and this photo is evidence of why. Great job of thinking out of the box to create a new angle on an ever-popular event.”

Photographer: Craig Goodwin, Black Diamond.

Photo taken: March 4, Rattlesnake Lake, near North Bend.

Photographer’s description: “On the way back from taking night shots near Cle Elum, I stopped by Rattlesnake Lake and was pleased to find stars in the sky and beautiful reflections in the lake. Just got lucky being at the right place at the right time as the clouds soon rolled in. I used my Canon 6D with a 14mm Rokinon wide angle lens (f2.8, 25 second exposure, ISO at 4,000).”

Katie’s critique: “The reflections of the mountains and the centered tree add a great element to this night photography shot. It almost feels like this is right before sunrise as we see those clouds in the distance brighten the sky and the stars fade out. The one bright star (or planet?) is a nice nugget in the sky. Great timing.”

Photographer: John Bissell, Sammamish . Photo taken: Nov. 29, from the deck of his home. Photographer’s description: “I have been watching this same flock of birds for years. It was a great sunset and I grabbed my Nikon D 3100 with a 50-300 mm zoom lens and just started shooting until I got this shot. I like the simplicity and the colors.” Katie’s critique: “What I love about this photo is how simple and clean it is. I also love having that space for the birds to fly in. The pastels are beautiful against the silhouettes of the birds. This feels like the Pacific Northwest to me because of the fogginess above that tree line and the calm ripples on the water. I wouldn’t change a single thing about this photo; it’s simply beautiful.”

Photographer: Kym Ahrens, Seattle.

Photo taken: Feb. 21, Pacific Science Center Tropical Butterfly House, Seattle.

Photographer’s description: “If I were to title this photo it would be ‘Happy Accident.’ I was photographing butterflies and overexposed this image. When I edited to the correct exposure I realized that it had an ethereal, magical quality that fit the subject. Taken with Olympus OM-D E-M5 with 75mm lens, with flash.”

Katie’s critique: “The layers are great and contribute to an overall softness, or ethereal quality, as the photographer describes it. The shallow depth of field adds to this feeling. I love being able to make out the butterfly in the background. This ‘oopsy’ definitely turned into a gem.”

Photographer: Julia Rose Tranchina, Gig Harbor.

Photo taken: Feb. 9, 2016, in her Gig Harbor garden.

Photographer’s description: “Spring flowers and a bumblebee in my garden, taken with my new Nikon D5500.”

Katie’s critique: “We get a lot of bumblebee submissions and this is probably my favorite that I’ve seen. I love the contrast between the yellow and purple. The tight shot allows us to see all that pollen (which is so cool!) and it creates a clean frame that doesn’t distract from the subject. The depth of field also helps with this. Gorgeous photo!”

Photographer: Victor Tom, Redmond.

Photo taken: Feb. 13, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation headquarters, Seattle.

Photographer’s description: “My wife and I were making our first visit to the Gates Foundation Visitor Center and we stepped outside to view the sculpture net, ‘Impatient Optimist,’ by Janet Echelman. As I was taking pictures, I noticed a jet entering the scene. I waited until the plane reached the circular section of the net before pressing the shutter button. It looked to me as if the plane were caught in a fishing net. Nikon D800E, Nikkor 85mm 1.8 lens.”

Katie’s critique: “I absolutely love this photo. The framing and timing are perfect. Great job by the photographer to see what was unfolding and to frame the photo in a compelling way. Documenting this piece of art is great, with its crazy lines, but having that jet in the frame adds context and brings this into the real world.”

Photographer: Selvakumar Srinivasan, Bellevue.

Photo taken: Feb. 7, Franklin Falls, Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.

Photographer’s description: “I had been to Franklin Falls many times in summer but never in winter. The trail was covered with snow end to end and was truly a winter wonderland. It was slippery in a few places but it was worth standing at the base of falls! Spray from the falls was a challenge but I managed to get this shot. Taken with Fuji Film XE-1, 18 mm, F16, 2 seconds, ISO 200.”

Katie’s critique: “Use of the slow shutter captures movement around the solid rock in the river and the beautifully cascading waterfall. The snow is a nice added element (and it looks like there was a ton of it). I almost want this frame to be wider to get more of the scope of things. Overall, great photo.”

Photographer: Patti Chambers; Bay View, Skagit County.

Photo taken: Jan. 25, Skagit Valley.

Photographer’s description: “Shot this photo of an adult and an immature eagle along the Samish River near Edison. Perhaps the young one is getting a hunting lesson. First attempt at using a new Tamron 150-600 zoom and I was pleased with the results. Camera body is a Nikon d5000.”

Katie’s critique: “Fantastic photo. Nice work on a clean background and capturing the interaction between the beautiful birds. The lens sounds like a fun tool to play around with (it becomes a 900 mm on this camera that has a crop sensor). If you ever feel like you are in a photography rut, I definitely recommend borrowing or renting a fun lens to go play with; it can spark a light.”

Photographer: Greta Nehrenberg, Kent.

Photo taken: Jan. 2, Artist Point, Mount Baker.

Photographer’s description: “There is no shortage of spectacular views around Artist Point. For this one I zoomed in on the flanks of Mount Baker to highlight the shadows, ripples and undulations in the deep snow. So nice to have snow this year! Taken with a Canon PowerShot SX50 HS.”

Katie’s critique: “I admire this abstract way of seeing the snow and shadows by breaking out of the straightforward show-the-full-scope-of-the-mountain shot. I believe that by trying to see the light and look at something in a new way we grow as photographers. Nice job in doing that.”

Photographer: Wes Henricksen, Longview.

Photo taken: Dec. 31, Pacific Beach, Grays Harbor County.

Photographer’s description: “My wife, 2-year-old twins and I live in Longview. My parents live in Seattle. We frequently get together at my grandmother’s cabin on the ocean, and grandma was walking with my kids at sunset. I happened to grab this photo, and loved the color palette.”

Katie’s critique: “I love the moment and interaction within this photo. The long shadows that go out of the frame lead our eyes to that moment. Great job by the photographer to not overexpose, allowing for those soft oranges and blues to set the tone of the frame. I feel like I’m on the beach with them.”

Photographer: Lee Koshman, Bothell.

Photo taken: Dec. 26, Volunteer Park Conservatory, Seattle.

Photographer’s description: “I try to go to the conservatory at least once during each season of the year to see their seasonal displays and I still enjoy the bromeliad section each and every time. I liked the tiny blossoms within the blossom of this plant. Taken with a Nikon D3100 with F10, 1/100 sec., and ISO 3200 settings.”

Katie’s critique: “I love how the photographer got in close to show the fun detail of the blossom. Noticing and focusing on the contrasting colors, the excess water and the tiny blossoms starting to poke up is a sign of a good photographer’s eye. Nice job and beautiful photograph.”

Photographer: Delton W. Young, Bellevue.

Photo taken: Dec. 30, Mount Rainier National Park.

Photographer’s description: “The snowshoeing person is Barbara Waxman, about two miles up the Mazama Ridge route from Narada Falls. Taken with a Canon 5D Mark II at f/16, 1/100 second, with a 28 mm lens.”

Katie’s critique: “Wow! This is a gorgeous scene. The bright and clear blue sky is stunning against all the snow. I love the wide angle along with having the snowshoer in the photo to show the grand scale of the winter wonderland. Great use of the rule of thirds, too, placing her at a nice point in the frame.”

Photographer: Jay Cline, Port Angeles.

Photo taken: Dec. 11, Port Angeles waterfront.

Photographer’s description: “The Black Ball ferry, the Coho, leaving Port Angeles, with Mount Baker in the background. Taken with a Nikon D7100, Nikkor 80-200 lens, at 200mm, 1/160th, f/11, ISO 100.”

Katie’s critique: “What a breathtaking photo. I enjoy the simplicity and cleanness of it, with the huge ferry highlighted against the gigantic mountain. The light is stunning and nicely hits the ferry and Mount Baker, allowing them to stand out against the beautiful pastels of the sky.”

Photographer: Randy Rahn, Olympia.

Photo taken: Dec. 11, Edmonds.

Photographer’s description: “I noticed the colors and fresh snow on the Olympics on my way to dropping off my granddaughter at gymnastics practice. On the way back I stopped on Sunset Avenue just when the Walla Walla ferry was returning. Taken with a Nikon D7100 with 18-200mm lens at 90mm.”

Katie’s critique: “What impressed me about this photo was the balance between the light hitting the mountains in the background and that nice purple fogginess with the lighted ferry navigating the dusk. The ferry’s light reflecting off the water makes it stand out nicely. I also enjoy the layers in this frame, especially those two people in the foreground. Great execution and beautiful photo.”

Katie G. Cotterill: 206-464-2203 or kcotterill@seattletimes.com; on Twitter: @kgcotterill.

Share story

April photo contest: My Commute