Take Your Best Shot Photo Contest

Sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University's Steinbrenner Institute for Environmental Education and Research and the College of Engineering

The contest was judged by Justin Merriman, an award-winning photojournalist with The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review newspaper. Merriman is currently embedded now with the U.S. Marines on an aircraft carrier off Haiti where more than 100,000 have died in that island nation's earthquake earlier this month. Below are his contest comments and judging results.

"I have to tell you I was extremely impressed! All of the photos were very strong and all made use of composition, light and great subjects. The winners did all three exceptionally well. I can easily say it was one of the best college photo contests I have judged. There seems to be a great group of photographers at CMU and I would love to see them continue their shooting. Thanks for allowing me to judge the contest.''

And the winners are:

Nature Category

First Place - Biplab Dey

"An interesting composition with great light and well composed subject in the frame. The symmetry of the trees, the colors and the silhouetted person makes the photo rise above the other entries."

Second Place - John Marano Jr.

"A great image that captures the texture and brilliance of Fall."

Third Place - Santosh Chandrasekaran

"A strong image with great potential. The reflection of the man makes the image."

People Category

First Place - John Marano Jr.

"Easily the best photo in the category. I have seen many photos from this event, including from both city newspapers, but this photo rises above any I have seen. It has mood, tension, and a great composition. A photo any photographer would have been proud to have taken."

Second Place - Moinul Islam Zaber

"A very interesting photo. There seems to be many layers in the photograph and I would love to see it printed really large to give the viewer a chance to get really get into the frame."

Third Place - Biplab Dey

"A great expression and interesting photo. It all works and gives a great sense of subject."

Places Category

First Place - Moinul Islam Zaber

"A wonderful image! The muted color and tone of the image really captures the scene. Print this up to poster size and start selling it. I would hang it on my wall."

Second Place - Biplab Dey

A well composed photo that shows you do not have to travel far to make great images. The photo shows the photographer's ability to see in a unique way and the colors help make this photo stronger."

Third Place - John Marano Jr.

"This photo makes use of great light and has a great feel to it. Another photo I would love to see printed really large."

Go to our Flickr stream to see the Honorable Mention Awardees for all three categories!