Local photographer places second in MWA photo contest

HELENA – Among the winners of the Montana Wilderness Association 2018 Picture Wild Montana photo contest was second place winner Seeley Lake photographer Carol Fowler. 

Photography is an artistic outlet for Fowler. She has routinely entered photo contests since getting her first DSLR camera less than 12 years ago.  

"I love to enter contests because for me, contests set artistic goals and deadlines," wrote Fowler in an email. "They also help to expand my expertise in that I study winning entries to try to determine what made those photographs special.  I then can attempt to recreate those techniques that I admire for my own photography."

Fowler considers herself mostly a nature photographer although she enjoys all genres. She uses Photoshop for processing of all her captures, as she said this is necessary to create a finished, polished end product.

"I take several photography trips including workshops every year, and when hiking and traveling locally always have a camera available.  I find that now it is a habit to always look at my surroundings as through a camera lens, and this helps me to notice and appreciate even small details around me."

Currently Fowler belongs to Viewbug.com, an online photography contest site that has helped hone her skills.

"There are amazing photographers and judges on that site so I have a great opportunity to see a vast number of photos as well as to have my own photography seen and judged by other photographers," said Fowler.

The tenth edition of MWA's annual contest featured entries from across the state showcasing the diverse beauty of Montana -- from the deep forests of the Yaak Valley to the eastern prairies. In total, over 1,100 entries were received. From those entries, judge Luke Duran, art director at "Montana Outdoors" magazine, selected a first-, second- and third-place winner.

This was the first time Fowler entered the Montana Wild contest because she just recently discovered it.

"I felt compelled to enter because I love the Montana outdoors and feel that it is important to showcase and support the wilderness that I enjoy," wrote Fowler. She submitted multiple entries to the contest because she said judging is very subjective and it is hard to tell what will appeal to a particular judge.

The grand prize was captured by Kevin League of Helena for his photo overlooking Swan Peak and the Bob Marshall Wilderness. He received a prize package from Helena- and Billings-based The Base Camp, Red Lodge-based Crazy Creek and bear spray from Kalispell-based Counter Assault.

Fowler of Seeley Lake won second place for her unnamed river in autumn. Fowler further described the shot, "This photograph was of a river that I spotted at a distance while in Glacier Park last fall. The vivid fall colors surrounding the water were what prompted me to stop and explore the area.  To get this low angle, my tripod and I were both in the water's edge.  I used a long exposure to catch the silkiness of the water flow."

Duran wrote that he selected Fowler's photograph for its rich color palette of earthy hues.

"This image takes the viewer to the bottom of a ridge, where a gorgeous river beckons. The image invites the viewer into the scene and I love feeling my own feet on the ground, at river bottom, with a clear path before me," wrote Duran in an email. "I like the slow shutter speed that gives a softness to the water flow. The image is draped in beautiful fall colors, with golden larch and fallen leaves creating a tapestry of color, with dark evergreens and silver rocks that provide contrast. In the spirit of this contest, this photo captures a beautiful scene of nature and Montana wildness."

Fowler won gear from Bozeman's Oboz Footwear, Crazy Creek and Counter Assault.

Glendive's Kelly Wicks brought home third with his photo of a stunning sunset over the Terry Badlands Wilderness Study Area in eastern Montana. He received prizes from Crazy Creek, Counter Assault and Yeti. All winners also received a membership to the Montana Wilderness Association.

This was not Fowler's first recognition as a photographer. She has been fortunate enough to win numerous contests over the years, the most prestigious being a finalist in the 11th annual Smithsonian Photo Contest in 2013 with a photo from the Helmville Rodeo.

Fowler wrote, "I do not see ever quitting photography, as Montana is one continuous photo-op!"