I’ve stopped entering photo contests because I never win . . . don’t have the talent . . . they are all rigged . . . the judges have peculiar tastes in photos . . . I don’t really need the prizes.

However, since it’s a near certainty that I will not win, or place, or even come in a distant 3,600th out of a (current) pool of 3,600 entries, and since I was curious about the “Shine a light” theme, I figure I would sacrifice one of my photos to the lost cause.

Ah, but which one?

I read the meaning of “Shine a light” as metaphorically shining a spotlight on a subject or issue to get it noticed.

I’m fresh out of issues since all the good causes seem to have been taken, so I’m left with “subject”.

You can read the contest rules HERE<<link, and you can see the (so far) 3,600 entries HERE<<link.

Now, there’s something interesting with a lot of those entries . . . and, believe me, I’m not accusing anyone of anything, but . . . it seems kind of strange there are all these photos of wonderful places and settings at a time when we are in full pandemic mode and most of the world is restricting travel and dissuading people from, you know, going about things as if nothing was happening.

Did I mention the photos have to have been captured in 2020?

I guess a lot of people live near places that are just amazing, whereas I live in Illinois. Plus, some of them photos are obviously by professionals. In Illinois, where I live?

I have my kitchen which occasionally gives me an interesting photo . . .

OK, I actually really like this next photo (and it’s from my phone) . . .

I also have my backyard . . .

Occasionally, there’s interesting stuff in the front yard too . . .

I did go to one local state park that had striking rock formations and textures . . .

And, I have the Crab Orchard National Refuge if I want photos of herons and a few birds.

But, if I were going with birds other than the Robin above, I think I would go with this shot (I have a series of these that I’ve yet to share):

Looks like a metaphor for 2020, don’t it?

Anyway, “Shine a light” is an interesting prompt for a photo but, unfortunately, I have the same creative block in photography as I’m experiencing in writing. Meaning, nothing is coming to me.

I don’t know if any of those photos fit the theme of “Shine a light”, or if I’m even correctly interpreting the theme.

What do you guys think? I’ve narrowed it down to these:

Photos will be judged for “originality, creativity, and skill” . . . and you can do the same by voting below. I consider three of those strong candidates and I’m curious is we’ll match or even come close to agreeing.

As always, comments are welcome.

That’s it. This post has ended . . . except for the stuff below.

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