***AUGUST PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST WINNERS!***
It’s my pleasure to announce the winners of the August, 2024 Democratic Underground Photography Contest. This was another great competition. We didn’t get as many entries as we usually do, but the entries we did get were all really terrific. The battle for first place was close, and the lead changed several times in three days. The theme, as chosen by Mousetoescamper, was “You’ve Got Sole. Enter your photo of any kind of footwear, including that used by animals. On the feet or on the shelf, if it’s footwear it’ll fit."
First place goes to me, Grumpy Old Guy, (I know, it’s awkward), for my sepia tone photo of a pair of baby shoes that are one hundred years old. I am adding a personal note about these shoes at the bottom of this post, and I hope you read through to the end.
One Hundred Years Old
Second place goes to my dear friend CaliforniaPeggy, for her fascinating shot of wooden molds used for making and repairing shoes. Honestly, I thought Peggy was going to win this one again, and I’m honored to have been able to compete with her.
Where Shoes Are Born…
Third place goes to Diamond_Dog for their photo of a wall of flip-flops. Honestly, how could anyone look at this photo and not instantly smile? For a brief moment I thought I was back on Maui checking out the footwear at the local ABC store across from the beach.
Flip Flop Heaven
All of the finalists this month deserve praise, but I feel special mention should go to to HAB911 for his shot of the Bob Hope USO tour at the DMZ in 1970. It didn’t get a lot of votes, but I think we should all thank him for his service to our country during those tumultuous days.
The DMZ Christmas Show 1970, Dancing Shoes @16 degrees Fahrenheit
And now, if you’ll indulge me for a few more moments, I would like to tell you the story behind these baby shoes. They belonged to my mother-in-law, who was born in 1924. She was a German Jew, who survived the Theresienstadt, Auschwitz, Bergen-Belsen and Mauthausen concentration camps. Her own parents were murdered at Auschwitz, probably shortly after they arrived. These bronze baby shoes, some photographs, and a few other items were saved for her by her governess, who was able to find her after the war and return them. All their other possessions were lost to history.
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I was honored to compete with you too! And I loved your photo and the story that goes with it. It's poignant and beautiful.
My photo was an impulse shot, taken in a fancy department store when my husband and I were shoe shopping for him. The shoe lasts were framed and placed up on a wall as we walked in, and I was amazed at how beautiful and striking it was! I whipped out my trusty iPhone and the photo happened. It was simple and quick!
Congrats also to Diamond_Dog for her bright and colorful wall of flip-flops! And to HAB911 for his wartime photo! It was an amazing contest with a brilliant theme from Mousetoescamper.
Your photo was really well received. I thought for sure you were going to win again.
We'll have lots more competitions to look forward to.
What a story behind your photo! Thank Heaven for the governess who made sure that your M-I-L had at least a few family items to treasure. What a time she lived through. So much death, cruelty, and destruction.
California Peggy’s photo of the shoe molds was right up there with my favorites, as they usually are!
Great contest and theme! I enjoyed each and every entry!
