Fantastic Giveaway Finale [Shades of Autumn Photo Challenge]

November 25, 2011 · by · in , ,

 And so we come to the end of our Autumn Photo Challenge! I’m writing this as I stand in my kitchen on Thanksgiving. There’s some pecan-stuffed mushrooms cooking in the oven and I’m sipping some cranberry sangria brought over by my neighbour. I’ve been pottering around in the kitchen for most of the day with my husband, and I’m even afraid to say that some lovely big-band style Christmas music has been playing on our stereo. Us singing along and dancing of course, even though I’m sure that it’s much too early for Christmas music.

You know, I’m quite sad that the challenge is drawing to a close. I have had such an amazing time doing this. Huge huge thank yous to Alicia and Kristi, they are both amazing, wonderful and talented ladies… I absolutely couldn’t have done this without them, we have had so much fun together and I feel as though we’ve certainly become firm friends. There’s something just so amazing about the blog world, in that you have this opportunity to meet so many people from all over the world and from different walks of life. People that you might not necessarily have the chance to meet otherwise, and I’m so thankful to have met both Kristi and Alicia to team up for this photo challenge.

Of course I’ve also had the opportunity to meet all of you, via your blogs and photographs. I have thoroughly enjoyed browsing through your entries each week. When Alicia, Kristi and I began first talking about doing this challenge together I had a vision in my head of what it would look like, how the entries would shape up each week, and you have far exceeded any expectations I could have had of you. Each photograph entered is beautiful in its own right and then collectively they are all one enormous, stunning piece of art – a vision of Autumn wrapping its way around the world, through the eyes of over 100 different people.

A colour challenge, aimed at helping us all notice the things around us. And it has been a real challenge sometimes to think of something to photograph that would be the right colour, or the mood that I was going for in that particular post. Some of the colours that I have felt stuck on, so many of you had flourished in, completely inspiring me (and certainly sometimes making me wish that I’d thought of that idea!) I hope that you have felt the same way about each other while browsing one anothers entries and have been just as inspired as I have. I feel like I’ve watched a number of you grow in confidence and ability over the course of the challenge too, thank you for letting us be a part of that journey. Of course, I’ve also found so many lovely blogs to follow along with, even after the challenge is over.

Perhaps it’s just the aforementioned cranberry sangria talking, but: I love you guys!

I’m teaming up with the lovely and talented Kristi of Live and Love Out Loud and Alicia of Project Alicia for the Shades of Autumn Photo Challenge – a colorfully inspiring autumn photography challenge aimed at capturing the beautiful shades of autumn.

A special thanks to the following sponsors for their generous prize donations. Prizes will be awarded individually and winners will be chosen at random. Here’s a breakdown of the amazing prizes we have up grabs…

Florabella Collection

Florabella Collection is overflowing with gorgeous Photoshop and Elements actions, textures and more; a photographer’s dream. Owner, Shana Rae, is offering a $50 gift certificate to her shop!

Simplicity – My Life in Mostly Photographs

Simplicity is an inspiring hub for photographers of all skill levels; featuring personal mentoring and photography classes online from talented owner and photographer, Faith. Faith is offering up her expertise to one lucky winner by donating a seat in one of her fabulous e-classes!

Pretty Ink Designs

Pretty Ink Designs is your one-stop shop for simple and elegant custom invitations and announcements with a modern flare. Owner, Kelly, is donating a $50 gift certificate to her lovely shop!

ClickinMoms

ClickinMoms is a community of 8,000 women photographers who share a passion and commitment to honing their craft. It’s a great place for professionals and hobbyists alike to connect and learn from – and with – each other. ClickinMoms is offering a 1-year membership to their online photography forum, valued at $50!

Mist and Lilies

Mist and Lilies is a great place for photography and blog design inspiration. Owner, Shaunna, is offering a custom blog design valued at $50 to one lucky winner!

Get it Scrapped

Get it Scrapped is a fabulous resource for scrapbooking enthusiasts. Katrina Kennedy’s online holiday mini workshop, Capture Your Holidays Through the Lens, is up for grabs and valued at $24; perfect for photographers looking to capture those wonderful holiday memories!

 

Stylish Beach Bum

Stylish Beach Bum is your go-to shop for stylish handmade camera straps. Owner, Gina, is giving her beautiful Coronado strap valued at $29 to one lucky winner!

Designs by Life-n-Reflection

Designs by Life-n-Reflection is a fabulous resource for beautiful custom invitation, announcement and album templates. Owner, Kristy, is offering her lovely 2012 Venetian Desktop Calendar Set template, valued at $20. What a lovely gift this would make!

Rules: The linky will be open from Friday, November 25th – Wednesday, November 30th. Submit your favorite autumn photos to be entered into the drawing. You must link directly to your blog post or Flickr photo, not your blog’s homepage or Flickr photostream in order to be entered into the drawing. Link back to the Shades of Autumn Photo Challenge in your post. One entry per household, please. All are welcome regardless of experience, time commitment and whether or not you’re experiencing fall at the moment. Eight winners will be chosen at random and announced on Friday, December 2nd.



Share this Post: