The traditional summer photography contest organized by Pays-Lecture concluded on Saturday, August 23, with an awards ceremony held at Le Chambon-sur-Lignon. This year's competition achieved a record-breaking participation with 66 photographs submitted under the theme "Roads and Paths," marking the highest number of entries in the contest's history.
The submissions were divided into three categories: 3 entries were classified as out of competition, 6 photographs were submitted in the under-12 age category, and 57 entries competed in the over-12 age category. The theme "Roads and Paths" inspired a diverse range of interpretations from participants, who captured various aspects including traditional roads, pathways, railway tracks, waterways, forest trails from local areas, international routes, and creative interpretations of the theme that guaranteed a visual journey for viewers.
This year's judging panel consisted of two photographers from the Plateau region, Sylvie Valayer and Michel Lombard, along with network librarian Isabelle Joly. The panel had the challenging task of evaluating the wide variety of photographic interpretations and artistic approaches submitted by contestants.
The three winning photographs were announced during the ceremony. In the under-12 category, the winner was "En chemin de fer vers la lumière" (On the Railway Towards the Light) by Raphaël Astier. The over-12 category winner was "Country roads, take me home" by Léonore Bizard. Additionally, the jury selected "Death Valley" by Maël Kirchner as their special favorite photograph.
All 66 submitted photographs have been compiled into a digital slideshow presentation, which is now available for public viewing online at https://www.calameo.com/read/0063973961f4d4fbd3ce6. The complete collection showcases the remarkable creativity and diverse perspectives brought to the "Roads and Paths" theme by photographers of all ages.
For those who prefer to view the artwork in person, all the contest photographs are currently on display at the Le Chambon-sur-Lignon media library, where they will remain exhibited for the upcoming weeks. This exhibition provides community members and visitors with the opportunity to appreciate the full range of photographic talent and artistic vision demonstrated in this year's record-breaking competition.
