APG Engineer Places in All-Army Photo Contest

By Rachel PonderJune 27, 2008

'Paris Commuter'
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'Mist'
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'Family Green'
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ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. - A mechanical engineer for the U.S. Army Materiel Systems Analysis Activity was recognized for receiving honorable mention in the people category in the All-Army Digital Photography Contest for Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation patrons and professionals June 13.

He also accepted a check for $200 on behalf of his sister, Caitlin, who lives in Connecticut, for winning second place and an honorable mention in the same category.

Col. Jeffrey S. Weissman, Aberdeen Proving Ground garrison and deputy installation commander, and Dr. Forrest Crain, the director of AMSAA, presented the check, to John Fitzgibbons.

Weissman congratulated Fitzgibbons and presented him with two coins, one for him and one for his sister for representing APG in a positive way, and encouraged him to continue to pursue his hobby.

Fitzgibbons, who said his sister will be splitting the check with him, remarked that he will be using the prize money towards new camera equipment.

The proponent for this contest is the FMWR Command, which provides opportunities for all members of the FMWR-eligible community (Family members are eligible to participate) to engage in skill development activities and explore their creativity.

"[Caitlin's] 'Mist' is an image of a girl walking through a botanical exhibit along the Seine in Paris, France, at night. The street lighting in the background illuminates the water droplets creating an almost mystical feel," Fitzgibbons said. "'Paris Commuter' features an afternoon commuter on the Parisian metro; the blurred out reflection in the metal imparts a moving effect on the photograph, very representative of the setting."

Catilin has won three other photography contests. She said that she has been interested in photography since elementary school. She currently works as a graphic designer designing audiobook company packages, catalogs, and posters and is a freelance photographer.

"I was fascinated with looking at National Geographic magazines, and found the images and idea of photography to be captivating. The idea of 'the decisive moment' - knowing just when to trigger the shutter, is the driving force behind my love for the art," Catilin said.

"[My photo] 'Family Green' is the silhouette of the Fitzgibbons Family in front of a building located in the historic Fells Point district of Baltimore. The bright green paint against the dark silhouette provides a strong contrast giving that photo a 'little extra'," he said.

Fitzgibbons became interested in digital photography three years ago as a way to document yearly road trips.

"I was surprised with the photos that won and happy to hear that I received honorable mention. I am also happy for my sister," he said. I am also looking at different cameras to buy with the prize money. I want to go to more local areas in the state like Gunpowder Falls State Park and Susquehanna State Park."

This was the first year that applicants were allowed to submit their photos digitally. Previously, people would submit prints using film from a 35-milimeter camera.

The number of photos submitted to the Aberdeen Proving Ground Army Arts and Crafts program for the annual All-Army Photo Contest was significantly higher in 2007 than in previous years due to the ease of sending digital pictures.

<b>2008 Army Arts and Crafts Contest</b>

The Army Arts and Crafts Contest is an annual, juried competition of 2- and 3-dimensional artwork held in separate groups for novice and accomplished artists and craftspeople. All authorized patrons of FMWR are eligible to enter.

Rules for submission of entries, as well as entry forms can be downloaded from https://artscrafts.fmwrc.army.mil, or at the Arts and Crafts Centers.

Entries (artwork) must be submitted to Arts and Crafts Center, building 2407, 410-278-4207 by 4 p.m., June 30.

Installation Arts and Crafts Contest coordinators will finalize local contests and advance selected entries to the DA level by July 31. Judging of the Army-level contest will take place in August or September. Images of winning work will be posted in an online gallery in September.

Eligibility

Authorized FMWR patrons are eligible to enter, with the exception of employees of the Army Arts and Crafts program.

Artwork must be entered in one of the following categories:

Ceramics

Wood

Fibers and textiles

Glass

Metals and jewelry

Mixed media-3D

Drawings Prints

Water base painting

Oil base painting

Mixed media-2D