By Tim Hipps
U.S. Army Installation Management Command
FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas (March 29, 2016) -- Staff Sgt. Pablo Piedra is a seven-time competitor in the annual photography contest hosted by the Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation division of U.S. Army Installation Management Command.
Piedra competed in the contest even before the word "digital" was added to the title.
"I like the level of competition, as well as getting exposure for my imagery," said Piedra, of Fort Meade, Maryland. "I want people to see the world through my eyes. I love sharing those moments and showing people how I see the world."
Piedra's "Serenity" took second place in the nature and landscapes category of the active duty division of the 2015 Army Digital Photography Contest. He also earned an honorable mention in the same category with "Costa Rican Sunset."
"I think the contest is a great way for photographers to go out and shoot, to push themselves to capture new imagery," said Piedra, who shot "Serenity" in Kasmu, a small coastal village in northern Estonia on the Gulf of Finland. "I needed a break, so on an afternoon I had off, I drove around looking for a place to just collect my thoughts, and came upon a small park in Kasmu.
"It was a quiet and cold March evening, and the place had a still and peaceful atmosphere," Piedra continued. "All I could think at that moment is that I wished my wife and newly born son could witness what I was seeing. I took the photo for them. I wanted a surreal and peaceful feeling to flow through the image and instill that serenity upon those who saw it."
As an Army Combat Documentation Specialist, Piedra has traveled extensively as a Soldier. He likes to think his photography not only inspires others to travel, but to document their journeys, as well.
"The Army has given me the opportunity to do both, practice my love and art as part of my job," Piedra explained. "It also helped me develop as photographer on my own right through my experiences as a career Soldier. I think my success can be an inspiration to those around me. I hope my imagery can inspire people to travel, to get out and about, to pick up a camera, or to just gain an appreciation for the art."
Piedra shot "Costa Rican Sunset" during a trip to the South American country to introduce his 1-year-old son to rest of the family.
"Costa Rica has always held a special place in my heart, the people and its natural beauty are second to none," Piedra said. "This is actually my second image of a Costa Rican sunset to place in the MWR contest."
For this one, Piedra exercised his photography expertise.
"I love long exposures, and I use a variety of on-camera filters to prolong my exposure times, allowing me to freeze flowing motion in a way a regular photo can't," he explained.
For military photography hobbyists, Piedra believes the Army Digital Photography Contest is a wonderful opportunity.
"I think this is a great resource for family members and Soldiers to showcase their talents," said Piedra, whose wife also has placed in the contest.
Related Links:
Army Installation Management Command
Complete list of contest winners on Army MWR Arts & Crafts web page
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