When I was little we went around the Thanksgiving table and shared what we were thankful for. My brothers and cousins are all older now, married, engaged, career building, and for Thanksgiving we decided to open a bottle of wine and go around the table again. As each family member took their turn sharing what they were thankful for, I noticed that in some way each person was thankful for another person in their life, a relationship that has changed them, an act of kindness that haunts their heart. I found this to be true in many of your contest photo submissions. What would we do without the people who inspire us? May these finalists inspire you today.
Finalist #1 by Amy
“This image is from the Little Rock National Cemetery on July 4th of this year. On a day when you would expect many to be paying their respects and gratitude for the sacrifices these men and women made, I only met one soul meandering through the lives laid to rest. I’m thankful for lives lost and lives serving across our world so we can celebrate with our families a day of thanksgiving.”
Finalist #2 by Sheetal
“I am attaching a picture of my friend and her the sweet little baby boy she recently adopted. I chose this picture because I am thankful that there are amazing people like my friend who put themselves out there and step up to help others, and I am also thankful that this sweet boy is going to have such a fantastic life with her!”
Finalist #3 by Liliana
“A manger. A baby. A King. For Him, we are thankful.
When we had a hard time conceiving our first baby and after a scary third pregnancy, I made a promise to God that my children would know about Him. Every year, before Christmas, we celebrate and re-enact the story of the nativity. This photograph reminds me of three beautiful reasons to be very thankful.”
Finalist #4 by Michelle
“I’m thankful for girlies, playing outside between raindrops, smiles, and always knowing your sisters have your back (literally and figuratively).”
Finalist #5 by Anne
“I am thankful for love that transcends 60 years of marriage. I am thankful for the choice and commitment made by two people to have that type of relationship. I am thankful for the 5 kids, 11 grandkids, and 2 great grandkids that came as a result of their commitment.”
***I wanted to thank you ALL for sending your beautiful images to us! I wish I could share all of them on the blog, but that would be one very long post. 🙂 It was so hard to narrow these down to five finalists. First I narrowed down to 12, then to 8, then to six, it was so tough. Thank you for trusting us with your beautiful images and being willing to share them with Brian and I. Keep shooting! You are capturing wonderful things (and I know you feel it inside!). ***
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Vote and Win 2 Different Ways!!
Vote for your favorite finalist by posting your vote as a comment! The best part of your vote is when you tell us why you like the image so much. (You have no idea how much this encourages every finalists, whether they win or not.)
We’ll be taking votes until Sunday night at 5pm PST,.
You can only vote for one finalist, and you can only vote once. 🙂 So call your family and friends and make sure they vote!
The winning finalist will receive their own copy of DVD 2, Beyond the Green Box: Understanding Your Digital Camera. AND a random voter will be selected to win their own copy as a gift for themselves or a stocking stuffer for some lucky friend!
Here is Amanda! She won the Sony camera last month in the Pumpkin Photo Contest! Thanks for the pic Amanda! You are so great! And your photo was wonderful!
Her winning photo!
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To learn more about me visit About Me Ra.
To order our new DVD series, Refuse to Say Cheese: Capture the Story and Beyond the Green Box: Understanding Your Digital SLR, click the titles!!
For information on Me Ra’s popular photography workshops visit “2008 City Tour of Women’s Photography Workshops.”
To see our day job, visit our website. 
I vote for Finalist #3…It is truly a great photo! A wonderful story to go along with it as well, the photographer knew what she was doing! It is extrememly inspirational. Great shot!
Wow, that Amanda girl looks really nice, hahaha…Hi Amanda! =) We both love Me Ra!
Wow! I could have never imagined that it would be so tough to choose just 1 image that I would think is best. But however hard it is I must make a choice. I give my vote to Image #1 by Amy. The reason I chose this image is most of us here (in the safety of our homes), including myself, tend to take simple things like freedom for granted. This image reminds me of the “ultimate price” our military has paid and continues to pay so we can live our lives in freedom.
I vote For #3- Liliana. Why? Because she reminded me the real meaning of Christmas. Here I am, stressed out because we don’t know how we are going to buy presents for everybody this Christmas. I have been asking my two year old what she would like for christmas, when in reality I should be explaining to her what Christmas is and why we celebrate it. Thank you Liliana, for reminding me of that… and thank Me Ra for doing this contest…
Wow – these are all amazing! I think #3 gets my vote too. This woman’s touching story and how she captured her little ones in this beautiful little nativity scene – too sweet!
i think it was hands down #1 for me…i didn’t even have to see what it was a about to be drawn into that picture…cause it gives a sense of repetition…and a sense of depth…
and i honestly KNOW for a fact we don’t remember our fallen as much. That does make me thankful for them immediately…and the freedoms we have as a country.
#1 – it just hit me like a ton of bricks. That is a powerful image. I have tears just thinking of the sacrifices not only the soldiers – but their entire families make for our country. We definitely don’t honor them as much as we should!
Number 1!
I loved no. 1 because of it’s use of repetition and depth as well as the strong dividing line in the frame (jarring the viewer appropriately) – all elements of great art! The choice of sepia is appropriate for the subject matter and enhance the reflective and somberness of the image.
I vote for finalist #1 Amy Buchanan. I like it because of the color, shades and the powerful cascading effect!
I vote for #5. This photo just oozes sweetness. This is the future I see for my husband and I and I love it. We have been only married for 7 years and only 53 to go! or more 🙂
Oh my goodness. Each picture brought tears to my eyes!!!
I HAVE to vote for #3 for two reasons:
1. The pictures is amazing
2. The quote from the person who took the picture rang true in my own heart. Without the birth of Jesus and the mercy of God all the other pictures and things to be thankful would be nothing.
God gave us all those things and HE is what we should be most thankful for. Thank God for moms who remember that and teach that to their Children so they can grow up to fight for our country, adopt children that need families, raise three girls to love each other AND have a marriage that lasts 60 years!
I vote for number one.The pic itself is peaceful yet it just shouts Silence-Remember Me.
Just look how many died for you!
I loved this whole series of photos because they really stuck with the theme and they all made me feel something when I saw them. And I’ve always thought a good photo is one that makes you feel an emotion – ANY emotion! And they all definitely did!
I am totally voting for number three though – how beautiful!!! The lighting and the glow around their faces – also, it was a truly special moment that was captured.
I have to pick #3… they are all great and very touching, but this season, it has to be #3!
I vote for #1, Amy for the content and strong character it displays.
Veena
I vote for number 1. Amy captured an amazing picture, that reminds me just how thankful I am for the many who have die for our freedom.
I vote for “Finalist #1 – Amy”.
The picture looks so beautiful and peaceful.
It was a toss up between photo #1 and photo #3. I think they are both great photos but I have to vote for photo #1. The theme of this contest was what were thankful for and photo #3 came across as more of a Christmas photo to me. But, they are both such great photos. Just looking at picture #1 tells a story beyond that of any words. Lots of people fought and died for all of us and because of that we can stand here today and be thankful for our family, health and Me Ra Koh Photography!! 🙂
I had such a hard time deciding among all these AMAZING photos, but I pick #2. I picked the one that really made my heart swell. I know that baby boy will be blessed with a wonderful mother. As a mother of two, it really touched me. I liked this shot because it is just a mother caught in a moment of loving her new child. This is not to say the others aren’t powerful in their own way. #1 is stunning and #5 is certainly sweet (don’t we all hope to end up that way!). The lighting on #3 is perfect (how did you shoot that?) and #4 the sisters picture is a great reminder of how fabulous it is to have sisters (I have one myself).
Great job everyone!
#1…To be thankful for our freedom, NEVER goes unmentioned in our prayers, or thank yous on a daily basis. As a prior military spouse, unless you have walked the walk, you really have no idea how much they really do sacrafice….not only personally, but their families do too!!!!!! So WONDERFUL to see others appreciate what they have too!!!!!!!!!!!!
I’d have to vote for #1. What a so quiet peaceful reminder of the sacrifice made by so many.
#1 What a beautiful image. We should be thankful that people are still willing to risk their lives to defend this wonderful place in which we live.
Hmmm… hard choice… photo 1 is very strong & dramatic…such a cute baby in photo 2 and & I like his little clenched fist… photo 3 has fabulous lighting… photo 4 captured great expressions on all 3 girls… photo 5 captures a mundane but yet very special moment that says so much …i think that one has the most meaning to me personally so my vote is going to #5.
This was a super tough vote. I mean “holy cow” how in the world can you expect us to choose? But in the end, I picked #4 – the three sisters. Having three girls myself, this picture captures what sisterhood is really about: caring, loving, being there through it ALL, and most of all just the pure hearted lovin’ that sisters give each other. As I type this I am watching my girls dance around the kitchen, cleaning up our dinner dishes and singing, “Rockin Around the Christmas Tree”. Sisters have that unbreakable bond that is something to truly be thankful for.
I vote for Finalist #1 by Amy… A great picture that puts Independence Day into perspective.
Are you serious??? You want us to choose just one??? My goodness, these are absolutely incredible!I absolutely love #4, b/c I have two sisters and the closeness and joy (and fights!) we share is beyond words! I also love #3. The lighting is beautiful and Jesus is the reason for it all! #1 is close to my heart b/c my dh served in the first Gulf War, and if not for a disability would be there now! I am so thankful for all of the men and women who have the courage and integrity to go and serve and do their job, which could very well cost them their lives. So #1 gets my final vote, though #4 is such a close second. I’d better hurry and vote before I change my mind — again! LOL
All of these were GREAT shots and very powerful. I liked #4 because it gives off such joy. To laugh and play with your siblings is so much fun and so wonderful for a parent to see as well.
A close second is #2. My dad adopted my brother and for this family to offer their unconditional love and form a new family is amazing.
Well done everyone!
I’m going to choose #4 since that’s my picture and my girlies, but holy cow that’s a tough choice. (One of my girls like #3 so much she wanted to vote for it but my hubby said she had to vote for Mom. Thanks alot!)
It is so much fun to see how these different pictures touch everybody!
#1
Oh my this is a hard one becuase of the captions and meaning behind all of them! They are each so special it makes it hard to choose!
I Vote #1 because I like the technical aspects of it. The grave stones look like they go on forever, that lone tree in the center, wow! I like the brown scale sepia tone to it. And the message of remembering and being thankful for all those lost lives is really powerful!
I must say that I LOVE the caption under the picture of the grandparents. Anne how very special, makes my heart warm! Great picture!
Hahaha I didnt except you to put my picture up, too funny! You guys are awesome!
I commented earlier this morning but for some reason it didnt show up? So i’m using my alt address… 😉
I’m so glad to hear that I wasn’t the only one who had a tough time! Imagine seeing dozens and dozens and dozens of beautiful images, and you can only pick 5! 🙂
All of those who submitted were amazing, and the 5 here represent them well! Good job!
#5. With how the world has changed in the past 50 years, this picture should be a sign of hope as well as thankfulness. Hope that true love and committment are achievable. Thankfulness for their gift of love as it created and transcended down their family line. Beautiful! This is a picture that I think most people “wish” they had.
My vote is for “Finalist #1 – Amy”. An amazing picture with a lot of depth and message in it.
My vote is for #1 – Amy. This photograph speaks so clearly of sacrifice, freedom, and the price that our soldiers are willing to pay for the love of their nation.
#1. So beautiful!
#1 by Amy. I am not an expert on photography. But I like this one. Can’t tell why.
Hasni
What a great contest Me Ra! I absolutely loved the process of looking through my archives of photos – why? Because in each photo, there was something (or a lot of things) that I am thankful for! Little things and big things and it was a great reminder of how blessed I am!
I considered submitting a blank photo – because I am so thankful for memories. So often I am frustrated because I missed out on a great photo opportunity, but I really didn’t. I have those special moments locked in my memory, and for that I am grateful!
All of the photos are special! I too am grateful for the many sacrifices people in our country make, for loving families who adopt, for Jesus Christ and the new birth He gives us all, for sisters (I have two girls).
The last one is my grandparents and although technically it isn’t anything special (taken with a 2.0 megapixel camera in the evening), it is an inspiration to me. I love the story of how my grandparents met. My grandfather was in WW II and was at Pearl Harbor on the USS Maryland when it was bombed. In the war, he was knocked off of his ship and got caught in the screws of the ships’ propeller. He lost his leg as a result. In the hospital, he met my grandmother because she was the physical therapist who massaged his legs! They were married in 1946. They are still living – just moved into a retirement home – moved out of the home they lived in for 47 years! Anyway, thanks for letting me share and reminisce and honor them. And thank you for being an inspiration to us all!
And of course, I will have to vote for #5! 🙂
Though I am struck by the powerful image of #1, NUMBER TWO feels just as powerful in it’s simplicity and the vulnerabilty of that brand new baby’s gaze…
Voting for #2. 🙂
this was hard. my vote is for #3. i feel the same way. i am so thankful for not only my son, but for all of our wonderful family and friends. the picture captures the spirit of the season.
great job to everyone though! all of the pictures had great emotion in them!
I vote for Finalist #5. When I saw this picture I immediately got tears in my eyes. I hope my husband and I can share that much love too, after so many experiences. The little red dragon toy in the bottom right corner explains their exhaustion. 🙂
I vote for Finalist #1 – Amy. Such a strong depth and the quality of the picture is excellent. In our busy life, it gives us the reminder to remember and pay respect to the heros who gave their life for the sake of the happiness of others.
I vote for 3. These are all amazing!
#2!
I love how the little boy is leaning on mom. It’s a very simple, beautiful moment.
Hands down – #3. Amazing, just absolutely amazing. Amazing photo, amazing words – it stirred something in me the minute I saw it. They are all fantastic, but without hesitation…#3. Thank you for the reminder of why we celebrate Christmas and the importance of keeping it fresh in our minds. During the hustle bustle and the day-in, day-out craziness, I want to remember this photo and the meaning behind it. So, thank you!
These are all great photos, but I have to give my vote to number 1. One of my neighbors just lost their nephew in an ambush in Afghanistan two weeks ago, and another neighbor and friend went to Iraq just yesterday. We all need to be thankful for what these soldiers are doing for us!
My vote is to #1. Such a strong, deep character and such colors!!
Rav
It’s impossible for me to vote for just one because all five images are precious! Number 3 is priceless and looks like something our church would dream about putting on the cover of our Christmas service bulletin. 🙂 I am so thankful for our soldiers and our family prays for them every day, so number 1 calls to me too. After reading Anne’s comment and learning her grandparents’ love story I love that image even more!
All five images are amazing!
All 5 pictures show a profound conviction and a beautiful example of what inspire us in life. However I have to pick # 3 The picture is beautiful, breathtaking; the expressions genuine and the theme is so inspiring and needed in our times. Thank You Lilliana for giving your children the best gift and the most important legacy… Your faith, love, respect and adoration of God,
Beautiful photos! Each and every finalist is amazing. I am having a very hard time choosing a favorite.
I am going to choose #3
Excellent shooting everyone, they are all simply stunning!
As the mother of 3 (and friends with these beautiful girlies!) I have to vote for #4 because anytime you can get a picture of all 3 of your kiddos smiling and loving each other it is a wonder and something I would be truly thankful for at the moment! Not to mention that the picture itself is great in terms of lighting and framing….way to go Michelle and all the finalists…love them all!
I love all the pictures but my vote goes for finalist #3. This picture represents the Thanksgiving of life. Often we become so consume of the with the materials that this world have to offer around the Holiday season. This picture yet so simple shows a celebration of thanks to God for His gracious and sufficient provision. Thank you for sharing.
I have to vote for #4. I’m a mama, and there is nothing I am more thankful for than my daughter.
What a beautiful shot of these little girls.
I can’t tell you how surprised I was to see my picture as one of the finalists. I remember the day I captured it so well. It was so humid that day and thunder showers came on and off. I almost didn’t go to the cemetery, but it kept drawing me. All the way there it rained and I kept praying that God would give me just a few moments of sunshine. And He did exactly that. This picture (and several others from that day) mean more than just remembrance. Both my grandfathers served in WWII. Several dear friends are now serving in Iraq, so the sacrifices are more real and I understand them more now than ever.
All the images are incredible and I’m humbled to be in such great company of artists. (But I have to vote for #1.) 🙂
All these photo’s draw emotion from different parts of my heart. It took me several days to decide on a favorite.
I love all of them but #2 gets my vote. The tenderness between mother and child gently whispers gratitude. I can only image how thankful this mother is to be holding her newly adopted child. This moment will be treasured as this little life grows to understand the love he has in the arms of a mother that God hand chose just for him.
Number four was my favorite because no matter who you are, that photo WILL make you smile! Their little faces beaming as they hold onto one another and slide down the BIG SCARY 2 foot slide… it’s ADORABLE!!
All of them were wonderful though. Number one really dug deep and thought about the theme. Good Job everyone!
I know I’ve missed the voting deadline, but I couldn’t help but weigh in to praise all five photographers. Thank you so much for sharing your images and the inspiration behind them. Each message was so moving in its own way.
I have many family members who have been or are part of the armed services, so image 1 is especially moving to me. The gravity of the sacrifice made is so evident in the composition. I’m overwhelmed as my eye meanders through the rows and rows of tombstones that lie in the shadow of the tree. It’s breathetaking.
Image #3 brought me chills! I myself became a Christian at a Candlelight X-mas service when I was not much older than the children in this picture. I was young, but I knew without a doubt that I believed with all my heart. This picture reminded me of that moment in my life; thank you so much for sharing it. Beyond that, Leah’s comments couldn’t have said it any better. All I can say is ditto.
I also found image 5 very moving. I am fortuante enough to say I have four grandparents still, one set whose been married 62 years and one that’s been married 60 years. Their example is truely inspiring; the love, trust, and support they’ve honed through the years is nothing short of amazing! Thank you for sharing your grandparents image, its an example we should all aspire towards.
I really don’t know how I’d vote for just one image, but if foreced to I think I’d go with image 3.
I’d like to vote for #3. The photo is absolutely gorgeous…and I love the Dixie paper cups they are using for the flame protector! May we truly celebrate Jesus Christ and the life that He brings this Christmas.
I realize that I missed the deadline, but I loved #3. The caption and the picture are equally touching.
I vote for number 1. Just sitting here for a few moments looking at this scene brought tears rolling down my cheeks. I also think of the many men who are serving our country right now and laying down their lives for our freedom.
Karen