August 2023 Breyer Photo Show Results

August 2023: Sending Postcards

Judging by Jaclyn McConnell

Greetings from Toronto, ON, Canada! This month's photo show Sending Postcards was so incredibly fun to go through and a perfect way to end the summer season! The creativity shown throughout these entries was amazing and it was wonderful to see what everyone got up to the past month. From canyon views, to beach strolls, underwater adventures, and enchanting snowscapes, I was truly blown away with the attention to detail in these submissions and would have loved to have been transported into so many of these moments! The fear of missing out was real!

A huge thank you to everyone who entered! It was tough competition with 106 entries in the 17 and Under division and 44 in the 18 and Over division. Here are the results, with some notable honorable mentions!

17 and Under

1^st place:

Boone G., VA

This entry caught my eye immediately for its incredible attention to detail and creativity. From the custom-made snorkels and flippers, to the underwater scenery and the treasure chest the two are swimming towards it’s beautifully crafted! It feels as though it's been taken right out of an I Spy book, not to mention an experience I would love to be a part of! Job well done!

2^nd place:

Leah A., PA

What better way to celebrate the last days of summer than a beach trip with your friends? They’re perfectly set up with umbrellas, a beach towel, and their findings from beachcombing earlier in the day. I love the added detail of the postcards they’re writing to their loved ones who couldn’t make it but are missed! Beautiful composition altogether and a lovely storyline!

3^rd place:

Luna G., CA

This shot is absolutely breathtaking. Wow, do I wish I was there for this one! Terrific use of rule of thirds for the composition with the horse and rider in the bottom right corner taking in the incredible view before them. I’ve done a couple trail rides in my life, but this one takes the cake for its unreal scenery!

4^th place:

Mariner G., VA

Having grown up reading Misty of Chincoteague every summer, I absolutely adored this scene! The composition of the two riders coming across the herd of Chincoteague ponies (Misty and Stormy present) is terrific! The beach and sloping valley range are a perfect backdrop as well. I also love the extra step of editing this image into a postcard format, complete with a Misty stamp! Lovely touch!

5^th place:

Hannah C., CA

This photo is too cute! Having been to Disney World a couple times in the past with my family, this is definitely a fond summer memory. I love the custom-made Mickey ears and the point of view of this shot to appear as a group selfie in front of the Cinderella Castle, as so many visitors do. Great work!

6^th place:

Soffi B., SC

I instantly loved this image, as what better way to illustrate “wish you were here” than putting you right in the saddle? The camera angle is great and incredibly creative, with the viewer looking right through the horse’s ears to the trail riders ahead. One of them is even posed looking back and encouraging you to join before the trio heads into the shaded forest. Lovely scene and an experience that's on every equestrian's summer checklist.

Honorable Mentions

Natalie B., CA

This photograph melted my heart! Love the posing of the girl and her horse smiling at the camera with the beach panning out behind them in the background. The focus change is a great touch, as is the extra step of editing this image into a postcard as well. I definitely wish I was there – who wouldn’t want to gallop across a beach with their best friend?

Lily F., LA

The creativity in this image is amazing! The entrant perfectly shrunk down Mardi Gras and brought it to the Breyer world! The use of beads and feathers is perfect, with not only a parade float created and featured in the background, but the foreground also has spectators outfitted in bead necklace attire as well. Excellent work!

Adrienne T., NV

This image reminds me of celebratory selfies after a long hike to the top! I love the posing of these two and the dramatic background behind them. The extra “postcard” touches are great and really tie the whole image together, especially with the elevation included. Beautiful job! 

18 and Over

1^st place:

Jasmine T., OR

This image was such a delight to come across! I love that the entrant took the theme Sending Postcards and ran with it in such a creative way! The amount of detail is brilliant, as is the composition of the photo. The miniature postcards of the duo taken from their travels in different states is too cute, and a beautiful way to capture a summer's worth of memories with plenty more still to come! Hopefully they’re able to stop in Lexington soon!

2^nd place:

Lauren H., AZ

I think many collectors would agree that Brighty holds a special place in all our hearts, and this photo captures him perfectly! He’s definitely at home, and the hiking backpack is an adorable touch! Love the use of rule of thirds with this shot allowing Brighty to shine even though the background is fierce competition with its unreal beauty. Wonderful job!

3^rd place:

Savannah D., VA

When thinking of Sending Postcards one naturally thinks of warmer destinations, which is why this entry was such a fun twist to come across! The model choice is brilliant with the golden hues of his coat complementing the golden rays of sun peeking through the snow-coated trees.

He’s not alone as a snowy owl joins him in his winter frolic – the two are kicking up snow that circles around them enchantingly. Lovely work!  

5^th place:

Lauren R., FL

I absolutely love the drama of this image, from the mare’s flowing mane and tail caught in the ocean breeze, to the moody painterly sky, and rolling waves that I can hear crashing against the shore if I focus in enough. Beautifully photographed and truly a postcard from a dream!

6^th place:

Delaney R., UT

This is such a striking image! The camera's perspective sets up the scene terrifically with the model's pose drawing us into the frame and to the scenery ahead. The vibrancy of the colors in this photo is also stunning, as the field complements the stallion’s coat perfectly while the blue of the sky and mountains balances the rest. Job well done!

Honorable Mentions

Leo L., BC, Canada

Yet another example of a scene I would love to be transported to. The framing and timing of the wave behind the model is perfect! The composition is beautifully-balanced and the focal length gives an air of “dreaminess” to the shot. Brilliant work! 

Austin H., WY

This is truly such a beautiful image! The depth and vibrancy of the colors within it captures me every time! It reminds me of the incredible sunrises and sunsets that the coldest days of winter can surprise you with. I additionally love how the line of the mother bear and cub’s backs balance with the line of the mountain range in the backdrop. Amazing! 

Kristen P., IL

What better way to say “wish you were here” than with some incredible views? The backdrop to this photo is stunning! I can almost feel the mountain air washing over me and hear the horse’s hooves dislodging the rocks. The focus is masterfully done and places a perfect amount of emphasis on the model without losing the background completely. Great job!