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Artist's Statement

Teni Amos, pictured here, agreed to pose for me despite the fact that she was in an important rehearsal for the musical “Annie.” Though she was costumed and wigged, Teni had an amazing ability to continue to be herself, which is why I could capture a moment like this. Inspiration for this photograph comes from Sally Mann among other artists that work primarily in black and white. The photograph was taken at Castilleja School with a Nikon D-5000 digital camera.

Judge's Comment

Maya Maniar’s captivating “Behind These Eyes” close-up portrait of a girl also stood out to us. The tightly cropped image draws us right into the subject’s eyes and poignant expression. I feel that the photographer captured her personality succinctly. 

- Veronica Weber