This week we continue our discussion with the finalists of the annual Innsbrook Property Owner Photo Contest! From scenic sunsets to happy hikers to babies blowing bubbles and silly splashdowns, this year’s photo contest did not disappoint. See all the submissions on our Facebook page.

Now, let’s hear from two more finalists!

We caught up with Mark Pohlman recently, whose “A Storm’s a-Brewin’” image took second place in the Great Outdoors category.

Mark was in the right place at the right time as he cruised around Alpine Lake one summer afternoon – and he had his camera onboard (lucky for us)!

“As we came around the corner into our cove, we looked at our home and there was a huge thunderhead positioned right over our house,” Mark says. “It had such an amazing orange glow, we weren’t sure if it was the tequila or a spectacular sunset-induced glow!

“I had been away from photography for many years until we built our home at Innsbrook. I was inspired by the beauty out here to buy a new digital camera. I recently traveled to Colorado, and find landscape photography out there to be very compelling, as well.”

Thanks, Mark!

Speaking of boats, property owner Kim Harper found herself a front row seat at our annual Memorial Day Sailing Regatta. Her action-packed photo took third place in the Community Events category. She told us more about that day.

“Every Memorial Day we have family out to Innsbrook. The regatta is one of the highlights of the weekend. About 30 minutes before the regatta begins, we all go out to the middle of the lake to watch as closely as we can, cheering on the sailors! Some of us swim, some are on rafts and some in kayaks. It’s a unique view, for sure. I tried to provide my perspective to the viewer of the photo. I always bring my camera and have gotten some really great photos of the regatta over the years.”

“Front Row Seat at Regatta” by Kim Harper

Kim also told us about her life-long love of photography, which is evident in her photos, if you ask us!

“I’ve loved photography since I was a kid. I got my first camera in high school and have carried it with me ever since! It’s nice now to have [smart]phones so I’m never without a camera. Actually, I took that regatta picture with my iPhone! I enjoy finding the unexpected photos as I explore the world around me. Sometimes it’s the simplest things that make the most interesting photos.”

We also asked Kim what she enjoyed photographing most about Innsbrook, specifically.

“I actually like photographing winter scenes at Innsbrook,” she told us. “Every year, when the first snow is predicted, we head directly to Innsbrook. Most times we’re the only people out there – or at least it feels that way! Creating the first footsteps in the snow can lead to some beautiful photos. My second favorite – taking pictures at the Sailing Regatta!”

“Untouched” by Kim Harper

What a joy it’s been to hear from these Innsbrook property owners and photographers! Yes, many who enter the contest are passionate about and have a special talent for photography. But a lot of the entrants and finalists come up with shots that are just as impressive simply by being in the right place at the right time and always carrying their camera (or camera phone!) with them on their outings. This is why we continue to encourage property owners and their immediate family members, no matter what their age or skill level, to snap photos and submit them to the photo contest, or submit them to us year-round on our website.

You can also post your fun Innsbrook photos to our Facebook page for all to enjoy. They don’t have to be award-winning photos – they just need to tell the story of your Innsbrook! Show us the moments that matter most to you when you’re with us by sharing those special snapshots with your community.

Hang on to your hats because we have one final blog post coming in this series, where we’ll talk with Lynn Stark and Carolyn Mooney about their winning photos, life at Innsbrook and more!