LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Harry Reid International Airport unveiled the winners of its annual National Aviation Day photo contest Wednesday.
Five photos were chosen out of the more than 350 images submitted.
“We had more than 350 submissions this year, which is one of the highest years we’ve ever had. So we had to narrow that down to these five photos, which you can imagine was not an easy task,” said Amanda Mazzagotti, a member of the airport’s public affairs and social media team.
“Clouds parting, wheels down”
One of the winning images, “Clouds Parting, Wheels Down,” was taken by Jose Pech. He captured a plane landing as a storm moved through, with Las Vegas Boulevard and a wet runway in the background.
“The day I took this image was a storm was coming through. And then I saw this aircraft landing. And as soon as the aircraft touched down, the clouds start breaking up. And it started taxiing towards runway 19, which was the background for Las Vegas Boulevard. So I said, I want to take the opportunity and use the background, colorful background, and the wet tarmac. That would be a good contrast for it,” Pech said.
Pech said this is his second year submitting to the contest.
“I did try last year. Unfortunately, they didn’t pick me. And I’m very honored that this time, 355 entries, and mine made it. I’m very humble,” Pech said.
Pech said he plans to keep entering.
“Oh, yeah. You get addicted,” Pech said.
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“Vegas airport panorama at dusk”
Michael Moore won for “Vegas Airport Panorama at Dusk,” a wide image made up of three 48-megapixel photos stitched together into one panorama.
“I have this one up on my wall at home, number one. I’m only going to print 15 of these, limited edition. But it’s 21 by 65 inches at home and I can blow it up to three times that size,” Moore said.
Moore said he spent about an hour shooting before getting the image.
“A lot of times I shoot a lot of different variations. I shoot at different focal lengths depending on what I’m looking for. And then I get back and then I stitch them back together,” Moore said.
He said this was his first year entering the contest, after submitting three aviation photos this year.
“I am extremely honored. I mean, there’s a lot of great photographers,” Moore said.
Moore has lived in Las Vegas since 1978.
“I’m very humbled to have something that 36 million people could possibly see my artwork,” Moore said.
Neon rush and other winners
David Reisman’s photo, “Neon Rush,” and Wayne Montag’s photo, “A View Worth Flying For,” were also among the five winning images.
The fifth winning image, “A Rainbow in the Clouds,” was taken by Brandon Wong.
The five photos will be displayed inside the airport for the next year.
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