In February of every year (well, with the exception of last year because I was VERY pregnant with the twins!!), I host the annual “February Photo Challenge” online, inviting others to join me to capture a photo relating to a specific theme every single day. A lot of people have become “regulars”, participating year after year, and therefore learning more & more about photography, how to utilize their cameras to achieve desired results, accomplishing basic editing, etc. It’s a challenge that’s for anyone with a camera, and over the years there have been people who are just learning about their cameras, several professional photographers, as well as everyone in between! It has been so fun seeing all of the creativity and variety of images come from participants over the years!!
In case you’re curious, here were the topics for this year (and since it was a leap year, participants had to step it up & take an extra photo!)…
Also this year, I created the incentive of a free mini session with Athena Marie Photography for one lucky participant who posted a photograph for every single day of the challenge. Out of the EIGHTEEN participants who did just that (such incredible commitment, you guys!), a former coworker of mine (and volleyball teammate!), Ari Wantoro, was randomly selected as the winner!! This was Ari’s very first year of the February Photo Challenge, as he has only recently become more serious about photography, investing in a nice DSLR and lenses. Buuuuuut… I’ve already been assured he’s going to participate next year - and maybe even convincing his wife to join in, too!! :P
So without me blubbering further about how fun the February Photo Challenge is every year… everyone, meet the Wantoros - Ari, Katie, and their sweet & fun pup, Kenzie!!
I reeeeeeaaaaalllly loved this little part of the bush, so naturally we had to take some photos here! :P Also, can we just pause to appreciate how in love with each other these two are?!? So, so sweet!
We had to do some walking to keep warm because, despite the temps being just around freezing (“warm” for a northwestern Ontario winter day!), it was quite bone-chilling cold!! Also, who am I kidding… the pup wanted to run around, too, sooooooo gotta keep moving! :)
Thanks, you two, for being cute & stuff! And great job on the photo challenge this year, Ari! Congrats!!
Thanks for checking out these photos of the Wantoros!! And stay healthy & safe, everyone! <3 <3
Athena Marie
P.S. If you’re interested in seeing the photo that Ari took that everyone looooooved, here’s the link to that image: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10156683759870741&set=a.10100219738190460&type=3&theater
P.P.S. If you just wanna check out the entire February Photo Challenge album with photos from ALL the participants (some great images in there!), here’s that link: https://www.facebook.com/athena.cospito/media_set?set=a.10100219738190460&type=3