PIC Pics winner captures energy of China

Michelle Bouwkamp is the winner of PIC Pics, a photo contest for students and alumni who have participated in a study abroad program.

Bouwkamp’s photo depicts the commencement of the Dragon Boat Festival in Shanghai, China, an annual event that is believed to be more than 2,000 years old.

She said the fireworks pictured were packed with powdered pigment. Contestants race in long rowboats that have prows carved out to look like dragons and down a straight stretch down to the finish line.

“So many experiences in China left me in wonder, but so few have I actually been able to successfully capture on camera to bring home,” said Bouwkamp. “They’re often too rich, too fleeting, too detailed to confine to a single photo. This one, however, I feel does a good job showcasing the energy and excitement I felt in the moment.

“It’s just one of those instances where I was in the right place at the right time.”

Forty countries were represented in the competition that drew more than 1,000 photo entries. Bouwkamp’s photo, along with the other top 12 contestants’ work, will become part of the GVSU permanent collection.

Second place went to Megan Prangley, for her photo taken in Ireland; third place went to Kaila Kaltrider, for her photo taken in Spain.

Honorable mentions, per category, are listed below:
My Classroom Abroad
Sarah Aman (Ghana)
Max Spencer (Ecuador)
Ann Sun (Austria)

Celebration, Tradition and Ritual
Linnea Marks (India)
Katie LaRue (Costa Rica)
Michael Dykstra (Peru)

Getting Lost
Kirk Rasmussen (India)
Bethany Ryder (Ecuador)
Anthony Dart (Ecuador)

People
Kirk Rasmussen (India)
Michael Dykstra (Peru)
Ethan Hunter (Japan)

The Great Outdoors
Emily Wyble (Tanzania)
Emily Lowing (Australia)
Kara Bremer (South Africa)

Lakers Abroad
Kelsey Holwerda (China)
Audrey Tensen (Czech Republic)
Colleen Unsworth (Ecuador)