about Me and my iPod" contest winner

Judging Criteria: iPodlounge's editors picked three "best" photos from all the entries, based on our evaluations of the overall composition, creativeness, and appeal of the pictures. We did not expect that the winning shots would be perfect in each of these categories, but hoped that they would each make a strong visual statement.





Grand Prize: Custom Fit Ultimate Ears UE-10 Pro Earphones (Valued at $900.00)

Our reactions to this visually arresting photo were strong - we all were drawn to its creativity, composition, and smart use of theme. Repeated viewings only deepened our appreciation of the submission. Obsessed is the type of photo that hints at the fine line between genius and insanity, underscoring something we all know but can't entirely explain: the fervor and passion for both functionality and aesthetic that differentiates iPod users from, say, Walkman owners.

The winner, Slavik Boyechko of New York reacts... "Holy s***. I just checked the winners, I can't believe I won! I just thought the 'collecting names' was for some listing of all contestants, but holy yokes! The idea came to me as I sat staring at my iPod for hours, while the rest of the time spent on iPodlounge, and I realized that since I bought this little gadget I have ceased to do everything else I love, including painting and drawing. My friends poke fun at my obsession, but it is something that I can't help and I don't think any other iPod owner can either. Maybe now I can finally diminish this obsession and focus on something entirely more productive... the Ultimate Ears. Thanks so much Dennis and the rest of the iPodlounge crew, I've already told you before that I love everything about the site, so much that i check It more than my email account, but now this is another reason to love it even more. Thanks again!"




Second prize: Etymotic ER-4P Earphones (Valued at $330.00)

The iPod's mirror-finished rear surface inspired a number of our entries, three of which showed the iPod as a reflection of a woman applying makeup. Though we really liked each of these three shots (and also one of two young men reflected in the water of a beach), we ultimately preferred this one because of its composition.






Third prize: Etymotic ER-6 Isolator Earphones (Valued at $139.00)

Several of our favorite pictures emphasized the iPod's primary purpose - storing and playing music - but this one did it best. Using a fisheye lens to capture a wide angle shot, the photographer created the impression of a spherical pile of diverse music and media compressed into the tiny shell of the iPod, then casually enjoyed.