Industry Magazine Announces Alpaca Photo Contest Winners

Visiting the Stillmeadow Alpaca Farm in Stonington, CT was a unique experience with animals that I had never imagined getting close to. I contacted Sylvie, the farm manager, who invited us to come with our cameras and guests (my camera club), walk around the 99 acres, go inside the animal paddocks and enjoy ourselves. And we did!

These animals are very curious, yet cautious around us humans, but they seemed to tolerate our being there. We were never able to pet the animals (they don’t like us that much) but being allowed to enter their private spaces gave us a special opportunity to capture close-up views of their life on the farm.

As we were leaving, Sylvie told us to enter our photos in the annual photo contest for the Alpaca Owners Association industry publication – Alpacas Magazine. The AOA, located in Lincoln, Nebraska, is the world’s largest alpaca association with 4,000 members and over 270,000 alpacas in its registry database.  And so we did. 

My image received 1st place in the group, Adult Alpaca Close-ups. Phil Atiyeh, my husband, was awarded the top prize as Judge’s Choice, or Best in Show, and was chosen to appear on the cover for the next issue of Alpacas Magazine.

For larger views, click on any image above.