This is a montage of some of the photographs received in response to the contest.
FotografiAMO Neveazzurra!!! That was the name of the photography contest initiated by the Distretto Turistico dei Laghi in late 2011. Within a very short time after the announcement the office was inundated with over 2000 photo entries, submitted by dozens of amateur photographers, of the lake region covered by the Distretto office. Somehow, they managed to select 51 finalists from this bounty, and then 10 winning photographs from those. The choice must have been difficult -- talk about an overabundance of riches!
My friend Filippo at the Distretto office has been so kind to send me over 30 of the finalist and winning images. The ones he sent me, with a few exceptions, focus on the Stresa, Borromeo Gulf, and Mt. Mottarone area. I think I'll post them in a few groups; let's spread out this good thing! (continue for photos!)
Here's the first bunch, with the names of the photographers. They are not in any particular order of winning, but rather a random mix of all the winners. Click on any of the photos to see them larger.
Taken from the lookout spot at Giardino Botanico Alpinia. At Alpino, above Stresa. Photographer: Marco B. Cerini.
Isola San Giulia, in Lago d'Orta, photographed from the Sacro Monte on the hill above the lake. Photographer: Filippo Ceretti.
Isola San Giulia, reflected in Lake d'Orta. Photographer: Filippo Ceretti.
Through mist, Isola dei Pescatori, photographed by Fausto Mirandoli.
Can you place this view? Tiny Lago Mergozzo is in the forefront of the photograph, with Lago Maggiore behind it. Photographer: Marco Cerini.
A rainbow arches over Isola Bella. Photographer: Marco Angelini.
This night view is from San Salvatore, a short drive up in the hills above Stresa. Photographer: Mirko Croce.
The name FotografiAMO Neveazzurra is a little bit of a play on words: Fotografiamo being let's photograph, but Amo Neveazzurra being a slogan Distretto uses which means I love Neveazzurra. And Neveazzurra is the VCO region, this northernmost part of Piemonte, which is characterized by snow on the mountains (neve) and the azzurra (blue) color of the lakes.
Distretto Turistico dei Laghi has their office in Stresa, on a narrow alley across from the Stresa boat dock. The building had at one time been a casino; I had the pleasure once of seeing the grand liberty-style space inside where they hold meetings. Distretto's mission, as stated by them, is to provide publications, Internet sites, educational materials and information, and establish relationships with the press and with tour operators, all with the goal of promoting the region. They will use these new photographs in their efforts to do this.
Corso Italia, 18, 28838 Stresa
www.distrettolaghi.it