I may not know very much about camera technology or terminology. But I do know about perseverance, and I know what I like. And I liked a lot of what I saw in the e-mails that poured in over the last few weeks during our fourth annual Valley Record Scenic Photo Contest.

We received nearly 120 entries, and it was tough to choose a winner because of the breadth of creativity. It’s amazing to see the variety of views of a single subject, like the myriad perspectives of Mount Si.

It’s also fascinating to see the diversity in what folks consider to be a scenic photo. For some, perhaps most, it’s the traditional landscape. Others are drawn to nature’s complexity in close-ups of plants and animals, insects. Some added a human element. Each scene resonated for its own reason, and for every photo, I’m sure there is a conversation waiting about why it was taken, what it meant to the beholder.

The results of our contest show the talent that so many Valley people have, as well as the natural beauty we can’t take for granted.

What’s more, anyone can do this. If you feel like you can’t take an award-winning or noteworthy photo, you’re wrong. Given time, technical lessons—some of which are given free of charge by some of our local pro photographers—and a little patience, you, me and anybody could bag a beautiful shot without the benefit of expensive equipment. To paraphrase one of our winners, if you find the subject that interests you, interesting photos result.

You can see photos from every entrant of our scenic photo contest online this week at www.valleyrecord.com. Chances are, you’ll find something that catches your eye, and makes you think, “how did they do that?”

Find out, then try it for yourself. Send us your results next year.