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A boat floating on the water against a backdrop of a cloudy sky, colorful fall trees, and distant city skyline.
Winning photograph: Fall Ride - Roof of Kennedy Center by Mehrshad Fahim Devin

Himmelfarb Library would like to congratulate Mehrshad Fahim Devin, MPS, the 2023 Fall Colors Photo Contest winner! Himmelfarb's Healthy Living Committee had their work cut out for them by judging the 39 entries to this year's contest. With so many fantastic submissions, it was challenging to select a winning photo. But after much deliberation, Mehrshad's photo, Fall Ride - Roof of Kennedy Center, was chosen by the committee as this year's winner! Mehsrshad, a first-year medical student, stopped by Himmelfarb earlier this week to pick up his prize, a coffee mug showcasing his photo.

Members of the Healthy Living Committee with Mehrshad holding his prize.
Left to right: Deborah Wassertzug, Lonnie Williams, Mehrshad Fahim Devin, and Laura Abate.

We recently asked Mehrshad about his photography. Here's what he had to say:

How long have you been taking photographs, and what are your favorite subjects?

I have always loved taking photos, but 99% of the time they remain hidden in my camera roll! My interest in photography especially peaked when I took a class in high school. Learning about concepts like "the rule of thirds" and "depth of field" allowed me to take photos that brought me a feeling of satisfaction. But I don't consider myself a professional photographer at all, just someone who enjoys casually capturing the beauties of the world. Beyond tons of selfies, my camera roll is filled with photos of friends, pets, nature, and dishes I cook.

How did you hear about the Fall Colors Photo Contest?  Tell us about your winning photo.

I first learned about the contest while browsing my inbox and it definitely piqued my interest. As I was walking around the Kennedy Center with a friend, we came across the rooftop patio and decided to have a look at the Georgetown waterfront. The sky, the skyline, the foliage, and the water were all breathtaking sights. I wanted to capture that moment to look back on later. Fortunately, while I was clicking away on my phone camera, a boat floated into the frame. I wanted to submit the photo to share the beauty I witnessed with the rest of my community.

Himmelfarb would like to thank all of you who submitted photos to our 2023 Fall Colors Photo Contest! And congratulations to this year's winner, Mehrshad Fahim Devin, MPS and first-year medical student!

The image is a group of leaves, showcasing fall colors with the test "2023 Fall Colors Photo Contest Results."

The results of the 2023 Fall Colors Photo Contest are in! This event, sponsored by Healthy Living @ Himmelfarb, welcomed digital photo submissions of the beautiful fall foliage. Students, faculty, and staff affiliated with the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences (SMHS), School of Public Health (GWSPH), and School of Nursing (Nursing) submitted their original photos taken in 2023. Judging was based on creativity, originality, and overall artistic impact. 

So without further ado, this year's winner is Mehrshad Fahim Devin (SMHS student). Here’s Mehrshad’s photo, entitled “Fall Ride - Roof of the Kennedy Center”:

A boat on the water, with colorful fall trees lining the shore, surrounded by a city skyline in the background.

Himmelfarb Library would like to thank everyone who submitted a photo for this year’s contest! We loved seeing all of your great photos and getting to see fall through your beautiful pictures. You can view all of the photo submissions on Himmelfarb’s first floor, as well as online:

Sponsored by Healthy Living @ Himmelfarb

2023 Himmelfarb Library's Fall Colors Photo Contest. Enter for a chance to win a Prize! Oct. 16 - Nov. 3, 2023.

Fall is here! Head outdoors to admire the beautiful fall foliage around you and capture those amazing photos. Enter your best photo with a chance to win a PRIZE. All digital photos submitted will be showcased in the 2023 Himmelfarb Fall Colors Photo Gallery.

How to Enter and Contest Rules:

Photo submission dates:  Monday, October 16, 2023 – Friday, November 3, 2023.

  • Complete a 2023 Online Contest Submission Form and submit an original photo (JPEG, PDF, PNG files only). Limit 1 entry person.
  • Contest photo must be original and taken in 2023.
  • By submitting an entry, each contestant agrees to the rules of the contest.

Who Can Enter:

Staff or students affiliated with GW School of Medicine & Health Sciences, Milken Institute School of Public Health, and School of Nursing.

Judging:

Photo entries will be judged based on creativity, originality, and overall artistic impact. One winner will be chosen by select participants and members of the Healthy Living @ Himmelfarb Committee.

*Himmelfarb Library reserves the right to cancel the contest or modify rules at its discretion. Himmelfarb Library reserves the right to reject any entrant whose entry appears off-topic or violates the rules.

For questions, contact: Yvonne Lee (yvylee@gwu.edu)

*** Post written by Yvonne Lee ***