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Tag: Fall Colors Photo Contest

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The 2025 Fall Colors Photo Contest drew 42 amazing entries across all of Himmelfarb Library's constituent groups: SMHS, School of Nursing, and the Milken Institute School of Public Health. Our judges, Laura Abate and Valerie Bowles from Himmelfarb, and MD students Nick Van Dyke and Eleanor Ball, had their work cut out for them!

Red autumn leaves
2025 Fall Colors Photo Contest winner: Radiance, photo by Vania Ballesteros Prieto, Horvath Lab staff member, SMHS

The contest winner was Radiance, by Vania Ballesteros Prieto, who is a staff member at SMHS. See below for an interview with Vania!

Autumn colors reflected in a pond with skyscrapers in the background
Second place winner in the 2025 Fall Colors Photo Contest: Fall Reflections, photo by Rana Rahman, MD student, SMHS.
Creek with trees with yellow leaves
Second place winner in the 2025 Fall Colors Photo Contest: Creekside Serenity, photo by Adam Herath, BSPH student, Milken Institute School of Public Health.

Two photos tied for second place: Fall Reflections, by MD student Rana Rahman, and Creekside Serenity, by BSPH student Adam Herath.

There were many beautiful photo entries, all of which are in the online gallery. Additionally, a print display of all photo entries is currently up at the library.

The Rotation asked Vania a few questions:

Can you share your GW journey? Did you study here? How long have you worked here?

I first came to the university in fall 2023 to pursue the MS program in Bioinformatics and Molecular Biochemistry. I successfully graduated in May of this year and have been a very happy part of the Horvath Lab team since then.

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

I started taking photographs with a digital camera when I was young, initially just as a hobby. My favorite subjects are close-up pictures of flowers and small animals. I enjoy uncovering the small details that are often hard to see at first glance.

What can you tell us about how you got that winning shot?

I found a couple of trees with incredibly beautiful red and orange foliage near my house. I stood directly underneath them, and the afternoon sun lit the backs of the leaves making the colors more vibrant. This backlighting also allowed me to capture the veins of the leaves. I especially like how the close-up angle abstracts the location, leaving the surroundings open to the viewer's imagination.

How did you hear about the Fall Colors Photo Contest?

The Fall Colors Photo Contest was a topic of discussion in the lab. An email with the details was shared with all lab members, and I decided to participate.

I am intrigued that you entered the contest just two minutes before the entry form was deactivated! Tell us more about that?

I was planning to submit the picture earlier but my phone ran out of storage, which made every app (including the photos app) crash instantly upon opening. It was a frantic process of repeatedly opening the photos app, deleting one picture, having the app crash, and repeating the cycle. I finally managed to free up just enough storage to submit the entry two minutes before the form closed. Talk about lucky!

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Vania stopped by Himmelfarb and got to meet some of the members of the Healthy Living @ Himmelfarb Committee, which has been in existence since 2012 and has as its goal creating ways for our community prioritize wellbeing and support healthy eating, exercise, and stress reduction. The committee has been running the Fall Colors and Spring Blossoms photo contests since 2023, along with other events such as beading workshops and the popular Basketball Toss contest, which raises funds for the GW Healing Clinic.

Vania Ballesteros Prieto, second from left, with members of Himmelfarb's Healthy Living Committee (L-R) Lonnie Williams, Deborah Wassertzug, and Valerie Bowles.
2025 Fall Colors Photo Contest winner Vania Ballesteros Prieto posts in front of the photo display of entries to this edition of the contest.

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When was the last time you got outside? If the answer is "summer," we strongly recommend you get up from your desk and head outside! Fall is here. Enjoy a seasonal beverage, breathe in the crisp air, and while you're at it, take a photo of the beautiful colors of autumn! Himmelfarb Library's Fall Colors Photo Contest opens today!

Enter your best photo for the chance to win a fabulous PRIZE. All digital photos submitted will be showcased in the online 2025 Himmelfarb Fall Colors Photo Gallery, and prints will be displayed in Himmelfarb Library.

To get inspired, see posts from past Fall Colors photo contests.

Photo submission dates:  Monday, October 13, 2025 – Sunday, November 9, 2025.

  • Who may enter: GW students, residents, faculty and staff affiliated with the School of Medicine & Health Sciences, Milken Institute School of Public Health, and School of Nursing.
  • Limit 1 entry per person. Subsequent submissions by the same person will not be entered into the contest.
  • Contest photo must be original and taken by the submitter in 2025.
  • Submitted photos will be displayed in online and print galleries with the photographer's name and photo title.
  • By submitting an entry, each contestant agrees to the above rules of the contest.

Judging:

Photo entries will be judged based on creativity, originality, and overall artistic impact. One winner will be chosen by a prior contest winner 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: Deborah Wassertzug (deborah.wassertzug@gwu.edu)

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Multicolored autumn leaves in a mountain landscape
2024 Fall Colors Photo Contest winning entry: Hills on Fire! by Claire Sandler

Himmelfarb Library would like to congratulate Claire Sandler (Medicine, 2nd year), the 2024 Fall Colors Photo Contest winner! Himmelfarb's Healthy Living Committee had their work cut out for them by judging the many excellent entries to this year's contest. With so many fantastic submissions, it was extremely challenging to select a winning photo. Claire, stopped by Himmelfarb earlier this week to receive congratulations from members of Himmelfarb's Healthy Living Committee, and to pick up her prize -- a coffee mug showcasing her winning photo.

2024 Fall Colors Photo Contest winner Claire Sandler with members of Healthy Living Committee
2024 Fall Colors Photo Contest winner Claire Sandler (SMHS) with (L-R) Deborah Wassertzug, Lonnie Williams, and Laura Abate of the Healthy Living Committee.

Let's get to know Claire!

The Rotation: Can you share your journey to GW? What led you to pursue an MD degree?

CS: Before GW, I attended the University of Michigan for my undergraduate degree in Public Health Sciences, then lived in Chicago for 2 gap years where I explored my passions for teaching and research. Studying public health in undergrad along with my extracurricular commitments definitely inspired me to pursue an MD. I chose to attend GW over other MD programs because of GW's commitment to integrated public health medical education and for the incredible opportunity to learn medicine in Washington, D.C.! I was particularly drawn to GW because of its engaged and passionate student body — a quality I continue to see in my peers, and one that has been a constant source of inspiration throughout my time here! 


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

CS: I have enjoyed photography for as long as I can remember, but I definitely got more involved in high school with a film camera. I switched to DSLR in college and learned that I love photographing anything from my friends and family to my travels and natural surroundings! I have also contributed to photography for various clubs, headshots, graduations, and even engagements. The photo I submitted for this contest was actually taken during an engagement shoot for a GW SMHS classmate! More of my work can be seen at https://www.sandlercbphotography.com. 


The Rotation: How did you hear about the Fall Colors Photo Contest?

CS: My friends know how much I love photography and encouraged me to submit a photo! They made sure to forward the email to me and support my submission 🙂 

The Rotation: What is your favorite spot in Himmelfarb Library?

CS: The windowed 3rd-floor cubicles or room 202 with my POM group!

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Want to join the fun? Look for the next edition of the Spring Flowers & Blossoms Photo Contest coming in 2025!

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Autumn weather is here and we’re starting to see hints of fall foliage!  In the coming weeks, spend some time outdoors to enjoy the weather and colors, and to capture those amazing photos. 

Enter your best photo with a chance to win a PRIZE. All digital photos submitted will be showcased in the online 2024 Himmelfarb Fall Colors Photo Gallery, and prints will be displayed in Himmelfarb Library.

To get inspired, see our blog posts from past Himmelfarb photo contests.

How to Enter and Contest Rules:

Photo submission dates:  Monday, October 14, 2024 – Friday, November 8, 2024.

  • Who may enter: GW students, faculty and staff affiliated with the School of Medicine & Health Sciences, Milken Institute School of Public Health, and School of Nursing.
  • Complete a 2024 Online Contest Submission Form and submit an original photo (JPEG, PDF, PNG files only; file size maximum 10MB). 
  • Limit 1 entry per person.
  • Contest photo must be original and taken by the submitter in 2024.
  • Submitted photos will be displayed in online and print galleries with the photographer's name and photo title.
  • By submitting an entry, each contestant agrees to the rules of the contest.

Judging:

Photo entries will be judged based on creativity, originality, and overall artistic impact. One winner will be chosen by a prior contest winner 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: Deborah Wassertzug (deborah.wassertzug@gwu.edu)

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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!

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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:

The image is a wooden bridge in a forest, surrounded by trees and foliage.
A serene lake surrounded by trees with yellow leaves, with a clear reflection of the surrounding nature.
The image depicts a dog walking on a path in a park, surrounded by fall trees.
A rocky landscape with trees and mountains in the background, capturing the beauty of nature and wilderness.
A close-up of a silver maple leaf, showcasing its intricate details and veins.
A brown horse standing in a field wearing a blanket. It is outdoors with a tree and the sky in the background.
A yellow leaf in sharp detail with a line of cars with tail lights lit up in red in the blurred background.
The image depicts a tree with yellow leaves against a cloudy sky.
A stream surrounded by trees in an outdoor natural landscape.
A scenic view of a valley with trees and mountains in the background. The landscape features fall foliage and a cloudy sky.
A group of trees with yellow leaves, set against a bright blue sky.
A road flanked by trees with yellow leaves on either side. A person is walking on the side of the road.
The Washington Monument with a scenic background of trees, grass, and a cloudy sky at sunset/sunrise.
A close-up of a leaf that transitions from vibrant green in the center to yellow and brown towards the edges.
The image is of a grey squirrel perched on a tree branch in an outdoor setting.
A tree with yellow leaves. The tree is a deciduous plant, possibly a maple, with yellow leaves on its branches.
Colorful red, yellow, and orange leaves on a rocky path. Sunlight shines on the leaves with shadows throughout.
A stream with fall leaves. A tree had fallen over in front of a waterfall.
A serene body of water surrounded by trees, with a bridge visible in the distance.
A photograph of a tree with branches and leaves, set against a backdrop of the sky.
A body of water surrounded by trees, taken in an outdoor natural landscape setting.
A tree with orange leaves framing the US Capitol Building, set against a blue sky.
The image shows a lamp post standing under a maple tree with red leaves.

A serene landscape with a group of trees standing next to a body of water.
A large rock situated on a mountain, surrounded by trees and under a cloudy sky.
The image depicts a person walking in the rain in a city setting.
A waterfall in a forest, surrounded by trees and natural landscape.
A river flowing through a forest with the Dolly Sods Wilderness in the background.
A window with potted plants, possibly with a floral design. Text mentions "Thankful for Fall" and "Beyond Blessed."
A house surrounded by trees, with a fence and grass in the foreground.
A tree with colorful red leaves in an outdoor setting during autumn.
A white car parked in front of a large building, with a tree and some clouds in the sky.
Colorful purple flowers with bright red fallen leaves laying on top.
A photo of a tree with orange leaves in an outdoor setting, possibly in a park or field during the autumn season.
A serene landscape with a body of water surrounded by trees. The water reflects the blue sky and clouds above.
A group of trees with orange leaves against a blue sky.
Two people riding bicycles and two people talking on a bike path next to a large tree with yellow and orange leaves.
The image depicts a group of autumn leaves scattered on the ground to spell "GWU MED."

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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 ***

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