Winners Gallery
This page highlights the monthly winners across our Detroit sports themes. Each winning image shows strong color, clean composition, and a clear idea that reads fast on screen. Look for a defined subject, simple backgrounds, and edges free of distractions that might pull the eye away. Notice how the best frames create visual hierarchy: the subject is the brightest or most detailed area, secondary elements support the story, and the background stays quiet. Color contrast matters too. Blue and silver for Lions, orange and navy for Tigers, and red and blue for Pistons can act like anchors that guide the viewer. Good exposure protects highlights so jerseys do not clip and faces stay readable. A steady white balance keeps team colors accurate from shot to shot. On mobile screens, small details can disappear, so winners often rely on bold shapes, clean diagonals, and one clear gesture. These frames were selected because they communicate the moment without extra words and still read clearly at a quick glance.
If you want your work featured here in a future month, start with a simple plan and build the frame around it. Define your subject first, then choose a background that supports rather than competes. Use diagonals and leading lines to guide the eye, and place subjects where light helps the idea. Indoors, set a fixed white balance so reds and blues stay consistent. Outdoors, use soft light or open shade to avoid harsh contrast. Time your shot for peak gesture: the lift of a hand, a step into light, or a quick smile. Use burst mode when timing is tricky, then pick the cleanest frame later. Check edges before you press the shutter. Straighten horizons, level railings, and remove minor distractions in a light edit. Keep files under 1 MB, aim for a long edge near 900 to 1200 px, and give the image a clear caption that tells viewers what to notice first.
Captions and accessibility matter. Write a short, accurate caption that names the subject, location or context, and what action or detail makes the frame special. Add alt and title text that describes the photo in simple language so the image is understandable to everyone. Keep edits truthful to the scene: modest crop, straightening, noise control, and basic exposure or color correction are fine, but avoid heavy composites or AI generated content. If people are recognizable, get permission and be courteous in public spaces. Respect logos and broadcast screens; use them as context rather than the main subject. Save filenames in ASCII with no spaces, for example lions_winner.jpg, and test the file on your device before sending. When you review your own work, ask three quick questions: is the subject obvious, are the edges clean, and does the light support the idea? If the answer is yes to all three, you are on the right track for the Winners gallery.
