Ansel Adams said: “Sometimes I get to places just when God's ready to have somebody click the shutter.” With great humility Adams captured incredible images of the American West mostly in black and white.

I am sure this brilliant photographer would be impressed with the color images collected in the WRAL Winter Skies Photo Contest. Our panel of judges was overwhelmed with the quality of entries. We can’t begin to describe how hard it was to whittle down the list of entries to a small group of winners.

In reality all of you who entered are winners. You have carved out time to savor sunsets, swirling clouds and magnificent shafts of light and you are richer because of that experience. And you have shared a beauty that perhaps you alone witnessed in the golden light of early morning or late afternoon.

First Place goes to Kelly Hinkle for “Stripes” (image 126) photographed from an office at NC State University. The framing, texture and content were impeccable. This was perhaps the most unusual photograph we received. Outstanding work, Kelly! You will receive a package of my five CDs and DVD.

We have a three way tie for second place. These winners will receive copy of the Emmy nominated “Peaceful Journey” DVD that I put together on my favorite places across North Carolina.

Nicole Kroeger wins for her romantic and stunningly beautiful sunset photograph (image 3) along the North Carolina coast. What a peaceful yet powerful story this image tells!

Chuck Hutaff wins for his gorgeous sunrise photograph from Ocracoke (image 70). You can almost feel the gentle breeze nudging the sea oats and smell the salty air in this breathtaking image!

Kim Himes wins for capturing the colorful sky over Cameron in Moore County at sunrise (image 94). What a joy it must have been to be a part of that golden glory! Thanks for capturing it for us.

Thanks to all of you for entering. We’ll plan to have another contest soon.