Arts Council photo show draws pros and amateurs

Julie Cano started taking pictures of her children, then found herself lugging around her camera wherever she happened to be.

And since she works on a cattle ranch, Western landscapes quickly became one of her passions.

One of those photos, the sun setting on an old barn on the Three Sisters Ranch near the base of the Leesville grade, won her the People's Choice Award at the Colusa County Arts Council photography show on Saturday.

Dubbed "Life through a Lens," the show was held at the Scout Cabin in Colusa, where dozens of folks wandered through the various images on display.

The Best of Show awards went to professional photographer Elvira Gutierrez and amateur shutterbug Don Bransford.

Bransford's winning photo was titled "American Bittern in Reeds."

Gutierrez was recognized for her work "Garden Bride" and took other honors as well.

"I started taking pictures in high school and it kind of developed, and I got an opportunity to start my own business," said Gutierrez of Colusa.

Gutierrez said she works out of her home, and anyone interested in seeing what she offers, can go on her website, www .elviragphotography.com.

The judge was from a Yuba City photography club.

"If you would have had a different judge, you might have had a different winner," said Fred Welcome of Colusa, repeating what the judge told him.

However, Cano's award was decided by a vote of those who attended the show.