A budding 12-year-old photographer captured the People's Choice Award in the city of New Hope's 2014 In Focus photo contest.

"Eat at Brueggers" (bottom right), by D. Williams, edged out 69 other entries — a record number in the five-year-old contest. Williams recently started exploring photography, according to his family.

More than 650 votes were cast in the People's Choice category. A panel of seven volunteer judges also bestowed awards in several other categories, evaluating each photo for subject matter, composition, clarity, lighting, drama and artistry, use of depth of field, degree of difficulty, technical excellence and overall impact.

The City Council recognized the winners at its Oct. 13 meeting.

The annual contest is meant to build civic pride and capture the people and places that define New Hope. Birds, butterflies and children proved to be popular themes in this year's contest.

"Circles," by Dack Nehring, won the people category and had the highest overall score. "Night Light," also by Nehring, won the places category. "Prairie Flower Monarch," by Michael Powell, won the nature category.

“238,900 miles above New Hope,” by Tom Christensen, honorable mention.

"Eat at Brueggers," also won the youth category. Three photographers also received honorable mention. They are Catherine Burbank for "Puddle Lovin'," Amos Vodis for "Bolts," and Tom Christensen for "238,900 Miles Above New Hope." All 69 photos can been viewed online at www.ci.new-hope.mn.us.

Shannon Prather • 612-673-4804