Cover Contest Winner: Chidima Girl, Colombia

#4

I pick # 2. She is so connected to the person she is looking at. If you had not provided the information that it was her twin, many would have guessed that.

All four photos are great, my vote is for #1

I suggest that you find a way to put all the four and extra eight photos on each 12 months of the year!
Tamiru Woubbie
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

There should be a photo on recent issue,i.e; flood affecties from Pakistan ! Terrible condition of suffering humanity !

I vote for photo number two from Central Africa for two reasons
-one in rcognition of women as mothers who suffer more in conflicts
-two in recognition children as she looks after twins
Thanks
UTHANT OKOT

I vote for number 1..... but I didn't see any vote button. Are you counting comments???

I vote photo 2 her smile revealed whats inside her heart

They are all beautiful, infact all the people all over the world are worth respect and beauty lies inside. I like no 2 the most, With its touchy seen

Photo 2 seems more closer to the literal meaning of mercy corps. A poor mother looking at her twins and imagining of their future. Mother is a symbol of love, sacrifice, caring and builder of the human world.

I also strongly encourage a collage of the four finalist to incorporate all of the emotions that have been expressed. They are all most deserving. Having to make a choice, it is #1.

#4!

The Mongolian brothers pic is sweet, humorous and touching. It evokes the feeling of family!

While we are a world composed of individuals, we are also a world of families who are honored to help each other.

For me, the two brothers symbolize the distinction of individuals plus the simultaneous unity of a family. It's about the connection. That's why I like the pic.

#1. thanks for all you do.

The little Chidima child smiles gently. Her quiet presence asks "And what is our future?" and I ask myself "And what am I doing about it?" LyndaVannice

I can't imagine selecting 4 finalists from so many entries - these are all great photos. #1 is my favorite. It really struck me when I read the photographer's comments about how he came to "shoot" this little girl...and what the conditions are like for her community.

They are all REALLY good. I think number #4 just has a certain "capture the moment" feel that stands out. Whichever one wins will be great.

My vote is for #2. I couldn't find voting buttons, so I'm assuming you are looking through the comments to determine people's votes?

I love the dynamics of children at play in photo #3.

Photo number 2. Happyness and interesting perspective of the photograph.

#3. It shows action and movement both of which endorse MC core values

I vote for the Photo numbre 1, Wath a Beautiful

Love the picture of the little girl - her facial expression send a warm message of peace and love.

I have two points to be emphasized with this photo.
1. Someone who look this photo can feel the delight of this woman.
2. Her dress looks representing her native country.

Dance is the expression of life, and looking at #3 made me think of the MC logo so I went with that. I like its dynamism.

Photo 4 makes me smile...happy and inspired. :)

I really appreciated the smiles on the brothers faces. There is hope and happiness, love it!

Great picture!

David

The little girls face says it all! She is open and welcoming.She lives amid poverty but obviously looks well cared for with the lovely bead necklace, clean hair, and clean but worn clothes.
Good job Miguel for capturing a group that few of us will ever have the pleasure of seeing.
What an adventure that you won't soon forget.....Thanks for sharing.

I can't seem to vote, each time I go to this website it shows me the results. HELP!!

I am voting for Photo 1: Chidima girl, Colombia. She definitely looks like a curious little girl!

For the opportunity to vote i say thank you. You guys are really doing a good job. keep on the good job of giving hope to the needy.
God bless you. Mary Nigeria

Photo nr 1 is my absolute favourite; the little girl has such a wise open face, the friendly clear look in her eyes, the decided half smiling mouth tell us she is here to stay, she carries the pride and wisdom of her people in her genes and she moves me very much.

Use photo1 and 2 side by side...thay are both great!

Photo No. 2 I have voted for this photo because as a professional mass communicator it depicts the real work done by Mecry Coprs. Moreover regardless of the problems the woman is experienced still there is Hope.

by Philemon Mark Fihavango, United Republic of Tanzania

Every time I look at the photo of the girl from Chidima, she seems so young but I get a sense that she is also old beyond her years. This is my choice for the cover.

That the photograher goes on to explain that Picture 2 is about what is not seen in the frame should itself pop it as the choice. In acknowledging that a picture too can speak only so much, the photographer has with unconscious courage and humility paid the most poignant tribute to the triphmant spirit of his/ her subject. The frame is so full of grace-filled beauty.

I love all four, but I vote for #1. She's a darling little girl looking straight into the camera and symbolizes the innocence and hope of all the children.

I agree with everyone who's suggested a collage - they're all beautiful photos. I too voted for #2 because the young woman in the photo is so beautiful. But my real vote is for a mashup of photos because Mercy Corps touches so many.

Photo ONE is peaceful, innocent, warm, and crisp. Is a fantastic still of a distant culture. Love it. B. Wad

I found the Chidima girl most engaging--for her eyes and expression. I liked the artistic angle and hopeful look of the Salamatou girl. The Twic photo showed energy but would rather it include their faces; and, the Mongolian brothers had winning smiles. I loved reading the photographer's insights! --April

#4 Photo is inspiring and give us hope. What a better way to begin a new year?! Also I totally agree with Thatcher Cook mentality.

I would love to see a collage of all four, they all represent something beautiful captured through the lens of these special photographers!

Thank you for the opportunity to vote. Each individual sees different things in each photo, so it's marvelous that donors get the opportunity to help select, and to share in Mercy Corps mission.

I liked number three since it shows how people love life despite the diffecult life the are facing,

I voted # 1, she is real innocent and needs protection against mercelss Colombians who are known of drug addiction,

More Power Mercy Corps, truly astounding the real size could be deliberate in the astuteness… Photo No. #2 extremely marvelous.

They are all beautiful, and each brings a thoughts and hope to me. But I am From Colombia, so I would LOVE for Mercy corps to have a photo that represents the beauty, faith, hard work and sadness that many Colombians face daily. They are often forgotten. Great Job Miguel!

I like photo no. 1 because of the child's lovely and charming smile. It generates a smile in me.

I loved the innocent and trusting smile: in some ways enigmatic like mona lisa I felt she connected with the lens and therefore with us.

They are all beautiful. thankyou

#2 for sure!... but how do i vote, other than through comments - i don't see any way to click on the options??

I voted for cover 2 coz, it depects that even in sad times there is hope, Elijah

Photo number two was awe-inspiring. Thank you, Cassandra Nelson for such a wonderful picture.

I select Photo # 1 that is innocent Girl picture and God gifted for human beings and loking for bright future.

Central African Republic is a place that is often forgotten by the world. This photo captures hope, resilience and the strength of women there.

I love the quiet understated confidence of the Chidima girl.
Viva Colombia!

The Twic Olympic picture is about southern Sudan. I have chosen it because I love my home land and I would all the world to know it, to love it and to support it.

#1 For she is already so wise beyond her years...you can feel the weight on her shoulders already so young through her beautiful eyes.

John D

Washington State

All four are good,but the girl in photo 1 looks a potential future leader with alot of charisma.

I vote for Photo # 4 - of Mongolians

H.D. Goyal
from INDIA

The photo i have voted for is Number 2, her face shows hope for the under-privileged people all over the world,that sometime it is easy to smile despite the hard circumstances you are in, Maurice Sewe

Photo #1. She is adorable.

i have choose number two because to me it depicts hope for Africa in 2011!

Picture #3, I love the color & movement!

I chose no. 3
because it shows freedom and liberation
celebration of life
no matter what we are, who we are, and the situation that we are in
this image seem uplifting in the time of grim
this really should be the cover
my 2 cents

This innocent liitle girl is also a daughter and daughter is gift from God being a muslim. So i choose picture # 1.

Thank you Mr. Samper, my selection is photo No, 1

Photos 2,3 and 4 are great and capture some of the emotions that I associate with human-ness all around the world. I chose number 2 because there is plenty of copy space for text, but photo number 4 would have worked just as well. Photo 3 has wonderful energy but little space for text without ruining the very thing that makes it work as a photograph.

The pictures are all great and I hope there can be a collage as many have suggested. The direct gaze of the Colombian girl is exceptional, though.

I wish I could get the calendar. Although I give over a dollar for every day, something about the way I do it through payroll donation apparently disallows me from being seen as a regular donor.

My heart is with pix one, but my mind is with 3. So, I voted for number 3, because 2011 is an important year for the people of southern Sudan. They will have to undergo a referandum in which they will decide either to stay with northern Sudan in one country or to have their own seperate state. Thus the pix depics a historic year for the area, the region and may be the world, so it is good for the calindar of 2011.

Photo#3. you can feel the energy and leaves one wondering what more is inside and the story behind the picture is amazing.

Photo 3 - makes you want to pick up the calendar and see what's inside; which is the point of a cover shot...

i vote for photo # 4. I agreed with comments that these all photos do not truly represent MC work but if choose among these four then my preference would be Photo # 4.

photo 1 espectacular

Picture 4. they are cute and energetic.

chose the first picture, but love the idea of a collage of all four pictures!

I vote for a composite of all four also. Each depicts the role of Mercy Corps in a different manner.

all picture are looking good ,but picked photo 1 child and woman rights very big problem in our country .

This Chidima girl is most captivating. Her very dark and unforgettable eyes are looking us intensely, her beautiful long and well groomed dark hair, her lovely beed jewelry depicting her environment: two colorful "guacamayas", shows us someone in her life is caring for her. Yet, her surroundings are most basic. My vote goes for Photo #1 as it is impacting me profoundly, and hopefully it will do the same for many other potential Mercy Corps donors.

Sport is the language of everybody all over the world, and I strongly believe that it has a paramount impact towards bringing people together. people can solve their differences peacefuly through sporting activities.

Photo 2 is shown more realistic, i feel there is shown overall scenerio of womens condition, its a good pic. *SHIVA SUBEDI*

Remarkable that in a part of the world that has seen so much poverty, violence, and where people must feel abandoned by the rest of the world, one can find such beauty in the face of a child who greets you with a smile. My vote is for the Chidima girl from Colombia.

I voted for #2 but I wished I could vote for two, #2 and #4, until I read the notion of a composite of all four. That would be great, too.

I feel moved by the peaceful facial expression and direct eye contact of the Chidima girl with the audience,in this case, myself. Righ on Miguel. Thank you for this sweet taste from my own home, Colombia.

I chose #4 because boys can be just as beautiful in appearance and as loving as the girls and women.

I have chosen photo 2. To me it depicts hope for Africa in 2011!

All the pics are excellent.Voted Pic 3 : its a celebration of life, no matter what comes our way.

I agree that none of these really capture the 'work' that Mercy Corp. does- but it does capture people that might be touched by that work. I would prefer an option that demonstrates the Mercy Corp philosophy- perhaps a photo of Haitians working at rebuilding the roadways, or a similiar image that depicts people helping themselves through the assistance provided by Mercy Corp. That said, if these 4 photos are the only options, I would use all 4- a photo collage says much more than a single photo. This is not said to discount the beauty of all 4 pictures- and finally if I must pick one of the photos, I would choose #1 as she speaks to me of hope, strength and pride.

I voted for #1 because the composition of the photograph makes that beautiful and energized face just pop out at me. However, I agree with the suggestion above that using all four photographs in a kind of collage would be really interesting and portray well how Mercy Corp is all around the globe.

The Twic Olympics is one of the greatest events happening in Southern Sudan! It epitomizes people coming together through teamwork and collective enthusiasm. It's such a drastic and welcome change from their many years at war. Indeed, it is a cause worth dancing for!(and worthy of a calendar cover!)

Photo 3 is my favorite, but I love them all

I agree that all of the photos are wonderful. I hated to pick just one.

I've chosen photo 2, becos its portrays what Mercy corps stands for, i.e. care for people of all race, particularly those in need.

I hope the other pictures will be on the inside pages of the calendar! They're all wonderful.

I like the energy depicted in photo 3

I believe the suggestion to have a calendar that incorporates all 4 pictures is the best suggestion as all show different facets of your work and all are too beautiful to leave out. I voted for #4 because of the persecution by China of Mongolian people and the beauty in the faces of these innocent boys, but I strongly suggest you follow the idea of a 4-panel calendar cover and use all of them as I see no problem with that and everyone will be happy.

#2,or #4,or#1, or#3 They're all great!

Number #4, I love the moment of joy expressed by the two brothers.

Photo #1 is my vote, the confidence and joy in the little girl's face is striking.

Picture #1. What a beautiful girl!

I voted # 1 because I don't really think about the Panama Colombian Border as any more in need than the rest of the depressed/oppressed areas south of the USA. However I don't think any of the photos reflect the mission of Mercy Corps, as I understand and envision it.

Vamos colombia... #1

I agree with many of these posts. All of the photos were lovely, but this was the most striking!

The fact that the women was struggling for life selling eggs captured my attention so quick and let vote for photo #2.

As I said in 2009, select all four photos and make a layout as if they were photos coming together; maybe even make it look as if there could be other photos underneath these.

So, I say "all four"!

Mary Ann Zulawinski

I can´t vote!!! The instructions are unclear!!!

I chose #2, but I have no objections to any of the covers.

What a beauty!

Punishing hours on a horse back to reach such a composed baby girl!
How do they access most requirements that town dwellers enjoy?
Yet her eyes reveal pure determination.

I'm surprised that the brothers are lagging behind as they would be my second choice! Their smiles are contagious and I love the way the one is looking directly into my eyes.

Even better ... divided the cover in FOUR PANELS ... and put all FOUR THEM on the Cover ... there ... problem solved ... now send me the Calendar when it's ready so I can see how good my idea was!! You're the best!

Jon Pinkus
Washington, DC

Dancing through despair is what this photo evokes!

I noticed the intensity in her eyes...its beyond her years...

That's it exactly -- the confidence in the little girl's expression. She says, with calm certainty, that it's time to get to work, and that we can succeed. It's the polar opposite of the "fear and rage" message that bombards us in our current political climate.

I really appreciate the work you do around the world. Wish I could contribute more.

miguel's work has been oustanding in the past and this photo is no different!

I choose this photo because, as your stated goal is to find compelling photos of people and places, I find that I feel the urge to follow the group in the photo.

Though no human face is visible, the photo suggests action and life and excitement and celebration and urges the viewer to JOIN. I'd certainly want to open up the calendar and see what lies inside one with such a cover as photograph of the Twic Olympics, Sudan!

I feel she is looking into my heart. Very moving and arresting photo!

They are all beautiful!

None of the photos is cover-worthy, but 2 is the best of the finalists.

it shows active living ~ happiness, hope and joy in the human spirit ~

Sudan's been through so much and the movement has energy/vivacity!

I love all four photos, but there is just something about Salamatou looking at her twin that is so like children the world over. Thanks for letting me help choose. Connie Hill

I think the lady is looking with pleasure to her twin because Mercy Corps support her and also her twin ..Farward Mercy Corps

looking and seeing...
.the true spirit of perserverance is in the joy dancing in her eyes!

I would have voted for #2 but went with one because she was looking straight into the camera and into our hearts.

some of the people there walked for 10 days to get there and still joined in the dancing; truly amazing, as I have a hard time walking even a few miles :)!!! the other pictures are remarkable as well... but dancing is always a great way to celebrate and these people are wonderful and very giving of themselves, even though they have so little they are still very grateful and thankful for what they do have!!! that is the way to live = grateful and very thankful and filled with joy to the point where you must dance to express how truly happy you are :)!!!

good picture!!! was in COLOMBIA!!!

I was captivated by the expression on her face!

Love all the photos, but No. 2 is my favorite.

All the photos are beautiful and touching.
But the smiles of children, not yet tainted by or inspite of the struggles of life, are always
uplifting. Even at my work, the smile of child just makes my day.
Like seeing the face of that greater power.

I like that the photo shows celebration, happiness.

The four choices were each wonderful. I choose # 2.

Keep up the good work

Beautiful lady. I love Africa. May Allah ease their suffering and ours and grant their Leaders Wisdom and ours too.

Asgar

I choice this picture , because her laugh, her smile.Nice for the cover of calendar, because the year must be à happy year, a hope year!
Please don't forget to send me a copy of this agenda.
thank you!
Jean

All are amazing images. Why do I have to choose just one?

All very beautiful photos! I like the movement in the Twic Olympics - we need movement for change!

I have clicked through on every button and always end up back on the same page, but can find no way to vote.

I vote for #2

Thanks.

It was very hard to choose between the first and second image. I loved them all! But something about the little girl's face and the way she is looking directly into the camera. So beautiful and strong and yet vulnerable at the same time. I think this represents the various cultures that MercyCorps is working to protect and rebuild.

Couldn't resist those smiles in photo #4

Frances Chavarria

It struck me for some reason, the colors, her smile, her beauty and after reading the story behind the photo, it makes it an even more compelling photo.

all great photos! Number two takes me off the page -- you can feel the other twin and a larger context....

It pretty well sums it up.

I like the two boys in Photo #4. Joy is contagious!

I vote for Photo # 2.

I can't figure out any other way to vote, other than in the comments.

I vote for the Twic Olympic, but don't see how to do it.

Good work!

Great job, Mercy Corps.

The 2nd one w/twin.

I'm sorry but sending calendars out is a huge waste of time and money .
I give to organization not because of pictures but because you are effective at what you do.
This calendar thing will make it less likely that I should continue to donate.
jw

The Twic Olympics picture represents happiness and joy, the two things that people should have in their lives. On top of this, the picture is colorful and would make a great cover.

FOREVER there probably have been "smiles" ...... and for all that time and hopefully forever more, they will bring inspiration and happiness into our day ...... this picture is so Inviting ..... great to attract people happily to the MERCY CORP Calendar !

My vote for Photo number 1, the Chidima girl. Not only this is my country, but she portrays all that we at Mercy Corps do!

This photo really captures the viewer's attention. I like the Brothers too!

I love the action in this image!

This is the decade of the girl - ala "Half the Sky." That's why I vote for this cover. Thanks!

I loved the Chidima girl from Colombia.
I am originally from Colombia too and this picture reminds me the welcoming and sincere love of our people.
As I looked at the picture I could immediately sense all feelings described by the author. The contrast with the background reflects the poverty......two mixed signs that described very well haw we Colombians are: we do not need a lot but a smile to say: Hi!!! I love my country.......of course!
Congratulations Miguel! You got it!

All for photos are moving and speak to the work of Mercy Corps. I picked this one Salamatou looking at her twin... To me, woman are the life of any community. They bring forth life...they nurture, and any country is only as healthy and strong as it's women. Support the women and the community will be lifted up.

All four are absolutely moving, but Photo 2 grabbed me immediately.