Mary Presson Roberts took first place in the Arts Council of York County's seventh annual Photography Competition with "Raptor" and Laura Rashley was first place winner in second annual Youth Photography Competition with "Honeycomb."

We asked the winners to share their thoughts on their winning photos and their journey in photography.

Mary Presson Roberts, 46, of Tega Cay

Tell us about how and where you took your winning photo.

I took my photo at the Carolina Raptor Center, located in Huntersville, N.C., during one of their Photo Wild events. During Photo Wild, photographers are given the opportunity to photograph the fabulous raptors at the Raptor Center in natural surroundings. The photo was taken during the birds in flight portion of the Photo Wild program.

What was your first camera, and how long have you been interested in taking photographs?

The first camera I remember owning was a Kodak Handle, which I received as a Christmas gift when I was a child. With the Kodak Handle, you took the picture, turned the handle, and the picture came out. I have always enjoyed taking snapshots and vacation pictures. About two and a half years ago, I began taking classes to learn how to take photographs using a digital SLR camera. I have been working and learning ever since. I am thankful for digital technology. It would have been much more difficult to learn manual controls of the camera without the immediate feedback today's digital cameras offer.

What or who inspires you to take photographs?

The beauty of nature inspires me to take photographs. Through photography, I have been given the gift of really seeing the world in a whole new, exciting way. I have also been so very fortunate to have a family who has been extremely supportive of my love for photography. My mother, Nance Presson; husband, Randy Lindsay; brother, Paul Presson; and son, Jeremy Roberts have supported and encouraged me every step of the way in this exciting journey. I have also made great friendships along the way with others who love photography.

Do you have a new project or group of photographs that you are working on?

This summer I have been working to improve my skills with macro photography and working with computer programs for processing my images. There is always something new to learn.

Are you a professional or have professional aspirations?

I have been a teacher of primary education for 24 years. I earned my bachelor's in education from Winthrop University and my master's in school administration from The Citadel.

My book, "Your Mentor: A Practical Guide for First-Year Teachers in Grades 1-3," was published by Corwin Press in 2001. Some of my early photographs were published in my book.

I am enjoying the journey that photography is allowing me. I do look forward to finding out where photography will take me.

Laura Rashley, 16, Rock Hill

Tell us about how and where you took your winning photo:

I took my photo during my lunch period at school one day. I was sitting outside in the courtyard with some of my friends. It had rained earlier in the day and there were yellow jackets everywhere trying to get water from what had collected on the tabletops. The particular one in my picture had been on our table for most of the period, much to some of my friends' dismay. I had been fighting the urge to take a picture of him (we aren't allowed to have our cameras out during school). I finally decided - right when the bell rang and everyone was getting up - to hurriedly take the picture anyway.

What was your first camera and how long have you been interested in taking photographs?

I got my first camera when I was in the first grade and my baby brother was born after much pleading. It was just the average, bulky, "going-into-the-hands-of-an-eight-year-old" film camera. That was pretty much when the photography mania started. I took pictures of everything, and I went through film fast. I remember my mom fussing at me for that quite frequently. I currently use a Sony DSC-H20.

Who or what inspires you to take photographs?

I guess I should say my mom, who has been taking photographs (excellent ones, for that matter) for a long time. I think in the beginning, I was trying to live up to her, gain her approval. It all started with following in her footsteps. After awhile, it started being more about the photograph - how well set up a shot was, coloring and focus. Then it was how much of a story I could get it to tell. My inspiration, I guess you could say, comes from the urge to constantly better myself and push outside of my comfort zone. Once that's done, and you can't limit yourself, you don't limit the photograph. Which is kind of scary, and that's the exciting part about it.

Do you have a new project or group of photographs that you are working on?

I'm trying to capture people and ordinary events better. That's my main "project" right now, but I'm never without my camera, and I'll always take pictures whenever I see something that just needs to be photographed.

Are you a professional or have professional aspirations?

I am by no measure a professional, nor will I pretend to be. The chances that I ever will be are slim; photography is a competitive field. But I would love to take what is just a hobby right now further.