Third Prize: Gigi Goshko Six-Day Windjammer cruise for two on an authentic Maine coast schooner. The Havana campaņeros in this image embodied a quality that resonated with traveler Gigi Goshko. "What struck me most was that while Cuba had moved from Hemingway to Castro, there were aspects of the country that never changed. I went there to visit my brother, who's in the foreign service. On my first day, I chose not to visit traditional tourist sights, but instead to wander off into the back streets of Old Havana. I took pictures of decaying buildings, of legendary old cars, and finally happened upon these two men hanging out in front of a bar. I knew I had to photograph them, but I wanted to create an image that captured their personalities and relationship. So my Spanish-speaking boyfriend and I spent time with them—I was really observing more, because I'm not fluent—and sharing drinks. Soon enough we all felt comfortable, and I took pictures with my 20-35mm lens, which requires that I get very close. After a couple of shots, of film and rum, I had the image I'd hoped for." Goshko's ability to make friends on the road could have something to do with her career. "I live in Harlem and teach literature and social studies at one of the public high schools in New York City," she says. "One of my students asked if I'd ever entered a contest, and I admitted that this is my first. Although my family is artistic, I can't draw to save my life. I began to use photography as a storytelling medium and quickly fell in love with it. I'm intrigued by journalistic images that capture the essence of a person, place, or event without the use of words. One of my life goals has been to have a photo published by National Geographic." That said, Goshko had a hard time parting with her original negative. "I felt as if I'd dropped a child in the mail! I have never parted with my negatives before. But I could get used to it." (Canon EOS-A2, Canon 20-35mm lens, Kodak Tri X 400 ASA film.) Prize courtesy of North End Shipyard Schooners and National Geographic Traveler.