Former Lynnfielders Take Topsfield Fair Photo Prizes

When the ribbons were handed out at this year's Topsfield Fair photo contest, one thing several of the winners had in common was that they went to together.

Alison Colby-Campbell took a blue ribbon in her photographic category and was also recognized for the best shot by any amateur photographer for the year. Lisa Cody Lessard, who graduated from LHS with Colby-Campbell, won third place in the competition for amateur photography. Also, Alison's husband Jon Campbell, himself a former LHS student who was in the class of '75 before moving out of state with his family, won a third-place ribbon for agricultural photography.

Jon and Alison have entered their photos in a number of contests throughout the region - including those sponsored by Mass. Audubon, the Middleton Stream Team and the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge - and have taken awards home from more than one of them.

In a recent interview with Lynnfield Patch, Jon said that he and his wife are particularly partial to pictures of the ocean, "but we'll pretty much take our cameras anywhere."

 "It's nice to get out in nature, hike into a different area... It's just a fun thing to do," Jon told Lynnfield Patch.

Regarding her recent awards at the Topsfield Fair, Alison noted that this was just the second time she had entered photos there.

"To come away with honors like this was just so exciting," she added. Alison also reported that she had encouraged Lessard to enter the Topsfield Fair contest after seeing one of her photos on Facebook. Jon and Alison currently live in Haverhill, although Alison's sister and nieces are still Lynnfield residents. Alison works in marketing while Jon is an air traffic controller.

Alison's winning photo at the fair traces its origins to a hot air balloon ride she took Jon on one day. Looking down, she saw the balloon reflected in a pond as it passed over, and snapped a shot. She also enjoys animal photography and frequently takes photos at the MSPCA farm in Methuen.

"I like to tell a story with pictures," said Alison, noting that she also has a strong love for writing and saying that despite their frequent collaboration on photography, she and Jon "have quite a bit of competitive spirit."