Every week, members of our Sony Alpha Female+ community submit their images in our Micro-Grant Contest. Each Monday, a fresh theme is revealed, inviting creators to submit their own photo or video along with a caption for a chance to win $500. Here, we honor another group of winners from the past several weeks. To find out more and participate in our weekly Micro-Grant Contest, join our Alpha Female Facebook Community page for your shot at $500! Keep an eye on AlphaUniverse.com as we continue to showcase our winners and bring you the latest updates for the Alpha Female+ community.
Alpha Female+ Micro-Grant Winners
Jennie Brand
Theme: A Day In The Life
“In that quiet moment, I wasn’t thinking about awards—I was thinking about connection,” she shares. “I shot instinctively, hoping to capture the simple exchange of money for a bao bun. Morning street markets are the lifeblood of Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Later, I realized this image held everything I love about travel: intimacy, culture, and the beauty of everyday life."
Photo by Jennie Brand. Alpha 7CR. 16-35mm f/2.8 G Master II. 1/250-sec., f/3.5, ISO 320
Jamie Felton
Theme: Birds
"The babies were shy at first, tentatively peeking out now and then. This day, I was elated when mom sat in the hole and the oldest chick nestled itself under her wing to gain enough confidence to sit in the opening. The chick learned it was safe and afterwards would sit in the opening without fear."
Photo by Jamie Felton. Alpha 6500. 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 G Master. 1/1000-sec., f/7.1, ISO 1250
Tracy Wood
Theme: Summer Vibes
"I've always felt a little bit like an outsider because I don't get excited about summer like most people do,” she shares. “But there is one wonderful and magical place where the heat and the biting flies stay away—out on the waters of Lake Huron at sunset. Sunsets on the water in the summer just hit a bit different when you are out there paddling and enjoying the peace and quiet of a perfect summer sunset experience."
Photo by Tracy Wood. Alpha 1. 20mm f/1.8 G. 1/1000-sec., f/4.5, ISO 400
Amanda Stern
Theme: Pets
"I am reminded, again and again, how lucky I’ve been to live in the moment, to love and be loved by her. These days, I try to breathe slower, love harder, and hold tighter, because nothing lasts forever, but love like this does. And so I meet each day as it comes, grateful for the time I have with her, every adventure one more memory made with my soul dog, my Libby."
Photo by Amanda Stern. Alpha 7R V. 70-200mm f/2.8 G Master.
Ashley Hs
Theme: Aquatic
"Watching hundreds of rays glide in unison never fails to leave me in awe. In moments like this, I feel the delicate balance between fully immersing myself and capturing it through my lens."
Photo by Ashley Hs. Alpha 7 IV. 16-35mm f/4 G PZ.
Amanda Rebel
Theme: Sports
"I want every athlete to see the grit, heart, and strength they carry, and to recognize themselves as the tough and dedicated players they are. Capturing those moments for them — the superhuman effort, the victory, and all of the dirt — is a privilege, and I am so lucky that I get to share a field with these amazing athletes."
Photo by Amanda Rebel. Alpha 7 III.
Kelly Beckta
Theme: Travel
"Kosmonavtlar (Cosmonauts) station on the Tashkent Metro in Uzbekistan features a mural dedicated to Valentina Tereshkova, the first woman in space."
Photo by Kelly Beckta. Alpha 7R II. 35mm f/1.4.
Julie Hubschman
Theme: Black & White
"I was granted an opportunity to photograph a musician at multiple occasions this summer. His entire person has become monochrome and photographing him has taught me a love of black and white that I never appreciated, especially in music photography. Without the distraction of color, you’re left with pure emotion: sweat, grit, light cutting through smoke, and the intensity of the crowd. It captures the chaos and connection of live music in its purest form."
Photo by Julie Hubschman. Alpha 7R V.
Suelen Tieko
Theme: Blue Hour
"That day, I thought I had missed the gorgeous sunset. The sky was filled with amazing clouds, and the light was breathtaking, but I ended up having dinner instead, because I was so hungry. On my way back to the hotel, I realized the blue hour was just as magical, so I ran to this viewpoint to capture the wind sweeping the clouds away as the sun had just dipped below the horizon to the right."
Photo by Suelen Tieko. Alpha 7C II. 16-35mm f/2.8 G Master II. 3.2-sec., f/10, ISO 320
Amber Favorite
Theme: Candid Moments
"When the two bald eagles started the mid-air chase, my heart about jumped out of my chest. As I filmed, it felt like I was being given a front-row seat to a rare piece of wild theater. It was intense, raw, and breathtaking all at once. Moments like this remind me why I fell in love with wildlife photography in the first place."
Paula Hilborn
Theme: Landscape
"The reason I am submitting this photo is because it was a great photographic lesson for me! This was part of a larger landscape that is very popular to photograph in Banff National Park. I learned in this process that there can be hidden gems within the larger scene when you zoom in!"
Photo by Paula Hilborn. Alpha 7R III. 70-200mm f/4 G.
Melissa Richard
Theme: Community
"Sometimes the best memories aren’t made under blue skies, but when the rain comes pouring down (or after the rain). The year this image was taken, the fair didn’t go as planned. The rides slowed, the lights dimmed, and people huddled together under tents and awnings. We waited it out, and it was worth it."
Photo by Melissa Richard. Alpha 7 III. 24mm f/1.4 G Master. 1/13-sec., f/14, ISO 200
Elle Wood
Theme: Dramatic Lighting
"These moments, often unseen, reflect the heart of volunteer first responders: ordinary people who give their time, energy, and courage to keep their neighbors safe."
Photo by Elle Wood. Alpha 7 IV. 70-200mm f/2.8 G Master II. 1/320-sec., f/2.8, ISO 8000
