During each annual Eye of the Camera Exhibit at the Littleton Museum, the juror names two prints — one color and one black and white — as “Best of Show.”

The photographers who entered them are invited to have a two-person show the following year in the museum’s gallery. “Best of Show 2018” is open during museum hours through June 2, honoring Karen Kirkpatrick (color) and J.R. Schnelzer (black and white).

A viewer quickly notes close ties with nature in both photographers’ works, as well as expert control of their chosen medium.

When asked about how she created the moody atmosphere in a print that seems to glow with amber light, Kirkpatrick spoke about layering parts of other photographs and manipulating for the desired effect.

The technical expertise both photographers exhibit is more apparent the longer one lingers. Both include prints in color and black and white in their collections, which are separated by artist. There is an immediate message about the diversity of images each can produce — both crisp and subtle.

“I find each image has a story, sometimes obvious and at other times hidden,” Kirkpatrick writes. “My goal is to bring that story to life, to give the viewer a reason to pause and be touched through a memory or an emotion.”

Her “Will You Ever Really See Me?” from her Momentary Insight Series greets one at the entrance to the exhibit. A curious white horse with a black mane peers out of a weathered barn’s window, summoning various responses from a viewer. A branch swoops across above the horse’s head. Is he/she hungry? Inquisitive? Lonely? She said the horse belongs to her sister.

She organizes her images in series — works from “An Uncertain Presence” and “Momentary Insight” are exhibited here. Her solitary crane, backed by a flight of balloons, has a wonderful sky … and there is a series of smaller black and white prints in her collection that provoke response …

Next to that horse at the entrance is Schnelzer’s photograph of dazzling yellow aspen trees, with sun shining on and through the leaves.

They bring thoughts of a perfect September-in-Colorado day in the mountains and perhaps a related memory. Many of his images are in color, despite the black and white award. Don’t miss “Big Storm on the Plains” in Schnelzer’s collection, a moody black and white print. One expects to see that house lift off, with Dorothy and Toto blowing along behind it. And that Wicked Witch on her bicycle! A number of interesting portraits, including “Bad Boy,” are included in his collection

On another track — but still as a storyteller — Schnelzer’s “Alice’s World” presents a dramatic looking woman, stylishly attired in black, with her pet falcon on a roost on the table, which is set for a solitary tea party. Debris at her feet offers interesting texture and in the background is an old stone building, with a mysterious guy sitting on the steps ... All sorts tales come to mind.

Allow a bit of visiting time to let your mind play!