Michael Chang Wenderoth can detect something artistic in situations that many of us might consider ordinary. His award-winning photograph of several cows grazing on a misty hillside sounds typical enough, but upon further investigation it's clear the recent Stanford graduate has an eye for art.

Click on photo for larger image.

The photo was taken in Elva, Italy, while Wenderoth was enjoying the summer traveling through various parts of Europe. He carries his camera during all of his travels, because one never knows when a great photo will present itself.

"I like to see things through the lens of the camera," he said.

Wenderoth's time in Europe presented a myriad of photographic opportunities, but no image grabbed his attention as strongly as the cows and the hillside. While at home developing the photograph, Wenderoth described the image as "visually stunning."

"It popped off the contact sheet," he said.

Wenderoth has been interested in photography for many years, an interest that was further nurtured through a Photography 1 course at Stanford. The camera also allows Wenderoth a brief retreat from his life as a businessman.

"Photography is a good opportunity to use a different part of my brain," he said.

-- Tyler Hanley