In 2012, when I made a commitment to pursuing photography as my second career, little did I know what an exciting adventure that decision would start.
Recently, my continual hard work, education, and willingness to accept technical criticism in order to improve my craft, culminated in my first-time-ever entering into Professional Photographers of America's International Print Competition (IPC), where one of my images received Merit Collection status, as well as inclusion in the Showcase Book, that is compiled from images that receive a 5-0 merit rating among 5 judges. Pure Gold did that.
Recently, my continual hard work, education, and willingness to accept technical criticism in order to improve my craft, culminated in my first-time-ever entering into Professional Photographers of America's International Print Competition (IPC), where one of my images received Merit Collection status, as well as inclusion in the Showcase Book, that is compiled from images that receive a 5-0 merit rating among 5 judges. Pure Gold did that.
Make no mistake, this type of work and competition is not for the faint of heart. (Watching print competition, and hearing a discussion over your image is nerve-wracking!) However, it is WELL worth the outcomes--the biggest one being, personal improvement. Here, you compete against no one but yourself, and I think we know how difficult self-as-competitor can be. Over 5000 images were submitted this year, with 1706 being selected for the General Merit Collection.
Pure Gold is a simple image, taken of a Golden Retriever named Tioga. Taken in studio with basic lighting, and processed in PhotoShop Elements, it is an image that needed little post-processing help, because I got it right in camera. I got it right in camera because I have invested time and money in becoming a professional photographer, understanding my equipment, my lighting, and my subjects (which are primarily pets). Being able to take a client image and compete with it, then have that image succeed, is a big thumbs up in terms of the quality of work afforded to my clients.
My 8 year journey, to date, has seen personal family setbacks and heartbreaking loss. Still trying to schedule clients amid that family turmoil and loss, served to hold me back from entering print competitions for a while. Deciding on what type of certification I would pursue, then finally finding the time to do so, was another huge consideration. Digging deep for the motivation to continue on some days, when the world was especially gloomy--all played a role in where I find myself today.
This past month I also entered Professional Photographers Association of Pennsylvania's Capture 2020 print competition. Here I had two images receive merit acceptance, with one receiving the highest print score in the Animal Portrait category, and the other being my first-ever challenge to myself in competing outside my comfort zone in the Illustrative category (hummingbird).
Pure Gold is a simple image, taken of a Golden Retriever named Tioga. Taken in studio with basic lighting, and processed in PhotoShop Elements, it is an image that needed little post-processing help, because I got it right in camera. I got it right in camera because I have invested time and money in becoming a professional photographer, understanding my equipment, my lighting, and my subjects (which are primarily pets). Being able to take a client image and compete with it, then have that image succeed, is a big thumbs up in terms of the quality of work afforded to my clients.
My 8 year journey, to date, has seen personal family setbacks and heartbreaking loss. Still trying to schedule clients amid that family turmoil and loss, served to hold me back from entering print competitions for a while. Deciding on what type of certification I would pursue, then finally finding the time to do so, was another huge consideration. Digging deep for the motivation to continue on some days, when the world was especially gloomy--all played a role in where I find myself today.
This past month I also entered Professional Photographers Association of Pennsylvania's Capture 2020 print competition. Here I had two images receive merit acceptance, with one receiving the highest print score in the Animal Portrait category, and the other being my first-ever challenge to myself in competing outside my comfort zone in the Illustrative category (hummingbird).
So I have placed my toe in the water in terms of International Print Competition. My humble goal for next year is to have a few more images merit, and maybe even one Loan, while keeping time devoted to client work still my highest priority.
Yet another adventure!
This is a blog circle, with the theme this week being "adventure." To see more adventurous photographers, start here with Pawparazzi Pet and Animal Photography presented by Shae Pepper Photography, then look for the link at the end of each blog to move on to the next circle member. Enjoy!
Yet another adventure!
This is a blog circle, with the theme this week being "adventure." To see more adventurous photographers, start here with Pawparazzi Pet and Animal Photography presented by Shae Pepper Photography, then look for the link at the end of each blog to move on to the next circle member. Enjoy!
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