I entered my first “official” print competition at the WPPA (Wisconsin Professional Photographer’s Association) fall convention last month.
When my first entry appeared, I gasped. I had been looking at that image for a year…a dramatic black/white metallic print of a local hockey player titled “Eager for the Fray.” It scored well, and I could have gone home happy.
Later, my rooster/Abi print, “Dream Girl” appeared. The judges leaned off of their chairs to examine the detail in the shadows and the highlights. I held my breath. It scored an 88 — a merit image and just shy of superior. Wow.
The judges challenged the score.
Twice.
“Dream Girl” ended up scoring a 90 – Superior – and won Best in Show Illustrative and a Judge’s Choice award.
To say that I am honored is an understatement.
As a photographer, I try my best to please my client, bring out the best in the subject, achieve the objective, and add my style to the image. If, during a shoot, I am able to capture an image fit for compeition, and work with it to make it sing, then that is a thing of beauty.
To have won the respect of the judges and experienced photographers was truly an honor.
Coincidentally, following the judging, my husband and I took a break from the convention and went out for lunch at a local restaurant. Who should walk in, but — Dream Girl!