From Observer to Poster
Aug 26, 2019 13:15:14 #
Hello Everyone. I have been following this forum for some time but have not felt confident enough in my skills to post any of my work--until today. I have learned so much from viewing the photos and reading the comments and suggestions for improving techniques on this forum.
My introduction to digital photography was in 2008-2009 when I was given a point and shoot camera in a computer class that I was taking. A couple of years later, I was using one of the earliest Canon Rebels. A photographer friend encouraged me to submit some of my work to a local juried art show (Bryn Du Art Show in Granville, Ohio). I was astounded when they selected two of my photos the first year that I submitted. The two years that the show had a separate category for photography, I was blessed to awarded second place both years. I used the second cash award as a down payment on a new camera, a used Canon 7D Mark II. Since retiring and moving to Georgia last year, I feel that my skills have grown tremendously, thanks in part to finding this forum, and to taking two workshops with a professional photographer from Jacksonville, FL and having more time to shoot.
My introduction to digital photography was in 2008-2009 when I was given a point and shoot camera in a computer class that I was taking. A couple of years later, I was using one of the earliest Canon Rebels. A photographer friend encouraged me to submit some of my work to a local juried art show (Bryn Du Art Show in Granville, Ohio). I was astounded when they selected two of my photos the first year that I submitted. The two years that the show had a separate category for photography, I was blessed to awarded second place both years. I used the second cash award as a down payment on a new camera, a used Canon 7D Mark II. Since retiring and moving to Georgia last year, I feel that my skills have grown tremendously, thanks in part to finding this forum, and to taking two workshops with a professional photographer from Jacksonville, FL and having more time to shoot.
Aug 26, 2019 13:18:00 #
Aug 26, 2019 13:22:16 #
Affie Gal wrote:
Hello Everyone. I have been following this forum f... (show quote)
Welcome aboard affie gal. Post images and ask questions. A great way to learn
Aug 26, 2019 13:29:55 #
Aug 26, 2019 13:46:48 #
Aug 26, 2019 13:54:40 #
Welcome to UHH.
--Bob
--Bob
Affie Gal wrote:
Hello Everyone. I have been following this forum f... (show quote)
Aug 26, 2019 13:54:54 #
Welcome aboard. I saw your three images in that challenge thread. You have a good eye and good ideas about composition. You are off to a great start!
Mike
Mike
Aug 26, 2019 14:14:07 #
Aug 26, 2019 14:14:21 #
Welcome to the forum.
(Don't worry, there are ALL kinds of people here........
as you probably found out.
)
(Don't worry, there are ALL kinds of people here........
as you probably found out.
)Aug 26, 2019 19:44:00 #
Aug 27, 2019 06:36:28 #
Aug 27, 2019 07:54:10 #
Aug 27, 2019 08:34:25 #
Affie Gal wrote:
Hello Everyone. I have been following this forum f... (show quote)
Sure would enjoy seeing those "Winning" Photos you created, they may be an inspiration to other Newbies here on this UHH forum. Welcome to UHH
Aug 27, 2019 11:04:52 #
Aug 27, 2019 11:19:03 #
Silverrails wrote:
Sure would enjoy seeing those "Winning" Photos you created, they may be an inspiration to other Newbies here on this UHH forum. Welcome to UHH
Thank you for the welcome. These are the submission jpegs of my winning photos, not the actual pieces. I believe that the final presentation of the photos was key to having been chosen for an award. Ice Bubbles was the second place winner in 2016. I submitted this piece as a double float metal print. Metal made the water flow under the ice more noticeable and vibrant. The photography judge in 2016 was the photographer at Dennison University in Granville, Ohio. This photo sold at the opening reception.
The 2017 photography entries were judged by a professional photographer from Granville, Ohio. He is quite well known in the area for his landscapes. He took third place in the 2016 art show. He told me that he thought this photo should be printed on metal and was quite pleased that I chose to do that. The metal showed off the variances in the surfaces of the building and the depth of color of the acrylic panels.
My friend who encouraged me to enter the art show used to say that they accepted anything that was submitted. However, I learned in 2018 that was not the case. That year they had more than 500 submissions but only accepted between 90 to 100 entries. They also eliminated the separate category for photography and went back to using only one judge. Once again two of my pieces were accepted so I consider that to be a personal win. I even sold one of my pieces. If I had stayed in Ohio, I would not have wasted my money to enter in 2019.
What I have learned about submitting to art shows is that it is best to enter those shows that have a separate category and judge for photography. I think that the photography category was limited to 20 or 25 entries. Presentation of the piece is key to winning awards and/or selling the pieces. At the Bryn Du show too many artists just slapped their work in simple frames with no matting. This was particularly true of the photographers. There were certainly better photographs than mine in the shows but the people gave no thought to presentation--glossy paper, no matting and cheap black frame. Finally, it does not matter what camera you use but how you apply your knowledge and skills as to whether you get good photographs. I was using an old Canon Rebel with kit lenses when I took the photos that I entered in 2016 and 2017. I had no training in post processing and just did what I considered to work to improve the photos. I hope that this very long reply gives you some insight and inspiration in pursuing your passion for photography.
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