SWNM Fair

This weekend was the Southwestern New Mexico State Fair, and I entered 10 of my pictures in the Photography Exhibit. I've never entered a contest before, and really, the main reason I did so this year was to hopefully get some feedback...I think it went really well, and I'm pretty pleased with the results, though I've learned what I want to do differently next year.

Since I didn't really know what I was up against, I entered the Adult division. Since then, I've learned that I could have probably done fine in the Advanced division instead, and I'll be required to do that next year--you can't enter the Adult division after receiving two blue ribbons in the Adult one.

Below are the pictures, their titles, and where they placed...I entered 10 photos, and came home with 8 ribbons...not bad, right??

"Boredom"

1st Place, People Category

"Sunshine in Strange Places"

1st Place, Other Category

"Busy Ballerina"

2nd Place, Special Effects

The Courthouse In November"

3rd Place, Other Category

"Just Married"

3rd Place, Still Life Category

"Narcolepsy"

Honorable Mention, People Category

"Happiness is Sunshine and a Swing"

Honorable Mention, People Category

"Burnt to a Crisp"

Honorable Mention, Other Category

"Oblivious"

"The View From On Top"

I don't think I'll enter so many next year (ten is the limit) because in a way, I think I was competing against myself. There were only six categories, and really, my ten photos were split up between only three of them, so...I think I'll be more selective next year. For now, though, I'm going to seek out a couple other opportunities to submit to contests throughout the next year or so...again, just seeking feedback, and trying to figure out where I fit in with other photographers.

Thanks again to anyone who gave input on entry suggestions!

A Few Disney Details

We took our family to Disneyland a couple months ago. These are a few of the non-child photos I took that I didn't focus on when I posted on our family blog. Each has something I love about it--angle, lighting, composition, etc...

Like this one, for instance. I love that it was taken in the near dark, and that the 'sun's' eyes glow so brightly. Plus, I always like to think of the sun as smiling...I guess because it makes me smile.

It probably bugs some people, but I'm really into off-center and tilted shots these days. I just think when you look at something from a different angle, all the sudden there are some really cool elements in shot.

The combination of the neon lighting and the rushing water of this fountain made it a really cool feature at our hotel.

I only WISH I had a waterproof camera. This was taken on a ride, shooting through the porthole. Something about the aqua-green water is really appealing to me...

Nothing by a lamppost, but I loved the interesting shape it made when I was sitting under it.

What is it about an arched doorway that just beacons for a photograph? The weathered doors and iron, combined with the stone pillars just scream old world (even though it was at Disneyland...I mean, how old could it really be?) It made me crave an overseas vacation--walking down cobblestone roads, bells tolling in the distance...