Hello, fellow photography enthusiasts and friends! I am thrilled to share some exciting news with you all. Recently, I had the incredible honor of winning not one but two 2nd place awards in a prestigious image competition. What's even more exhilarating is that I also secured a spot in the Top 10 among a talented pool of photographers. This journey has been nothing short of exhilarating, and I'm excited to take you behind the lens and share my experience.
The Competition
The event that has left me feeling both proud and humbled is none other than the Annual Photography Image Competition, hosted by the Professional Photographers of the Ozarks. This is a four-state regional Professional Photography organization. As a professional photographer based in Smithville, MO, I knew I was competing against some of the best in the region. The competition included categories spanning from landscapes and portraits to abstract and wildlife photography. It was a true showcase of artistry in photography.
The Preparation
Preparation for this competition was no small feat. I spent months meticulously curating a selection of my best work, poring over thousands of images to choose the ones that truly spoke to my heart and represented the essence of my photographic journey. This process made me reflect on my growth as an artist, the countless hours spent honing my skills, and the passion that has been my driving force.
The Winning Shots
The first of my award-winning images was titled "Before the Storm." This photograph captured the front edge of a thunderstorm over a lake in Wisconsin, where we were hiking. It was a freak, popup storm; there had been no rain or any storms in the forecast, so it was a spur-of-the-moment capture.
The second image, "Teach Your Children Well," was an image I photographed specifically for the competition a couple of years ago. It tells the story of my friend Harold, a 99-year-old (at that time) WWII fighter pilot, teaching his great-gradson Karter about the American flag and what it stands for. It's an emotional piece of their hands lying one on top of the other, on top of a flag.
The Moments of Doubt
While I was hopeful about my entries, the moment of waiting for the results was filled with nervous anticipation. The competition was fierce, and the talent was undeniable. There were moments when I doubted my choices and wondered if my work could stand out in such a crowd. But as any artist knows, self-doubt is just a part of the creative process.
The Announcement
The evening the results were announced was a rollercoaster of emotions. I knew these images had merited (meaning they scored 80 or above), but hearing my name called out not once, but twice, for the 2nd place awards was a moment I will treasure forever. It was a validation of the countless hours I've invested in my craft, the patience to wait for the perfect shot, and the unwavering passion that drives me as a photographer.
The Top 10
Making it to the Top 10 was the icing on the cake. It was an acknowledgment that my work had not only touched the hearts of the judges but had also resonated with the larger photography community. Being in the company of SO MANY talented artists was a truly humbling experience, and it motivates me to continue pushing the boundaries of my creativity.
Conclusion
As I reflect on this incredible journey, I'm reminded of the power of photography to capture moments, evoke emotions, and transcend boundaries. Winning two 2nd place awards and securing a spot in the Top 10 was an achievement that I'll forever cherish. It has further fueled my passion for photography and has inspired me to continue pushing myself as an artist.
I want to express my gratitude to all those who have supported me on this journey, from family, friends and clients who usually become friends, to fellow photographers and mentors. Your encouragement and belief in my work have been my driving force.
To all aspiring photographers out there, I hope my story serves as a reminder that with dedication, patience, and a love for the art, you can achieve your dreams. Keep clicking, keep experimenting, and most importantly, keep telling your unique visual stories to the world.
Thank you for sharing in this exciting chapter of my photography journey, and I can't wait to see where the next one takes me.
Until next time, through the lens and into the world.
Molly
Smithville, MO
0 Comments