Last night, I returned from the annual conference of the Professional Photographers of Mississippi and Alabama in Mobile.  Not only is it a learning and networking experience, I also participated in print competition... a scary endeavor where a panel of seasoned and trained judges grade your prints on everything - composition, color harmony, impact and storytelling to name a few....  Thick skin is a must!  Every photographer strives to have their prints in the "Merit" category... this alone is an accomplishment!  Four of my prints received a merit- AND 2 of those received the "distinguished print" award (runner up to the 1st place award) And I must say- congratulations to my friend Cindy Hornsby (who took 1st place in both the categories that I received distinguished!)

One thing that makes me proud, is that all of my images were shot for real clients.  Some photographers shoot specifically for print competition.  (I really wish that I had the time to do that too!  .... someday I will! )  A special thank you to all who were amazing subjects for these awarding winning prints....

"Daddy's Wing Man"
Distinguished Print - Portrait of a child
Received a merit and also scored in the "Exceptional Category"
We debated forever on what to call this one!  Reene- you are the queen of print names... many thanks- the judges commented a couple times about how well the print matched the name.



"Red" (This is my beautiful Niece, Emily!)
Distinguished Print for Character Study Category



"Mary Go Round"
Merited Print
(Her name is not really Mary- but "Ashlyn Go Round" just didn't have the same effect!).  Print names are very important... it's usually up to the last minute deciding.  Jamie named this one!




"Waiting For You"
Merited Print
And... (do you remember the Claire print from last time that did not merit?  It's in this blog entry.) Well, I feel vindicated!  Claire- we got our award winning image this time... she is such a soulful 3 year old!  Many thanks to my good friend, Goode, who named this one.