Writer, Photographer,

One of my goals for the year is to gain some exposure by putting my work into galleries, boutiques, and contests. Contests seem like an easy way to have a little fun judging my own work, even if it always is a long shot to win anything. I feel like it’s good practice at being objective and finding ways to improve.

That said, today I entered the Costco “Give Us Your Best Shot” contest with this photo:

What I Like About this Photo:

I took this photo on San Dimas Ave. right below Foothill. From a technical standpoint, I like the double “rule of thirds” thing going on from top to bottom, and side to side. I feel like the tilt gives it a little more interest and saves it from looking so textbook with the frame divisions. From an artistic standpoint, I like how old this looks. The shot has been HDR’d so the shoes look as grungy as possible, with the only crisp, tidy element being the Converse logo. I like texture in my shots, and I like an overall organized feel.

What I Like About the Contest:

At first I was a bit wary about entering this contest. I read the rules and some posting by other photographers, and it sounds like a major objection to this contest is that once you submit your work, Costco owns the rights–even if you didn’t win! That seems pretty unfair, but for this year they’ve amended the rules so that the photographer keeps their rights. The theme “Give Us Your Best Shot” seemed nebulous, but in looking at past winning photos it seems like you just send them something you like. It does seem like they prefer non-abstract subjects. The prizes are pretty hefty, and they have several to hand out. It’s a long shot, but how fun would that be to win something?!

Well, the name of the game these days seems to be “life transitions.” I’m doing my best to keep up! I’ve been doing SO MUCH shooting, and I feel like the missing link now is to get my photos out there into contests, onto gallery walls, and into loving homes. Little by little, I’ve been matting and framing selected prints for intended placement into a few galleries and shops that have caught my eye. Another plan in the works is to purchase and equip a SERIOUS machine…most likely a huge iMac. Stay tuned for that, and find out what happens when I finally attempt to learn Photoshop! I’m excited.

The other exciting news of the moment is that last month a photo of mine was chosen for a show in Brea at The Birch Street Gallery. Finding out I was in a real show was one of the happiest moments of untainted joy I have experienced in my life. Walking into the gallery to see my work on the wall…that feeling of purpose and encouragement is something nobody can take away from me, and it was something I desperately needed. My parents and little brother even came out for the weekend to see it, and a bunch of wonderful friends of mine made it, as well! The show is running most of this month too, until the 21st. Info here (the show is called “Click”): http://www.thebirchstgallery.com/

Here’s the photo that’s in the show, printed 20 x 30 on canvas:

And just to show you a preview of what I’ve been shooting lately, here are a few from my quick trip to Big Bear this past weekend.