There’s some crap going on out there that disappoints me, greatly. Through my involvement in print competition I’ve met many photographers whose work I admire, highly. And for along time, I admired them highly, too. But over the years, I’ve observed some behaviors and heard some words from those I admire that didn’t reflect very well on them.
When a photographer is honored, with either an excellent score, a ribbon or an award, they’ve earned it. Under the rules in effect and the discernment of the judges, it is rightfully theirs. Let them cherish it and be proud of it, just as you would.
This isn’t the time to mutter comments about “luck” or “paid re-touchers.” It’s not the time to insult the intelligence of the jurors. It’s not the time to accept your 2nd or 3rd place trophy with anything less than a smile.
Image Competition helps raise the bar in photography and you should be proud that your peers and colleagues are part of that process.
There’s a few photographers out there with chips on their shoulders, a few that don’t deal well with some of their local competition and a few that just can’t handle not winning all of the time.
Stop it, just stop it now. Deal with whatever your own personal angst is, but don’t vent it against your fellow competitors.
I recently learned that a competitor I know received an anonymous email from someone trying to undermine the joy and importance of an award that the competitor received.
Seriously? This is what we’ve become? A bunch of 6th graders pushing each other around on the playground and slipping unsigned notes through locker vents?
I’m ashamed. And angry. One sour grapes-filled photographer made all the rest of us look bad.
I apologized to the competitor and I can only hope that this incident doesn’t prevent further competition participation.
Cut the spoiled-rotten crap out. We’re supposed to be grown-ups. Professional ones. Act like it.
Well said! Totally agree with you.