IPC2017 – Competition as Trauma Therapy

Trigger warning: This post contains photographs that some may find disturbing For the last year and a half I’ve removed myself to the fringes of the photographic & print competition communities. Over time, my voice has gone quiet in a number of ways. I stepped down from most of my volunteer roles. I stopped teaching, …

Be more brave – Photographic competition and personal work

It’s been awhile. You and I. It’s almost like we’re having an affair, with how little we meet these days. I can give you all kinds of blah blah, but the honest truth is that I’ve been afraid. I’ve come to recognize that my hands are an extension of my heart when they’re poised over …

So, I applied to be a PPA Juror…

I had a couple of goals on my list for 2015 and there were a number of them that I didn’t hit. One of  them was to complete my minimum requirements to become a PPA affilated juror. Which I did. But having those requirements considered adequate was another story. To bring you up to speed, …

IUSA 2016: Please put the ceremonies on your schedule

*of note; go ahead and take this article with a huge grain of salt, if you wish. I am being honored several times myself and have a vested interest in the topic. However, since personal experience is the basis for most of what I write, it is what it is. Something that I’ve noticed about …

Yo, 2016… let’s chat

  So, 2016… you seem all excited, all fresh and shiny brand new… but before you start blasting around with all your glitter and cheer and noise, let’s get something straight…here’s the thing – your predecessor, 2015, kinda sucked a little bit. But… in the interest of fresh starts and all that jazz, I won’t …

5 rules for event attendees with cameras

Over the years that I’ve been a photographer, I’ve covered a large number of events; from stage shows, to pageants, to weddings, to award banquets. And across them all, there’s some fairly similar issues that plague the hired photographer. Because these events are generally attended by the general public, from guests to ticket-holders, the chance …

See the Difference: From MWAC to M.Photog.

*MWAC = Mom with a camera, M. Photog. = Master Photographer I am impressed by befores and afters. If someone is trying to convince me of the results and effectiveness of their methods or system, I want proof. Just like the diet and exercise infomercials, it’s all just blah blah blah until I see the …

IPC 2015: Diamond – The Goal I Didn’t Reach

So. here we are. Are we going to do that awkward dance around the subject? Nah. Earlier this year, I made it public that my personal goal for IPC was to “go Diamond.” Original article HERE. That did not happen. Now, I’m not going to beat myself up about it, I came pretty close, with …

IPC2015: “And… Scene!” | The Aftermath

  #IPC2015 Wow. THE event of the year for some of us. If that  confuses you, go away and come back tomorrow, I’ve got some competition addicts to chat with today. So. How are you all feeling? I’m feeling a little bit weird. As usual. I’m reminded of a time from my past. For a …

IPC 2015 | the waiting begins…

Not too long ago I registered my entries for IPC 2015 and pushed that final little button that sent them on to the netherland of waiting until August 3. Two are physical prints, so they still  need labeled and shipped off. Two are digital entries and are currently in server-land some where. And I, am …