My IPC 2016 Challenge Entry: mandalas (a non-event album)

When I teach about photographic competition, I talk about utilizing it to challenge myself to learn a new skill, or improve upon a skill that I’m having trouble wrapping my head around. This year was no different. When I create a competition entry to specifically address a personal/skill weakness, I call it a “Challenge Entry”. …

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 …

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 …

Prepping for IUSA 2016

Are you ready? For some reason, it’s really crept up on me this year, how about you? I finally did the dreaded IUSA gown-shopping trip today and in the midst of all the dress-trying-on frenzy, I wound up getting excited. I don’t know what it is, but this year… maybe it’s because it’s so close …

Mentoring with Kelly – Session #1

A behind-the-scenes look at my online private mentoring… Today I had an appointment with a new mentee, Kelly, from Ohio and she was gracious enough to agree to let me blog about her mentoring progress. I thought it would be nice to use a real-life example of a student’s mentoring session – so mucho big …

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: My Images have Been Judged, Now What? [Part 1]

The morning of Day 3 of the 2015 International Photographic Competition (hereafter known as IPC2015 and sometimes #IPC2015) has dawned. Early morning birdies are bellowing songs of joy and abandon. Obviously they don’t have images being judged or they wouldn’t be so bloody happy… But anyways… Some of you are just as happy as those …

Thinking about IPC 2015…

Yet another IPC 2015 delaying tactic… my personal musings & Wootnessy thoughts… So, y’all are turning on the steam and getting it done. If you haven’t gotten your IPC entries finished, you’re in the middle of the end of it. Or maybe not. I’ve resigned myself to the impending, looming truth that I will be …

SEPPA 2015/IPC 2015: “The tribe has spoken” – the images that didn’t make the cut…

*****This post is SAFE for 2015 IPC/GIA Judges***** It is done. The whirlwind that is PPA District competition season is over. Thank. Goodness. SIDEBAR: In addition to entering two districts, I spoke and judged at the state conventions for Montana and West Virginia as well as worked the Ohio Convention/Northeast District Competition. *whew!* Obviously my …