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”. …

Countdown to IPC 2016; What’s in *YOUR* Case?

  ***NOT SAFE for IPC 2016 JUDGES!!!!*** ***I repeat, if you are an IPC 2016 Juror, you need to turn back now!!!*** Well, howdy there! How have you been? If your life is anything like mine – you’ve been so busy you haven’t been able to take a breath. Or get your IPC entries done. …

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 …

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 …

IPC 2015: What’s In Your Case?

Because, yes, I certainly needed to waste even more time just days before the deadline by writing a blog post… What’s in your case? Some of you have your cases entered and shipped. Some of you don’t. Some of you are looking at the calendar and counting backwards from Thursday night at midnight.And being a …

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 …

Self-Portraits in Competition: Amy Feick’s “Held by Demons” & “Almost Broken”

Second in the self-portrait series is artist Amy Feick from Port Huron, Michigan. Amy is a Master Photographer, Certified Professional Photographer and operates Twin Shutterbug Studios. Amy shared her images with me during her post-processing workflow and I must say how intrigued I am by the influence that songs and lyrics have within her work. …

Enter PPA’s Southeast District for Score/Critique Only!

Yes, it’s true! The PPA rules allows its members to enter any other PPA district competition for SCORE ONLY. You may also order the optional critiques. You WILL NOT earn seals and you ARE NOT eligible for district awards. If you’re like me and like to see official proof, please go HERE to see it …

From IUSA Mentor Booth Appointment to Loan Book – The Journey of an Image

  2013 was my first trip to IUSA. It was an important event in my photographic career, I was receiving my Master’s Degree, so I was going to make this trip the absolute best it could be. I volunteered to help set up the print exhibit and work the ASP booth, and I attended several …

IPC 2013: The Journey of an Image – from Inspiration to Loan Collection

Last summer I shot a session that’s been 11 years in the planning. Let me back up. I took this photo in April 2001. Mr. Wootness and I were on the trip of a lifetime to Ireland. We were warmly ensconced within the tea room at Aillwee Caves in County Clare. This was our first …