BRONZE in Bird Photographer of the year 2022! AND in the coffee table book!
Contests are a fun challenge, of course alot more fun when your hard work is acknowledged (yes it is true)....Why do I participate? A few reasons... The entry fees ultimately go to support conservation and wildlife organizations, and that is really the best reason. There is a personal reason as well. For me it is to challenge myself to always strive to do something unique with my images. To participate though really bares your soul! Your inner voice may say "WHY are you putting your art and and your creation out to be JUDGED! Oh God! Why would anyone do that???" Well, having to somewhat detach from your image and realize that what is your favorite or your "taste" is not someone else's is so true in photo contests... so when you don't place in the top group... don't despair.... keep trying.. but most of all open yourself to learn about why it wasn't a contender this time... get opinions... which are usually technical ones on editing, composition, camera settings. Photography and indeed all art is a lifelong pursuit toward excellence... Keep striving. Not everyone likes a competition...I admit that I do, but I like to frame it as competing with myself...making myself better, my art and craft the best it can be, until I can make it even better than... And there you have it!
Until next time! Be Well and Play Offleash!