Entering Juried Photo Competitions

Competitions, shows, exhibits, whatever you call them -- entering can be fun. It does require a bit of thought. Tomorrow is the postmark deadline for Nature Undisturbed.

When I shoot something that I feel is good competition material -- I put a copy of that photo file in a special folder. Really I have a folder named "submissions" and in that folder each competition gets another separate folder. Competitions can be very different -- animals are great for some for others a landscape is what you need. Currently I have a photo in a show dedicated to still life.  

The show prospectus is filled with important information.  This tells you what the show is about -- the topic. Remember that no matter the topic and info on the show -- the final decision rests with the juror and their interpretation of the show.  The prospectus will also tell you how to enter.  Is it all online, do you burn a CD, how to pay -- and the most important -- how to size your submissions.

Since I am finished with the 365 I have time to go back and look through the many many many many (did I say many) photos I took last year.  There are some great photos in there perfect for shows.  Recently I sent in photos to the Southeastern Horticultural Society for their photography competition.  Their show is more than flowers.  And frankly, I try to stay away from a lot of floral work since it can become so redundant.  This show also offers categories besides flowers -- but hey -- it is the Flower Show -- so were do you think the focus is?  Anyway -- last night I was poking through shots from last May.  I wish I had prior to submitting to the Flower Show -- but I did not.  So I shuffled this shot to my "submissions-flower show-2012" folder.

By the time for submissions for this show -- I may or may not use this photo.  My advantage is that I select photos months in advance as "maybes" giving myself plenty to choose from if I hear of something on short notice.

And speaking of short notice -- if you have not read my blog before or heard of Nature Undisturbed -- you still have one day to select some photos and get them in the mail to me.  

November Woods

Something else I was working on last fall/winter was a book.  I have a few friends who have produced a nice book using online self publishing websites.  One that I have seen consistent good books from is Blurb.  I sat down for a while and came up with what I believe is a nice little book, November Woods.

These are photos I like.  Looking at photos like these, woods, limbs, branches; remind me of walking through the woods with my grandfather.  Some of my most fond childhood memories are the times I spent walking with him.  He would point out to me tracks of the wildlife, types of trees, berries, nuts, and more. 

I am also working on a limited edition series of photos from this book. 

 

November Woods by Donna Rosser | Make Your Own Book

365 Project and Beyond

As I worked my way through the 365 Project last year it is hard to believe I would sit here today and tell you I miss taking a photo every day.  I suppose I don't miss it enough to do it all over -- but you know what I mean.  What was a bit hard in the beginning became a habit -- a nice habit to have.

So what to do now that the project is complete?  I am keeping the blog going but changed the name for it to the Photo of the Week.  Certainly I am taking plenty of photos during a week -- just not daily.  This will keep that blog active, but still give me plenty of time to post more here on this blog.  I have missed having the time for that.

Many people know that I am part of a local photography group.  This is something I highly suggest to anyone interested in photography.  It is wonderful to meet with others to get ideas and feedback.  Our group is a very casual one -- we don't have a lot of the structure other photo clubs have.  We do choose a monthly theme to shoot for and to show work for once a month.  

The club theme for the month of January is "distress."  Below is a photo -- not a great photo but interesting considering the theme.  The toad in the photo was definitely in distress.  I stood around shooting the snake and toad -- getting very close.  I did not worry since the snake already had a toad in its mouth.  Then I heard the "CLICK" -- the snake dropped the toad and was trying to get away from me.  

Editions

This past fall I dipped my toe in the limited edition market.  I had been in a photography rut -- not liking anything I was shooting.  One day in preparation for Nature Undisturbed I went to Sams Lake to shoot some photos to use in promo for the show.  The next afternoon I went to Line Creek Nature Area to do the same there.  The collection of photos from that weekend were wonderful and became my first limited edition series portfolios.  

These three photos are part of the Sams Lake series.  Both sets are at Dogwood Gallery and Framer.  Selected images from the series will be available in larger size and smaller edition size in the near future.

These images were taken early one Saturday morning.  Sams Lake Bird Sanctuary is near my home.  This is one of the properties in the site specific category for Nature Undisturbed.  The call for entries deadline is January 31, 2011.  Email me with any questions.  The entry process and all info on the show is found on the website.

Happy 2011

part of the Boxing Day series

During 2010 this blog was neglected somewhat.  I had many great topics, yet I was stretched so that I seldom posted here.  Well, 2010 is over; the 365 project is completed -- and I commit to be back to this blog!

Doing a 365 project was a very good thing.  Last year I went through times of great inspiration and times of feeling so burnout that I would stop doing anything public and just enjoy myself for myself.  It was a busy year -- lots of things happening and not much time left to just do whatever I wanted when I wanted.  To simplify I have made some choices.  At this moment I am no longer teaching photography for Clayton State University. It was a negative for me to not have information on classes until the last moment.  Planning ahead and having my ducks in a row, so to speak, makes me more productive.  

At present I have no classes scheduled, but plan to do something with Serenbe Photography Center again this year.  I really believe in the center -- it is a great place, nice people, and quite the resource!  Also, later this spring I would like to get a small group together at Dogwood Gallery for a class.  

Even though I have neglected the blog -- I have not neglected my photography.  Not only have I completed my 365, I have developed a few wonderful series of shots and packaged them in portfolio envelopes.  More about each one coming soon.  Two of these series are at Dogwood Gallery and Framer now.  They will all be limited editions and sold as the set.

The new year has started out well for me.  At the end of a year I always wonder what will happen the next year -- what shows -- what exhibits -- will I have work out there?  During January and February 2011 I have work in four exhibits; two each month.  Friday, January 7 is the opening reception for the 25th Anniversary celebration of art at Arts Clayton Gallery.  This show presents past and present winners from juried competitions at the gallery.  Also in January I have a piece in The Arrangement, a juried exhibit at Vermont Photo Space Gallery.  In February I have two photos in Puppy Love at A Novel Experience in Zebulon, Georgia.  Puppy Love is a must for the dog lover and it benefits the local animal group.  The other show event I have in February is again at Arts Clayton Gallery -- but it is not photography.  I have a painting in the annual juried art show and competition.

Also the call for entries for Nature Undisturbed 2011 is going on right now.  If you are interested or know anyone who may be interested -- please check out the website for all information on the entry process.  We have another great juror this year and are planning the reception and panel discussion.  

So happy 2011 -- let's hit the ground running this year and make it a great one!