Clearly, Out of Focus

Photography deals exquisitely with appearances,
but nothing is what it appears to be.
~Duane Michals~

I am extremely honored to announce that Wonder Collides was an
Award Winner in this years Appalachian Mountain Photography Competition!
I probably don't really have to admit that I was plum tickled to find out the wonderful news, but I WAS :)

This year, we really enjoyed the photographer's reception, and spent much of our time schmoozing with other attendees. Last year, I didn't talk to anyone, really. It just goes to show how much has changed during this time. I definitely felt a whole lot more confident this go round. And maybe having been through it last year lessened any anxiety I would have experienced. I'm sure that it was a combination of many things. Either way, we had a great time, and I am truly grateful to have had the opportunity to participate.

After the reception, we headed over to the Banff Mountain Film Festival since they awarded free tickets to all photographers in the competition. I really like that these events coincide with one another. We saw some really great films. Lucky for me, I didn't have an emotional breakdown like last year! However, they did have some very touching and awe-inspiring movies, but none that made me cry like a baby.

I'll let you in on a little secret:
I knew I was going to win all along :o)

Hope you all had a terrific weekend!

Big, big NEWS!

We've spotted so many deer along the parkway, but this was nothing like the other sightings. For this was more than just a mere glimpse. We stopped at an overlook loop off the parkway that we had hiked through the night before. As we pulled into the parking area Cody spotted a fawn, I hung out of the window trying to get a shot, but we realized that we had to get closer. I got out of the vehicle and slowly crept up to the edge of the field. At first he ran off, and as I walked closer, he darted out from behind a bush less than 7 feet away from me. Taking refuge yet again behind the brush we could only see its tail pointing straight up in the air; it could still sense our presence. Cody was flanking the left, and I patiently waited for him to coax the deer out of the wooded area. Once it was confirmed that I was ready Cody made a rustling sound behind the little guy and he ended up in the clearing which was exactly where I was hoping he would go. It was truly exciting & I don't think I'll ever forget how cute that fawn was. It was definitely the highlight of my weekend!

This photo was taken July 1st 2007.

I've got some news to share with you.
The only reason I haven't shared before now is because I am terribly superstitious and I didn't want to jinx it. Here's the story: Some time back in September I entered a handful of photos in the NC Wildlife Magazine's Photography Contest. After I entered them, I put the competition out of mind. Then in October they contacted me.

Unlike the 860 submissions received in the Appalachian Mountain Photography Competition that I was a part of, this contest received a whooping 6,400 entries! I am deeply honored to have had one if my photos selected. Speaking of selections, where did the bambi photo place?! Well, that's something I just found out recently....have a look.
All winning photographs will be published in the NC Wildlife Magazine (which will be a first for me) and exhibited at the NC Museum of Natural Sciences in Raleigh. Also, second place winners will receive a cash prize of $75. However, I'm more excited about the prospect of one of my photos being published in the magazine. Although, seeing one of your captures hanging in a gallery is just as rewarding. Even if it's a pain in the rear to get them there, however, with this competition I won't have to worry about the framing part. What a relief!?

* * * * * * * *Down on my Knees* * * * * * * *

This is a portion of what the registration page looks like to vote for my TWO photos as candidates for the "People's Choice Award". Click on the screen shot to be taken to the registration page. It takes less than 1 min - seriously I timed it!! They ask your name, & email address.......do not check the boxes if you do not wish to receive further information from them, which I suspect you don't.

Once there, finding my photos is not that hard, look for one in the BRP Vistas section - the photo is entitled "GLEE GLOOM" as you may remember, and the second one is in the Environment section - entitled "F A N T A S I A". However, there is an extra spot for voting, although I'm selfish and I am not going to vote against myself, but feel free to do so.........I'll just be glad that you voted!!

Voting has been up since Friday, but I found out yesterday when I went to register that FANTASIA was missing from the pool of photos. After several support tickets the people finally got it fixed..........

Anyways, I would really truly deeply appreciate your support in this matter, if you have any questions please feel free to email me or leave a comment here.

Here is a link to the photos: BIG NEWS


Haha, I know I sound desperate, but isn't this what social networking is all about?!?!?!

Big News

It was nearly 9pm (friday) and I had already resigned to the fact that my photos weren't a good fit for their competition.........thankfully, I was wrong........I looked over and realized that I had an email..........I couldn't even get past the first sentence..........Cody had to read the email for me.....I could barely contain my excitement........I squealed......then cried........squealed some more......then cried again........it was a viciously beautiful cycle! Saturday, Cody and I went to the Turchin Center where the exhibition will take place to scope it out...... I still don't know what to think of all this.......I suppose that soon enough I'll wrap my head around it!

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Click screen shot to read letters.......

"GLEE GLOOM"

*Taken on April 22, 2006*


"F A N T A S I A"

*I went to Staples to have the prints made, and they looked horrible.........I've got to find somewhere else to go where the quality will be better.......

News to me................

Hi Jessica, I am delighted to let you know that your submitted photo which was shortlisted has been selected for inclusion in the newly released fourth edition of our Schmap Las Vegas Guide: Top of the World Restaurant www.schmap.com/lasvegas/toppicks_restaurants/p=33242/i=33242_1.jpg Thanks so much for letting us include your photo - please enjoy the guide! Best regards, Emma Williams, Managing Editor, Schmap Guides

*Our dinner at the Top of the World Restaurant in Las Vegas was most memorable, read more about that evening here at: Wayfaring.Wanderer: Thursday Evening in Las Vegas

News to me................

I just recently found out that I was selected as the Featured Stream of the Week with one of my Flickr Groups. I truly appreciate the recognition and am thrilled that I was thought of enough to be nominated for such, thank you so much for the positive feedback!
Check out my Flickr Photostream here.