Update on recent entries into fair and other news

[Buddy4344]

Well, the great Allentown Fair is over. A few weeks back, I gave you guys a sneak peak of the B&W I planned to enter of snow geese. In addition, I entered a color landscape. I had planned to use a farm scene they you guys haven't seen yet, but your feedback on my totem shot in Monument Valley shifted me to entering that shot. My son also entered two shots - a B&W of wildlife and a color of wildlife, both from our joint trip to Botswana.

I am proud to let you guys know that Justin, my son, took first in B&W wildlife and I took home a first in B&W birds and a second in my color landscape. It was a good experience with a mix of great to fair competition. One thing I learned (should have been obvous), color landscapes was the category with the most entries, so toughest competition. I like to go up against the best, but still an interesting observation.

Meanwhile, Entering forced me to mat and frame some of my work - which I should have done anyway.

In other news, the Lehigh Valley Zoo (Trexler Game Preserve) is having a fund raiser next weekend. They requested a donation of two of my prints. One of these has won at Byte in the past (Buffalo in early snow). The other was the first time I processed and printed it (also a buffalo shot). The prints are 12x18 and framed out at 18x24. I signed and numbered each. I was quite pleased with my print result. They plan to start bidding at $250 each. I was told thay would like to start higher, but want to make sure they get bidding action. I am looking forward to seeing what they end up going for. No real revenue to me, but at least I get a tax deduction

Maybe more importantly, the Zoo Board has agreed to let me take small groups of photogrpahers into the park (with a keeper) before sunrise to get some behind the scene shots. While eager to do this, I will probably wait until the leaves begin to change (our Zoo/game resereve is on several thousand acres and some gorgeous creeks and streams and several types of animals roam free - you have seen some of the elk and bison shots from there.)

[SMcEvoy]

Way to go Buddy - to both you and your son. I have my first piece (wagon wheel with bleeding hearts) appearing in a silent auction this weekend for a Breast Cancer fundraiser. It's a very nice feeling when something we do for fun and enjoyment can help others. I did a county fair last year and came back with eight ribbons ranging from 1st to 3rd depending on the category. It was such a warm fuzzy feeling to be recognized.

That must be a real thrill for you leading other photographers too. I'd sign up like a shot if I was in the area! Really well done! What a great idea. Unfortunately our zoo isn't so generously laid out with space - too much in the way of enclosures still around to get any really good shots - except for the mountain goats.

Congrats again!

[Rrdjserv]

Buddy-

That is quite an honor; not only winning a competition, but being asked to donate for a charitable cause. I have sold a few photos, framed, for $35.00. There is not much of a demand in a two horse town named Bumpass! Congrats on a super accomplishment. Keep up the great work.

--Rick

[shootem]

Congrats to you and your son Buddy! He must be excited!

On the zoo front, that could be a really great opportunity for you! And they are lucky to get your work for their auction. Maybe they will let you sell some in their gift shop if they sell well at the auction?

Bravo!

Carolyn