So when they built the new buildings on Tempe Town Lake I really wanted to take a good picture of them because they look really modern. My first attempt was in the evening and I thought the image came out OK. I entered it in a Challenge here and it did not do very well...
I was a bit disappointed because I wanted to have a really pleasing piece and OK was not enough. I decided to try HDR instead, and this time I went early in the morning. (Ironman happened to be going on at the lake that morning to my surprise, but thats another story for another thread) I only had about half an hour before the lake would be full of swimmers so I ran from my car to a spot I liked and shot away. After my first attempt at post processing I was still a bit disappointed with the results, although I loved the lighting on the water and building, and the composition....
I really wanted to use this shot, so I went back at it in Photomatix and spent a long time with the sliders, brought it into photoshop and ended up with what I thought was a great shot. I entered it into an 8 by 10 print critique at the local PPA (which I joined thanks to the brilliant advice of some DPCers), where it earned a merit and the only thing the judges said was, "Beautiful!". With that advice I printed a 16 by 20 competition print and entered it into the AZ PPA state competition at our State convention this weekend. It earned 3rd place in the Commercial category and was awarded a merit as well. When they revealed it I nearly fainted! Here is what the final print looked like...
I was also awarded 2 other merits for versions of my 2 top rated pictures on this website!
So thank you very much everyone here, this is such a great site for anyone who has a passion for photography! I used your advice to earn those merits! Also on a side note, this is the first week since deciding to go into business for my self that I have a shoot or consultation with a newly engaged couple every day of the week! Thank you everyone here, thank you!!!
Congratulations!
I've assisted at PPA print competitions as an educational excersize and it sure was! I've not entered anything. I figure if I can see the deficiencies I know the judges will. I really need to buck up and give it a go I suppose!
So kudos to you for entering, and even more for doing well and at the state level too!
WOW! This is kind of disappointing, I feel this story is a true testament to the quality of information DPC has to offer and the generosity of the individuals here. I spent almost a year slowly perfecting an image using advice from here. I just thought that there would be more of a reaction. Thanks again Prof_Fate and citymars!
Congrats Andy! I agree that, especially with the thread title, it's a little disappointing that more have not responded. I really like the way the image turned out, but even more, I like that you kept at it until you had something that realized your vision.
Andy - A big congrats on this. Great news and an example that taking really high quality photos is a lot of work. The finished product is really well done and I am sure the full scale print is outstanding.
There are the types of stories I like to hear...and it is why I keep at it here on DPC.
