AWARD WINNING PHOTOGRAPHS

FLAG OF HEROES

The first piece I ever sold was of the "Flag of Heroes" which honored the first responders that perished during the 9/11 attacks in New York and Washington DC.

On the first anniversary of this tragedy we came upon a field east of Portland, Oregon. In it were hundreds of US flags that were all spaced out to replicate a memorial gravesite. On the flags were the names of every emergency services individual that, at that time, was confirmed to have died at either the World Trade Towers and Pentagon, while attempting to rescue those in peril.

I thought to myself that this really needed to be photographed. As usual, I had my camera with me, so out into the field I went in search of a way to capture the moment.

Fighting back the emotion that I felt, I began shooting. It so happened that on this day, the weather was not cooperating. At the time, it was raining heavily and the wind was all but non-existent, but that didn't stop me. I was determined.

We'd been there a while and I was not really happy with the pictures that I'd taken. We were soaked and in desperate need of shelter, so my husband and I headed for the car to leave. Nearing our vehicle, I turned around for one last shot and just as I did, a gust of wind blew across the field. The gust was strong enough to unfurl the closest flag to us. You can see in the photo that the flags behind this one were still water logged and drooping. Call it luck! Call it kismit! Call it destiny! But, I was able to come away with something I could never have imagined.

You can clearly make out the names of many of those who gave their life to help save others.

I am proud to say that I have sold many of these prints and a few are displayed in fire stations in the area. The original, 11 x 14 matted and framed sold for $500.

RED JAPANESE MAPLE

One of my favorite photographs was during a visit to the Japanese Gardens in Portland, Oregon. My husband and I were debating whether to visit the gardens that day. It was a warm autumn day with a forecast of rain and blustery winds in the not too distant future. I was in hopes of catching fall colors and my accommodating husband took me up to see what we might find. It was the perfect day to go. The deciduous trees and shrubbery were peaking.

Fall is my favorite time of the year. No other season presents itself so vibrantly as does the change. The contrasting colors of the foliage, the crispness in the air and the unpredictable weather changes all make for fantastic photo opportunities.

When I came upon this iconic tree, the colors were so astonishing that I must have taken a hundred pictures. This particular one was taken from a kneeling position underneath the canopy. I had this desire to capture the beautiful trunk structuring against the contrasting yellows, oranges and reds of the leaves.

This photo was meant to be. Let me explain... I was so pleased with the pictures I had taken that a return visit was warranted to see what else might catch my eye. As predicted, a very wet and windy storm had come and gone overnight. It was damp and wet in the gardens. They were still beautiful, however this tree had lost a vast majority of its leaves. In just one day it had gone from eye-popping to ho-hum.

Obviously, my trip the day before was meant to be.

I've sold many of these prints, ranging from as large as 36 x 48 on canvas to 16 x 20 on paper and 4 x 6 personal greeting cards. I won the PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARD for best representation and submission for the month of OCTOBER 2017 at the Keizer Art Association. It sold at the gallery for $225.

The People's Choice Award is given to the submission that receives the most votes for BEST IN SHOW from visitors to the gallery.

BARN IN SPLENDOR

Beauty is everywhere, especially when we aren't looking for it. Case in point, I was taking pictures of flowering rhododendrons at a friend's farm southeast of Salem when I came upon this old barn. It was May, the rhodies were in bloom along this trail I was following and this old oak tree just screamed to be noticed. Well, it was!

In talking to our friend, we learned that this old tree was destined to be removed in the coming years. "It is old and frail," I was told. "Its limbs are breaking off and the tree is suffering to support itself."

As all living things do, this old boy has lived out its usefulness. It has stood guard over the barn from the beginning of the barn's existence and welcomed the rhododendrens that hug the base and enjoy its friendship, as well as, the farmers and farm equipment that have made their way down the old path.

This was such a fortuitous photo-opportunity and one that has been nearly impossible to replicate.

Printed on 11 x 17 photo stock, I was awarded FIRST PLACE for best representation and submission in photography for the month of June 2018 at the Keizer Art Association

First Place was awarded by the judges on June 2, 2018.

HERON AT STAATS LAKE

My first entry into an art show competition was with the Keizer Art Association here in my home town. Curiosity drove me to enter the exhibition after visiting the gallery. The theme for this particular month's competition (July 2017) was "Water, Water, Everywhere."

In going through my multitudes of photos I remembered this one and entered it, thinking that not only did it capture the theme but represented the community. This lone Great Blue Heron was surrounded by its beloved environment.

 It also was perfect as Staats Lake is located in Keizer, not too far from the gallery. It is well known for both migratory and indigenous water fowl and a favorite place for walking.

The photo I submitted was 11 x 14, matted and framed. The result was winning the PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARD for JULY 2017. It is still available for $150.

The People's Choice Award is given to the submission that receives the most votes for BEST IN SHOW from visitors to the gallery.

BLACK IRIS

This was my submission to the local art show that commemorates the 2018 Iris Festival in Keizer. It is of a black iris and was taken at Schreiner's Iris Gardens not far away from where we live. The contest was themed "Celebration of Flowers." This particular entry won THIRD PLACE and was honored for several reasons but primarily because it fit the theme and highlighted the city's festival symbol.

I personally love it because of the contrast, the sharpness of the image (thanks to the use of a macro lens) and content. The flower almost seems three-dimensional in this shot.

The photo was printed on 8 x 10 metallic paper and matted in a frame. The metallic paper is unique in that it pops macro images in a way that almost makes them seem touchable. When printed on metallic paper, it looks like it was printed on metal.

This entry won Third Place in the May 2018 Keizer Art Association "Celebration of Flowers" photography contest.

OTHER ENTRY AWARDS