3rd Place in AZ PPA State Print Competition!!!

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

05/19/2009 12:38:13 AM · #1

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!!!

Prof_Fate

05/19/2009 08:34:10 AM · #2

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!

citymars

Nikon D700

05/19/2009 08:57:13 AM · #3

Congrats, Andrew -- good job!

05/19/2009 10:41:32 AM · #4

Thank you! (bump)

Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS

05/19/2009 05:42:24 PM · #5

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!

kirbic

Canon EOS R5

05/19/2009 05:57:58 PM · #6

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.

Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120 f/4 S

05/19/2009 06:13:43 PM · #7

thanks

kirbic, I was hoping I wasn't the only one who thought so.

bassbone

Nikon Z8

05/19/2009 07:56:36 PM · #8

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.

njsabs

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

05/19/2009 10:38:31 PM · #9

WOW....congrats. It must feel really good. A wonderful accomplishment.