I was on overwhelm. I had bought my first DSLR, a Nikon D3100 in late 2012. Digital photography was slightly out of my technical expertise. Like what was ISO? Nikon wrote a pretty good manual, but assumed that the reader understood the terminology.
So, I looked for help, and I went to visit my friend Sandy, in Sonora, who’d been shooting for years. We had a great couple of days. Mostly, she showed me how to relax with the camera and gave me composition tips.
Since then, my expertise level has increased, mostly because of doing the 365 (taking a picture each day of the year) and joining the Sierra Camera Club in Sacramento which offers juried competitions twice a month. I’m not there to win; I’m there to learn. But, I always wondered if I should enter into a more broad type of competition.
I watched Sandy winning or placing at small county fair compeitions and asked her to let me know about one when it came along. The California State Fair, right here in Sacramento, seemed daunting to me. Could I really compete with the wonderful photographers in this region?
Sandy did let me know of the INFOCUS Photography Competition & Exhibition in Columbia, California. I knew if I didn’t enter this one, I would never enter one. I submitted five photos and two made it into the finals. So why am I anxiety ridden? It’s the printing, matting and framing that has me in a tizzy. The wonderful owner at Image Pros Photo, in Orangevale, helped me understand that I couldn’t make the images larger. I would lose some of the picture. Since these were macro and closeup photos, I kept them small. She also worked with me on the lighting in the picture.
So, here I am, ready to frame and bring the pictures down to Columbia for judging and exhibition on March 9. Still on overwhelm!
Here are my entries that made it into the finals. Wish me luck!
Slow Shutter Speed 
Happy to help point out the little mantis! Good luck.
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Thanks Marlene. I kinda feel like it’s our picture!
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Wow! How exciting, Anne! I’m so proud and excited for you! Good luck…….
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Thanks Donna! I’m learning about monitor calibration now. When I got my prints home I saw that my computer showed them lighter than the labs monitor. Getting some help from a photo buddy tomorrow.
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That’s great! I haven’t calibrated my monitor, but know I should…. 😉
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I always believed in your talent Anne. You are great !
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Thanks Jean. I’ve got the watercolors and mats!
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Congratulations, Anne!!!! I’m so happy to read this post and, of course, for you!!! I wish you all the luck for the judging and exhibition!! Both are great photos!
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Thanks Mercedes. They are both printed much larger with the help of a photo buddy. Still nervous but calmer!
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Wishing you the very best on March 9th…..your entries are stunning. Elaine is 3 1/2 weeks into recuperating from knee replacement surgery….no fun! Love, Lynn
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Thanks Lynn. Positive thoughts are always welcome and needed. Another replacement surgery for Elaine! Please give her my love. I hope she continue to recuperate, and you both are back to your normal life. Take care.
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