For years I’ve been looking at my friends’ (Sandy and Ken) ribbons attached to their photographs. They participate in the Motherload Fair, Sonora, photo competition. It’s a small fair and I asked them to let me know when the next one was happening. That was about 2 years ago. A pandemic interfered. But this year they suddenly decided that with California opening up, the fair would happen.

So I entered seven pictures in various categories. The entry fee was $1 per picture. I did say it was a small fair!

Sandy and Ken print and mat their own images and I drove down for a lesson in printing and matting. I did learn a great deal. First, matting is no easy task. I did one mat and Sandy did the rest. I’ve decided that in the future, I would print out a standard size and buy a standard mat! I don’t have Sandy’s math abilities or patience! I also bought a printer just like hers. Richard has already printed out one of his astrophotography pictures. So that’s the education.

When Ken brought in our entries, he was amazed at the lack of pictures. The Fair staff said that there wasn’t a lot entered this year. Now for the competition. Of the seven, I had four first place images with one of them being best of division, one second place image and two honorable mentions. Sandy took best in show and others. Ken’s won many ribbons also.

Here are my first place images:

Since this was my first time to this fair, I brought my camera. Well, I always bring my camera! Here are some captures that are captioned.

  • This clown had no problem getting in front of my lens!
  • The fairway to the rides and animals.
  • In the exhibit hall, this amazing quilt!
  • Fair food. We had tri-tip sandwiches.
  • The merry-go-round.
  • This was the first day and not crowded.
  • Bathing the cows.
  • They don’t seem to mind.
  • Do pigs always sleep?
  • I’ve never seen a chicken like this one!
  • A sweet goat.
  • Another variety.
  • The Ferris Wheel.
  • This band was a Creedence Clearwater tribute band.
  • They played well and had people dancing.
  • Even a mom and son.
  • Under the purple evening lights.
  • Nighttime camera zooming.
  • These were hand held.
  • No tripod.

Sandy and Ken are already talking about next year. Will I enter?

Finally, here’s Sandy’s Best in Show image. It’s hard to see because of all the ribbons!!

I’m sure I have more to learn. Maybe next year!

14 thoughts on “Competition and education: The Motherload Fair”

  3. Looks like a fun event! Congratulations on all your awards. I love your photos, especially the egret and the waterlily 🙂 And that horses quilt looks absolutely stunning!!

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  5. Congrats! Well done and looks like great fun. Lovely photos you entered. I used to do all or my mats but now use Redimat out of Santa Rosa, CA. Good luck for 2022! Best, Babsje

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