As you may know, I’ve been working really hard on my photography this year. I started my Picture A Day project on Dec 31, 2007, and it’s been going strong every day since (given the name). I really have felt my photography lift up towards new heights. I love taking photographs and experimenting with lighting and technique. I’ve purchased a new lens, as well as a small pocket camera (that I can take anywhere with me), and I’ve loved using them. I feel connected and grounded with photography. Every week I get excited about something photographic.

Now, I’m not saying that every day I take an amazing picture. Nor am I saying that everyday I spend lots of time on photography. What I am saying is that on a weekly basis I feel something good come out of my photography. While everyday doesn’t produce a great photograph for me, everyday does lend to my knowledge, to my experience. And, the more experience I can get behind the lens, the better I will become. I read quite a lot about photographic technique, and I do my best to study other photographers (though this has mostly been limited to online studies). I’ve read and bought a couple of books and I feel knowledgeable. Basically, I feel really good about my photography, where I am currently, and my growth patterns.

I also joined up with the Bloomington Photography Club. A group that meets once monthly and discusses all things photography. For the past couple of years this group has put on a show at the SoFA Gallery here in Bloomington. Anyone in the club can submit up to four photographs to a competition to get to be in that show. The club has tons of members and it seems that merely everyone submits 4 photographs for this judging. After a little persuasion from a co-worker and fellow photographer, I decided to enter some photographs of mine. I entered four of my favorite photographs. I spent quite a sum of money getting them printed just right, matting them, and mounting them onto a piece of foam-core board (judging rules).

I am very happy to say (actually I effing ecstatic) that I’ve been accepted into the show!!!

Two of the four photographs that I entered where accepted by the judging panel. I’m really in a little bit of shock. This will be my first gallery show. I hope that you all dear readers will join me in celebration at the opening!

So, without further adieu, here are the two photographs that were accepted:

The Lazy Frog

Railroad Tracks