May I Have the Envelope, Please
Well, it's nearing decision time. I took all your suggested images, put them into a grid, and looked for commonly repeated image names across all the recommendations. Some that you put high on your lists, I had expected to see there; others surprised me. In the end, I'll have to chose just ONE.
A number of you suggested "it needs to say Virginia". I agree. A few found several images "too perfect" and I know what you mean. I just don't know if the judges will share this subjective valuation of "post card" compositions. Maybe that's just what they're looking for. And I think there needs to be some element of humanity or human activity in the image versus nature untainted. And so I suppose at this moment, I'm leaning toward agreeing with the most-often mentioned image from all your suggestions: Autumn Morning is at the top of my list.
It has good composition and fall color and depth. It suggests a story. It contains elements of human enterprise and presence in the barn, the road and the mailbox. And it is archtypical Virginia country. But I'd put TWO WALKERS as a close second. The lighting is striking, it puts people in the commonwealth, and there is some action to it; however, portrait orientation may cause some problems, depending on how the judges will be viewing these images.
Later this morning, I'm going to have five images among the image-finalists available to you for download in a "slide show" format. You can send responses on this final batch of you want, but I can't ask any more of you than you've already given. I do so much appreciate you sharing in this winnowing process.
Comments
I wish you the best of luck!
Posted by: cindy lee | March 26, 2005 6:41 AM
Fred you have many beautiful and storytelling images but I'm not sure this is the best. I'd have to agree with those who say your entry should say "Virginia." I'd refine it further to say "Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia." There were so many from your presenation in Radford last weekend that stand out.
Posted by: Doug Thompson | March 26, 2005 7:34 AM
I'm still very open to suggestions. The deadline isn't until 3/31.
I wish ta heck there was a bit more guidance in a THEME for this thing. And with 25 people "voting" last week, I have to think that a vox populi gut reaction from them is as good a poll of opinion as any, and these were among their top choices. So, it's a gamble.
Here's the competition. http://environmentva.org/Contest/PhotoContest/Thumbnailviews.asp
That number 85 is pretty nice; and there are a couple of others that may catch the judges eye; but heck: they could all be farmers and choose the picture of the cow.
Posted by: fred1st | March 26, 2005 7:48 AM
Hmmm, how can I put this... After viewing your wonderful collage with the background music, and then looking at the contest's photo entries, I think that going with "Gold in the Blue Ridge" will, er, win you the gold.
Posted by: Carl | March 26, 2005 11:00 AM