So that thing I said I was doing last Saturday? The thing I didn’t want to tell you about until I was sure it worked out? I can tell you now because it worked out.
Here’s the low down. Back in July I asked my brother-in-law Randy to help me choose some photos for a local art show. Randy is an artist and I respect his opinion a lot when it comes to art and I wanted some constructive criticism on (1) whether I had any photos worthy of viewing and (2) which photos he thought would be most likely to be chosen since this is a juried show. A few weeks ago I emailed Randy 55 of my best photos and waited to hear from him. He has been really busy fishing (and no, I’m not being sarcastic, Randy is a commercial fisherman and does guided fishing charters on his boat as well) so when I didn’t hear from him right away I figured he was busy and knew he’d get back to me at some point. He finally did and he had lots of praise and advice on which photos he thought would be best for printing and framing. There was only one problem – he emailed me on the night before the submission date. I didn’t have anything printed, much less framed, so I read the email and set it aside and thought, well, there’s always next year.
Then Randy’s wife Mary stopped by for a minute last Saturday morning and while she was over she asked me about submitting the photos because Randy had shown them to her. I told her the deadline was only a few hours away and it was too late to do anything for this year. Mary wasn’t having any of that and neither was Randy, apparently, because my phone rang about 5 minutes later. It was Randy encouraging me to go for it. He told me where I could go to have the images printed up quickly. He told me they would help me select mats and frames. And then he told me to come to his house and he would help me frame them. So I decided to go for it.
I’m really glad I did because all 3 of my submissions were chosen for inclusion! This was my first show and I was a bit intimidated about entering but with Randy’s help and Mary’s encouragement it all worked out. I learned a lot about framing and have some ideas of things I’ll do differently for next year – including getting things ready earlier – but I wouldn’t have changed this experience for anything.
As for the photos, you’ve seen them all before but I’ll show you again. This time they even have names.
Snowy Woodpecker
Mary’s Pansy
Cattails of Plymouth
They look even better in their mats and frames.
So there you have it. I’m still just plain old me but now I’m plain old me with a juried art show on my resume. Not bad for someone who really doesn’t know what she’s doing.
lisa Said,
Congratulations Carole!
Laura Said,
I’m glad you submitted the pictures. They are beautiful.
Barbara-Kay Said,
Huzzah! Huzzah! Huzzah!
It would have been hard to choose – I’ve enjoyed so many of your pictures.
jenny Said,
congratulations Carole, I’ve been lurking for a while but I’ve forced myself to come out of my shell today, love your blog and your photos are beautiful, thank you for the effort you put in and for sharing
Lee Ann Said,
Yay Carole!
Manise Said,
Cool! Nice job!
DebbieB Said,
Congratulations! Your photos are always great, and these are no exception. You have such a good eye.
Tonni Said,
Go Carole, Go Carole, Go Carole!!! WOOH! The pictures ARE lovely.
margene Said,
Fabulous! I’m so glad they talked you into going for it. The pictures are very worthy of winning. Good luck!!
Carrie Said,
YAY! I love that bird one especially. Congratulations!
Kim Said,
Hey grrl…..CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!! Those are wonderful pictures!
deb Said,
Very, very cool! I’m proud beyond words!
Karen Said,
WOW!! Congratulations. That is fabulous.
Ruth Said,
SHRIEK!!! That is SO COOL!!!!!
Knitnana Said,
Congratulations! That’s an accomplishment to be proud of – I love your photos…
(((hugs)))
Donna Said,
Congratulations! There’s a whole bunch of talent there girl! I especially like the picture with the woodpecker. Very cool.
Heather Said,
Congrats, Carole! Your pictures are always so beautiful — I’m so glad you are going for it!
Carol Said,
You take some amazing photos. Congratulations on getting into the show. I think the Woodpecker is my favorite – I hope it wins a prize!
Dinah Said,
Congratulations. Where is the art show? Plymouth?
pumpkinmama Said,
How wonderful! Congrats.
Wool Winder Said,
Congratulations! I’m glad you went for it. I don’t remember seeing Snowy Woodpecker before. I think it’s my favorite, but it’s hard to choose.
Vicki Said,
Neat-o!
Jackie Said,
That is freaking awesome! Congratulations!!
Sarah Said,
That’s great! Congrats!!
Anne Said,
Oh WOW! That is fantastic! Yay you!! (And I’m glad Randy and Mary kicked you in the arse and got you to go get the prints made and framed.)
Teyani Said,
HURRAH!
I have been hoping you would do something like this – your photos are really excellent. There’s just something about them that invites the viewer to look and look again –
and a juried show at that.
wow.
applause applause
scoutj Said,
how cool Carole!
elizabeth Said,
That’s awesome! I like snowy woodpecker best!
Kathleen Said,
Awesome! Love the cattails photo and not just because I’ve spent time in Plymouth.
sprite Said,
Wow! Congratulations!!! Randy has good taste!
Martha Said,
Congratulations Carole! They are all great prints.
Kat Said,
Congrats!! I remember my first show, so scary.
claudia Said,
That’s awesome! Good luck in the show.
elizabeth Said,
Congratulations!
stephie Said,
I always love your pictures and I am glad you entered them! Congrats!
Nora Said,
I’m so impressed – they are beautiful photographs, and I’d love to see them framed.
Lucia Said,
All your pix are splendid. I remember that woodpecker one. I’ve been trying to get good bird pix with my fancy new camera but haven’t had much luck — maybe I should (gasp) read the manual. (I did take some decent duck pix in Rangeley, but the phrase “sitting duck” comes to mind. It’s much harder when they’re not sitting.)
kmkat Said,
Sweet! Your photos are great!
Joy Said,
Congratulations – beautiful photos!
CatMyers Said,
I tried to pick a favorite, and I love them all. Congratulations, Carole!
Kate Said,
Congratulations! I hope to be so successful with my own photos….someday. You really are an inspiration!
Leah Said,
OMG, Carole! That is fantastic! I’m so proud of you. You are living the dream of a lot of us, in more ways than one. You go, girl!!
Cookie Said,
Congratulations!
I am so proud of you for entering that show… and for listening to Mary and Randy. ;^)
Romy Said,
That’s awesome, Carole!
Teresa C Said,
WTG!
Hillary Said,
Congratulations! That’s fabulous. It’s about time you got some recognition for your efforts.
Chris Said,
Touch you! Congrats.
elisa Said,
The idea that you “don’t know what you’re doing” really makes me laugh.
Congrats on having your photos included!
Anne K. Said,
Congratulations!!! They are all lovely and perfect for pausing, admiring, and marveling! I especially love the birdly one…!
maryse Said,
congratulations! it helps to have someone kicking your ass, doesn’t it.
one day i hope to have some of mine included somewhere.
Tammy Said,
Congratulations! I’m typically just a lurker, but wanted to come out of hiding to tell you how much I enjoy your photography! I loved the three you entered and also especially liked last Friday’s Eye Candy of the ornamental grass!
Kathy Said,
YAY! That’s great!
Lesley Said,
Wow – you should consider selling prints – I would buy all of them!!
Judy Said,
Good for you! I love the one with the woodpecker. Great lines.
Sylvia Said,
Yay!!!
That woodpecker is something else.
Please blog what you learn about framing, pretty please?
jillian Said,
Hooray! And congrats! So glad you went for it. I especially like the woodpecker composition.
Danielle Said,
I love them all, but I love the cat tails the best!
Jan Said,
Good for you!! They’re all lovely photos. I’m happy you were prodded to get them ready to submit in time. Imagine what we could all get accomplished with such insistent supporters!
Jan Said,
Congratulations to the dazzling new Carole who makes beautiful and captivating photographs worthy of inclusion in an exclusive local art show!! How wonderful for supportive friends.
Sara Said,
Congratulations on submitting the photos. Am so happy that you did – those are beautiful photos…
Hey, you never know – being in one juried show can lead to others.
Very happy for you…
Norma Said,
Whoa, that’s terrific, Carole! And way to go and do something NEW and outside your comfort zone. I’m all in favor of THAT!
jill Said,
Awesome achievement! I probably would have set it aside for “whenever – which never comes! Very cool.
Joy Said,
Check my blog – I gave you a Blue Ribbon!
Toni Said,
Love the photographs. Don’t know if you posted this before but I’ve tagged you for a six random things about meme
Suzanne Said,
Congratulations! They are beautiful.
gale (she shoots sheep shots) Said,
yay you!! congratulations
Sarah Said,
Congratulations, Carole!
Cheryl S. Said,
How wonderful! Congratulations!
Leslie Said,
How very, very cool! I’ve been intending to frame some of my shots (though not for a show!) and need to get back onto that. I’m all ears if you have any framing tips to share!
Julie Said,
Congratulations! It’s really no surprise though; your photos are beautiful!
Jessica Said,
Congratulations! That’s so cool! And the photos are totally worth it. Just gorgeous. Will people have an opportunity to purchase them? That would really be neat!
JessaLu Said,
Yay you!!
)
Beth S. Said,
Oh Carole, how incredibly cool! I’m so pleased for you.
heather Said,
that’s so cool – congratulations! you have such great photos, i’m glad you took the chance to showcase them.
Wanda Said,
Just plain ole you is something spectacular Carole! That’s wonderful that you submitted your photos for an art show. I’m so proud of you. You have quite the eye for pcitures for someone who doesn’t know what they’re doing (according to you). I always enjoy your pictures.
Emily Said,
I am partial to plain ole you! And I’d visit your blog for the pictures if you didn’t write a word.
Angie Said,
How very Cool! Congratulations!
Lynne Said,
Such good news! Congratualtions, Carole!
~Kristie Said,
WONDERFUL! That is so exciting and I’m so thrilled you have a great brother and sister-in-law that encouraged (and insisted) that you enter. Those photos are gorgeous! Congratulations
Laurie Said,
Wow! I am impressed! And I do love those images.
Karen Said,
That’s wonderful! Congratulations Carole!
anne Said,
oh carole this is SUCH a great story; congratulations on going for it AND getting in the show! (i’m catching up on blog posts; i’m WAY behind!)