I finally had my camera in hand when the Mr. stopped by this morning, perched his little ruby self down on my feeder and warned me not to come any closer. I zoomed in on him from my kitchen.
Yesterday morning was nerve-wracking for me. I was just a mess, my heart was racing, sweaty palms, I couldn’t hold a pen without shaking. Why?
A few weeks ago, my hubby picked up the paper. He left one page folded over on my desk, the headline “Putnam looks for bird photos for new contest”. As you can imagine, that caught my eye! So I read the article, and immediately knew which photos I wanted to submit. There are four categories – birds of prey, water/game birds, backyard birds and pet birds. Here were my selections:
(all of these are available as prints, click them for their print info.)
I matted them, filled out the paperwork, and dropped them off yesterday. They’ll go up on Friday, and be exhibited through November 19th at the Putnam Museum as a part of the Celebration of Birds exhibit.
Take flight as A Celebration of Birds soars into the Putnam Museum’s exhibit galleries! This impressive museum experience combines the stunning artwork of Birds In Art from the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum with unique specimens and artifacts from the Putnam collections. It’s the perfect synthesis of art, conservation and science!
I’m nervous because there are prizes and awards involved. There are judges, both public and and a panel representing the fields of art, photography and conservation. The criteria: “Accurate or expressive depiction of the subject species; photographic skill; and general appeal”.
Other than getting juried into the MidCoast Fine Arts Organization (I don’t know when, if ever, they update the website, I’m still not listed.), I don’t know when I’ve been this nervous – putting my stuff out there for public criticism and/or acceptance. It’s a very personal thing to have on display for people to judge and give you either a thumbs-up or thumbs-down. My work has never been on exhibit before, either. My MCFA exhibit isn’t scheduled until Spring 2006.
So. They have my prints, they look quite lovely matted and we’ll be seeing them among the competition this weekend. I’ll take photos of them on exhibit, because this is a first for me, and I’m nervous and excited now just to see them on the walls. The general public will get to vote on their favorites, too, so if you’re in the area, please stop over at the Putnam Museum and cast your “People’s Choice” vote between August 11th – 24th!
{19 Comments}
:yahoo:
This is so exciting and birds are so your thing. You will do great. I am so excited for you.
.
oh my goodness i wish i could go see!! gah! if i had any extra moolah laying around i’d hop on a plane and get over there! take tons of pics!! i want to see!
ps- i need to hire you to come over here and take pics of my birdies! i have a sneaky little scaled quail that needs his picture made!
How exciting for you Leanne. I’ll be here hoping you do well, which I am sure you will. Your bird pictures are so wonderful. They are all very beautiful. I think the birds like you and just naturally pose for you, especially the peacock. How often do you see them just in perfect position to snap. I chased this white one all over this little zoo near Folsom and got a couple of just okay ones but of course his feathers were not all splayed out. BTW, your little doggy pal is sure adorable, those past few pics you posted were heart melters for sure. What kind of dog is he?
Sue
Ooooh, we have huming birds. Maybe we should get something like that.
We can’t figure out where to hang the birdfeeder, right now it’s on the clothesline.
Good luck, Leanne! Whenever something of mine gets published in a newspaper, my hands shake when I see it in print! Mr. looks like he’s wearing a mini bird tux!
You will do just fine! Your work is some of the best I have seen! Maybe they will let me judge!! Good luck! :meow:
You will do very well. Anyone can see your pictures are natural settings. Clear and vibrant as well! I have to say the hummingbird is my personal fav… they are so hard to find sitting still! :winking:
Your photos are lovely!! That is so cool for you – hope you win a prize!!
Good Luck!!!!!
good luck!!!
they all look great, each shot completely different from the other.
:hug: We will see this week-end. I brought home the paper because of the fantastic shots you take. You sit and wait and talk to the animals :jawdrop: sorta like Dr Doolittle!!!. The are super pictures and I am sure they will win a prize.
Love U
Leanne, that is so cool. I am so proud and happy for you! :friends: :hug: :friends: :hug:
But Leanne, that is so great! I need to be more like that. I, too, am afraid of rejection and never submit anything anymore. Maybe I should start getting in the game again.
i have no doubt that there will be awards coming your way!
Oh wow, what beautiful photos. You are gonna do great. Awesome captures, very nice. You go girl!
[…] We did go to the Museum yesterday and saw some really beautiful bird photography. I took a few pics of the sections where mine are hanging, I’ll get those pics ready and show you later. […]
your photos are very very beautiful, great shots. No doubt your diserve a prize for this beauties.
:thanku: for sharing this with us.
Leanne, do you give me permition to put the first photo you have in this post, in my blog, with a link to your blog?
:violet:
Good luck with the show!!
I admire you! Your photos rock!!
[…] yesterday and saw some really beautiful bird photography. I took a few pics of the sections where mine are hanging, I’ll get those pics ready and show you […]
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