2007 Contests

Inside the car, David, Jonathan, Esther, and I were cozy and excited; a perfect contrast with the dark, stormy night outside! I had entered the Doddridge County Fair Amateur Photography Contest and now we were driving home from picking up my pictures from the fairgrounds. We were rejoicing over the unexpected outcome. I had entered one photograph into each of six categories and it was a blessing to discover that two actually won first place and another two won second place; now that was unexpected!

Coming of Spring - 1st place in NatureInquisitive Toad - 1st place in AnimalsAdoration of the Savior - 2st place in Still LifeBurst of Fire - 2nd place in Special Effects

The second contest I entered was just as unpredicted but in perfect contrast to the first one. The Jackson’s Mill Arts and Crafts Jubilee Photography Contest was a little larger with hundreds more images being entered. Against these odds I didn’t do quite as well! I did not receive any prizes but I did receive experience. For almost an hour, I studied and analyzed the prizewinning photographs to gain insight on how I could do better next time.

I praise the Lord for the blessings and experience He gave me through these events. “Don’t let success plunge you to failure, and don’t let failure prohibit you from success.”

8 Comments

  1. Peter Ort September 13, 2007 at 7:47 pm #

    wow James…. congratulations!

  2. Daniel September 14, 2007 at 9:31 am #

    That’s a great closing quote! Now…I wonder who would be brilliant enough to think up something as striking as that? Hmmmm… 🙂

    Keep shooting!

  3. Jenny September 14, 2007 at 2:03 pm #

    That is awesome! Great shots James!! I like the picture of the toad, it has such a puzzled look on his face as if it had never seen a camera before.
    🙂 I can see why it won first place!

  4. Donald September 15, 2007 at 1:21 am #

    That was good news James. I am glad you had a chance to visit Jackson’s Mill too. Life is an excellent classroom isn’t it?

  5. Esther September 15, 2007 at 5:56 pm #

    I am so encouraged every time I hear how God is blessing your pursuit of capturing the glory of His Creation in photography! He is going to use it in mighty ways because you are glorifying Him with it.

  6. Joshua September 16, 2007 at 7:21 am #

    Beautiful James! You desire to, as 1 Cor. 10:31 aptly reminds, ‘…to do all to the glory of God’ shines forth in your photography.

    The pictures are inspiring. Its amazing how 12 people could each capture a completely different picture from the same viewpoint based on what is focused on, their perspective, and their knowledge of the tools. How similar this is to one’s relationship with Christ!

  7. Dad & Mom September 16, 2007 at 3:56 pm #

    Very mature response James – you’ve got the right focus on life!

  8. James September 17, 2007 at 8:02 am #

    I thank y’all for your comments; I am encouraged to press onward and upward!

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