Judging at the Fair
I was re-reading my original post this afternoon and realize how negative it is. I also received an email from somebody I admire and respect who also pointed out the errors of my way. I realize if any of the participants in the fair read this they would be hurt and I would be embarassed. So, I'm changing the post slightly, and if you were among those who read it earlier, you'll notice a change. If you hadn't read it before, then you won't notice a difference. Here's the new post:
I was asked to judge the photographs at the Madison County Fair. I was happy to do it, even though I knew what I would be subjected to. There were basically a lot of technically inferior, but very enthusiastic snap shots with a few surprising successes crammed onto a pegboard display wall. I then spent the next hour deciding which photograhs were the most deserving of ribbons, and writing comments.
I was most enthusiastic about the children’s work. One series of photographs was called “my new brother” taken by an 8 year old. They were among the greatest baby photographs I’ve seen. Another series of children's photographs was a selection of farm animals (ducks, cows, and the like). These may not have been technically sound, but the subject matter was important to them and it showed. There was a good lightning photograph that won best of show in the amateur category (I’ve never been able to take a successful lightning photograph). There was a beautiful little 5x7 print taken by an amateur of his child playing in the backyard, the good use of color, the innocence of the child on the swing, and the love the photographer must have for the child were evident in the photograph. In spite of the technical shortcomings of some of the photographs most were meaningful, especially to them and it showed in their work.
Occasionally I'll go into a gallery or museum and I'll get motivated by the great work, but I also get a little bit depressed about the quality of my work in comparison. There's nothing quite like viewing the photographs in a small county fair to get you motivated to help the community understand photography and art better. It's also tempting to allow yourself an ego boost. Anyway, I was happy to get involved in the community and had a good time with the photographs. Maybe I'll get to do it again in a few years.
Here's one of the display buildings on the fair grouns:
Madison County Fairgrounds 2005
I was asked to judge the photographs at the Madison County Fair. I was happy to do it, even though I knew what I would be subjected to. There were basically a lot of technically inferior, but very enthusiastic snap shots with a few surprising successes crammed onto a pegboard display wall. I then spent the next hour deciding which photograhs were the most deserving of ribbons, and writing comments.
I was most enthusiastic about the children’s work. One series of photographs was called “my new brother” taken by an 8 year old. They were among the greatest baby photographs I’ve seen. Another series of children's photographs was a selection of farm animals (ducks, cows, and the like). These may not have been technically sound, but the subject matter was important to them and it showed. There was a good lightning photograph that won best of show in the amateur category (I’ve never been able to take a successful lightning photograph). There was a beautiful little 5x7 print taken by an amateur of his child playing in the backyard, the good use of color, the innocence of the child on the swing, and the love the photographer must have for the child were evident in the photograph. In spite of the technical shortcomings of some of the photographs most were meaningful, especially to them and it showed in their work.
Occasionally I'll go into a gallery or museum and I'll get motivated by the great work, but I also get a little bit depressed about the quality of my work in comparison. There's nothing quite like viewing the photographs in a small county fair to get you motivated to help the community understand photography and art better. It's also tempting to allow yourself an ego boost. Anyway, I was happy to get involved in the community and had a good time with the photographs. Maybe I'll get to do it again in a few years.
Here's one of the display buildings on the fair grouns:
Madison County Fairgrounds 2005
5 Comments:
i give todays image 'first prize'!
i can relate to your experience. i juried a show in delta one year... at the fair. there were a couple of okay photographers and eveyone else was lacking in skills. i had to ask for names so one person wouldn't win all the awards. the lady said it wasn't fair, but i insisted. afterwards, i had the opportunity to meet some of the photographers and you could tell they were grateful the same 'ringer' hadn't won everything again. it was a wacky experience but it put me in touch with the 'why' part of people making images.
oh yeah, almost forgot.... i'd very much enjoy doing a print trade with you. i like your work alot. and i particularly like the enthusiasm that you put into your projects. it shows up in the quality of your work!
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I just had to edit my comment because you edited your post. The dangers of reading blogs in a newsreader.
DARREN!! SCHOOL STARTS TODAY!!! :)
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