What a weekend!!
This weekend John and I travelled to London for the annual SWPP (Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers) convention.
We were both looking forward to attending a superclass with the lovely Tom Lee and the many masterclasses that were on offer; with the weekend culminating in the Awards Dinner on Sunday evening where I had been nominated for the Science and Nature Photographer of the Year for the second year running and the results of the 20×16 print competition which I had also entered. It was also a good excuse to catch up with some old friends and meet new acquaintances.
Sadly I was pipped at the post once again for the Science and Nature Award but was really pleased that the 3 prints I had entered into the print competition all received Merit Awards.
The highlight of the weekend took place on Thursday evening. I had entered a panel of 20 reptiles and insects images to be considered for the next step in my photographic journey, my Associate Qualification. The judging session was delayed for 1/2 an hour due to all the judges being needed for the final deliberation for the overall winner of the 20×16 print competition, adding to the nerves, but when it did start my panel was 3rd out of the 4 to be judged.
After 1 fail and 1 pass it was finally it was my turn.
The judging panel consists of 5 Society Fellows from around the world and the room was packed with friends and well wishers who all seemed to know I had a panel being judged … hmm?
The judges have to award points for composition, technique, lighting skill, photographer input etc and after 15 minutes deliberation the Master of Ceremonies announced, to great applause, that I had passed.
Needless to say that despite the disappointment at the Awards night, I’m still grinning like a Cheshire Cat and am already planning my Fellowship Panel.
Once again many thanks to my supporters and well wishers on the day and also to John for just being there xx
