Award Announcement

Last night was the 69th Annual Iowa State Fair Photography Salon awards reception. This year I entered four pictures.

Two weeks ago I received notification in the mail that three of the four pictures were selected for display at the fair and I had a sticker that said AWARD on the notification. I knew from years past that award could mean a number of things but could hardly wait to attend the reception to find out how my work did this year.


I walked into the building and I couldn't believe my eyes! One of my entries was selected for the Superintendent's Choice Award! This is one of the top TWO awards that are given out each year at the fair! I was so excited it even brought tears to my eyes. My image Cowboy Gear @ Midnight was selected for this prestigious award.

This is my first major photography competition award!

A special THANK YOU to Paul Peregrine from Lightware and Ron "the walking camera manual" from Nikon for teaching the session that the I captured Cowboy Gear @ Midnight from. You guys were a BLAST and I learned so much from you. Thank You!

In addition to the top award - I also received an Honorable Mention award for my Black & White entry - Chimney Rock - Nebraska.
The other image that is on display at the fair is Cowboy's Best Friend. I capture this moment of Dana and Petey at the Equine Photographers Network workshop at Sombrero Ranch in Craig Colorado this past spring.


Charley W. Starnes, the Superintendent of the Iowa State Fair Photography Salon was the MC for last night's award reception. He said that the competition was really tough this year. Of 3,601 entries and after 12 rounds of judging, only 806 (22%) are being exhibited. Also, out of the 1,229 photographers who entered, only 545 (44%) have at least one photo on display.

Knowing that there was that much GREAT competition from so many amazing photographers makes this award that much more special. Thank you to everyone who has been so supportive of me and my passion!

Blessings!
~Jill~