This week I’m jumping out of my comfort zone and into a position I haven’t been in before. I’m scheduled to judge a photography competition. There will be 40 or so photographers presenting 80 images over the course of 2 hours and I’m supposed to give a numerical ranking and verbal critique, yikes! I’m thinking they picked the wrong guy for this. I tend to either like an image or not. There is little grey area for me when it comes to what pictures I like and which ones get cut. I’m able to sort through a couple thousand wedding pictures in less than an hour because of this. Nonetheless, I agreed to stand in front of the group and spout off my opinion. The standing in front of 40 photographers for 2 hours scares me. Not so much because I’m afraid of public speaking, which isn’t my favorite thing to do, but when it’s a subject I’m comfortable with, isn’t the worse thing in the world – dropping a full can of paint on my toe would be much worse. The concern I have is that I am supposed to tell a fellow artist who is presumably passionate about the image he/she is presenting my honest opinion. And I really don’t like the idea of hurting the feelings of someone that has the courage to put there work on display for public scrutiny – that takes guts!
So, I asked a friend of mine, David Pascolla (who is a wedding photographer and teacher here in San Luis Obispo) how he would handle judging this competition. He said that when he is grading the pictures his students present, he tries to first start off by stating something he likes and then adds a suggestion about what he thinks can be improved. As I was talking to David, I immediately thought, “wow did I ever pick the right guy to ask for advice on this one,” and then I thought, “OK, I can do that.” So, this is my plan, I’m going to look at the presented picture and do my best to find something I like and then I will try and add a constructive comment. And hopefully I won’t hurt anyone’s feelings in the process.
The pictures below are from Lexie and Josh’s wedding at Santa Margarita Ranch last week. Lexie has a huge family that was so welcoming I immediately felt right at home with all of them. The day was perfect with weather in the 80’s with whispy clouds above our heads. Right now, Lexie and Josh are enjoying themselves in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, close to where Michelle and visited earlier this year (HERE).
Lexie and Josh, thank you for allowing me to be a part of your day. Best wishes to you both.
Oh and be sure to watch the video (below) I put together as I was doing the photography throughout the wedding day.
