I left this site sit for some time and tried a generalized blog, the in the end I wanted something more... Something more like a website with a portfolio. So I came back to this site and decided to update it. I think though I am limited on space, I have made the most of it thus far. I am very pleased with the looks. As my business grows I will purchase more options, but for now, this is it.

I have been debating a URL change. My domain is up for renewal in July and I feel like I should really move to a (dot)com address. I am also thinking about changing the name to match my Facebook.  It would sure make it easier for some to remember.

I am working on specializing mainly in Newborn Portraits. I have added some newborn images to my portfolio here, and I think maybe newborns are my niche. I was so worried about my first time photographing a newborn. I stressed so badly I was watching YouTube Videos, and watching the newborn part of the first installment of this year's photovision. Everything seemed to make it out much harder than it really was. A nice slow approach and it all just fell into place so well. I was surprised myself how easily things came to me. The stress of a perfect pose was gone. Fold the baby up, and take several pictures. You do not have to worry about eyes being open enough, or squinting slightly. Or the perfect not cheesy smile. When I was looking through my film (digital images) I was shocked with my results. I had to remind myself that they were MY WORK.  I really loved the nice relaxed pace of the session, and cannot wait to do my next.

I have picked up two antique crate props. One was actually made into a wagon and the other is just a crate. I LOVE them. I cannot wait for this summer of Flea Markets and I can pick up more...

Right now I am not sure what I should worry most about. Marketing myself, or working on building my props. I want to invest in a polyvynal floor drop from Lemondrop. But if I get my name out there and book some more clients, I can invest in the more expensive products easier. So I am thinking of getting my name in the newspaper and ordering up some business cards... But then again I need to decide on if I am changing my domain name before I invest in something that will become obsolete in 2 months.

I am proud of myself for making it this far as of yet. I am really so happy when I am holding my camera. And I know if I keep at it, I can only go up... I shall leave you with a little quote I find inspiration.

Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss you'll land among the stars.

I entered 5 pieces this year in the following categories: People Color, People Black and White, Animals and Insects Color, Plants Color, and Computer Manipulation. Two were shot on a basic point and shoot Fuji Film Finepix Z30 compact camera. Those pieces are not featured in the gallery here on hollyelizabethjean.us but links can be found on the About Me Page under Awards, or on the Awards section on the Clay County Fair Project. The other three are featured here in my gallery in Children and Nature folders and were shot with a DSLR Nikon d5000.Of those shot with a compact camera; one was a picture in black and white of my son in a suit, turning away from me on an old wooden bridge known as Thunder Bridge. It received a Second Place Ribbon. The other is a computer manipulated or “photoshopped” picture of a water drop on a dream catcher feather. It also received a Second Place Ribbon.

Those photographed using the dslr camera, the first was of my son against a brick wall. This picture received an Honorable Mention or Best of Class award. The next picture that received a Second Place Ribbon was the yellow flowers similar to Black Eyed Susans. The picture that ranked the lowest with a Third Place Ribbon was a photograph of a bee on purple flowers. My portfolio currently has two bees, the one entered is the photograph in landscape or horizontal orientation.

I was pleased with my rankings. I did find myself disagreeing with some of the placings on other photographs. I found some that won First Place Ribbons were no better than simple and unfocused snapshots. And some that placed Second and Third were much better. The Animal and Insects category was most true in this less than fair judging. I did see some pieces that blew me away and I could not understand why they placed so low. The composition and quality were outstanding. And then there were pictures that were fine for family albums, but not really exhibit worthy. But it was great that so many wonderful and still learning photographers entered and tried their best. The Youth Division of the Photography Exhibit was also an outstanding display of photography. Some of the photographs taken by young children blew the adult entries out of the water.

In the end, I am satisfied with this year and finally entering after so many years of not. I have no regrets and have come out of this feeling better. In a week I will get my pictures back and will be able to read the judges’ comments and know where I need to improve on my work.

I admit last year I was really kicking myself in the bum for not trying harder to go out and get those perfect shots. I went through the exhibit and for the first time since the Photography Department was opened, I was not blown away by the pieces featured. I had to scratch my head and wonder why some of the photographs placed so highly. I do tend to disagree with the judging, I often find a piece that I feel should have gotten a blue ribbon.This year I have fought a little with myself about entering, thinking I did not have enough time, or the options available to enter. But with it being my last year, I know I will always regret if I do not at least enter a few pieces. I may not enter in every category, but at least I will be trying rather than running scared.

Even if none of my photographs place, I think it will be a rush just seeing them displayed. I hope I get a few ribbons though. I will admit I will be disappointed to walk away with nothing. It could be a big blow to my confidence. But if there is some strong competition this year, I will at least see where I need to be and can work on improving myself.

This year the fair runs from September 11-19th.

I hope many people can stop by the fair and see my work. CCF is a huge fair, with so many different things to see. Think of us as a decent county fair on steroids. I imagine we can compete with many state fairs. The Photography Exhibit is located near the Arts on Grand Barn south of the Outdoor Horse Arena and new Livestock Complex. Do not just stop by to see my work, be sure to take in all the wonderful photographs there. Besides my name will not be posted on my photographs, so you may have to guess which pieces are mine in each category.

And be sure to check out the fair’s website! Clay County Fair