I have wanted to enter the Photography Exhibit at the Clay County Fair for several years now. I admit when I first heard they were adding Photography to the fair, I was tickled beyond pink. But I always found reasons not to enter. I didn’t have the right picture, or the right camera. Or the time to prepare. Or I just thought I was not good enough. Now this upcoming fair is the last fair I can enter with good conscious. Once I take payment for my first portrait I will be considered a professional photographer. As of now I am just a very obsessed person with a camera and dreams of someday making it big. Well, perhaps not big, but hopefully I will find enough success in my work to pay my bills.

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