Darn it. I lost again. Did great work on three stunning photographs and didn’t even merit an honorable mention. Spent hours at the Old Mill renovation in Santa Paula risking life and limb to get the National Geographic award of the year and all I get is chopped liver. Where will it end?
The Ojai Art Center Photography Branch hung another standout show at the Art Center this weekend. Thirty photographers qualified fifty photos in the Branch’s annual show Visions of Change. Well the only thing that didn’t change was my winning nothing, nada, zilch.
I blame Greg Cooper and Attasalina Dews, the two judges who crowned the winners. Yeah sure, I know that Greg currently teaches full time at Brooks Institute School of Visual Journalism in Ventura. And Atta has established herself as a successful wedding and portrait photographer. But I ask you, shouldn’t they have accepted the gratuity I offered in return for a first place ribbon? Ingrates.
But enough about me. Roger Conrad did another class job of curating the show. And that’s on top of his uncanny ability to herd the Photo Committee members into line over a six month period as they argued about the show’s theme, the color of the table cloths, and the font style for the announcements. Weighty stuff.
Myrna Cambianica was largely responsible for the goodie table at the Sunday reception. In addition to the yummies, Myrna’s ecology mania guided her selection of biodegradeables, including the wine cups which had to be emptied within ninety seconds or they would stain your shoes. Three separate recyclable containers were provided, prompting long lines to form as guests attempted to select the proper bin for their garbage. Wrong choices resulted in expulsion from the reception.
Food kept appearing as if by magic. Erin O’Loughlin and Genevieve Woods were stellar representatives of YES. The Youth Employment Services, a non-profit group of Ojai students, can be proud of the way these young ladies kept the guests’ tummies full and the tables spotless.
The show runs through July 8 unless all of the photos are sold before then. But have no fear, I’m sure we can find replacements. So hurry on down to the Art Center. You can easily identify my photos. They don’t have any ribbons.
Fredila's Weblog 
if you want to win so bad, try doing something different next time – out of your comfort zone. try your ‘mom blowing bubbles on storefront windows’ expose’ idea.
and is that the main reason why you enter these shows ? Tsk, tsk…..
but yea, is it a bummer to put a lot of time and hard work into something and then not feel appreciated for it. But I’m sure you were appreciated – even if you didn’t win the trophy.
And if bribes aren’t working, next time try brute force and threats of violence. That always seems to go a long way.
-Son Steven
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and where do you find your great cartoon graphics ?
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What a great take on the day, the Photo Branch and all!
Thanks as always for all you contribute.
bb
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i dunno the answer fred … i advised susannah on what to enter and she won a second and i was as unrecognized as you were … there has to be a message here somewhere
you modestly do not mention your generous contribution to the reception for the purchase of quality wine, your wry good humor that keeps us laughing during our committee meetings (and recently the addition of ila’s cookies and ila herself at the meetings!) and all the publicity that you do for the event
you have forgotten all to soon your beautiful and successful exhibit that was up recently at the Ojai City Hall
there will be a seventh annual photog branch coming up next year … see you then
myrna
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Dear Fred,
I enjoyed your humorous and creative writing very much.
I don’t think I have met you, but remember your name cropping up several times when I reflected on pictures. Sadly, I can not remember , which were yours, as there are so many, and time for us to stay was very short.
I can understand your reaction- bummer-lost-again- so well and sympathise, but we have to understand that there were an enormous amount of pictures, and the jurors have a most intimidated task, as only a small number can be chosen.
I think that most of the pictures ignored the theme. Just a picture of a lake or mountain cliff, only ‘implies’ Change indirectly, but that is obvious, as change is in everything on earth.
Only a few of the competitors involved themselves and dealt with the theme seriously, I thought.
The winners did so. Though would they have been my choice??
I also think, that the choice of jurors is very important. Our club leans heavily on Nature photography, but the majority of judges have no interest in that field, and don’t know a cat from a tiger.
Still, I really like the Ojai competition,- very involving, a lot of amazing good work, and warm, friendly atmosphere- together with a visit to a lovely environment: Ojai.
Until next year, all the best, and thank you,
Ines
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Even if I did not enjoy the photographs it sounds as if one should attend the receptions simply to watch the goings-on. Terrific show!
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Hi Fred,
By my standards anyone who participates has already won. Also, you are 1/2 of one or the most delightful couples in Ojai.
That’s 2 wins right there, so please step aside and give someone else a chance to win.
Peace,
John
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