Won 3 ribbons at the fair - and will never do that again..

[Ottor]

Entered the County Fair this year – put in 8 photographs in different divisions/categories and won 3 ribbons – one First, Second and Third.. I thought that was pretty good for a first timer…

I went to pick up my pictures, and was told that next year I need to enter my photographs in the “Professional” division. I promptly reminded her that I was not anywhere near a “Professional” and she stated …. “Have you ever sold your pictures?” – I said that I have sold a couple, and she said that she rec’d some complaints and that people have been to my website and determined I’m a professional… (Who .. the ones that didn’t win anything??) She stated that my work is good enough to be in the professional category and I’ll need to enter it there next year or I can’t participate…

OK – the requirements are that a “Professional” is one who has either taught photography, or makes a living in photography, or has ever taken a picture with the intent of making a profit off of it… I’m neither. I just love to take pictures, and if someone wants one, I’m not an idiot… the same as that little old lady who makes quilts – and would sell one if someone wanted one.. that dzn’t make her a professional quilter!

Professional:

“Following an occupation as a means of livelihood” …. Nope, not me.
“Undertaken or engaged in as a means of livelihood” …. Nope, not me..

I took up the camera just 2 years ago and learned what I know by reading magazines, books, and internet forums ……. If I was to compete in the “Professional” division, I’d be up against people who have formal education in this field; have done it for 30 years, and make a living doing it ……. Again, that’s just not me.

This was the first – and last – time I entered my pictures in the fair …. Certainly didn’t do it for the total of $6 in premiums I won – it cost me $4 in gas to go over there and pick them up… the ribbons will go in a drawer and I’ll forget where they are in a couple of months, so … this isn’t a real big deal to me.. I’ll take this as a huge compliment, and move on .. I can’t also help but feel it’s a way to just get rid of me. Of all the ribbons that were given out, I was the only person who won more than one. - I won 3. It’s a shame that if they didn’t like me winning, then they just need to take a better picture than me, right? Not relegate me out of the field.. There were a ton of pictures there that were better than mine .. it’s not a hard thing to do. I think I just got lucky, and some folks didn’t like it.

Anyway – just a quick bitch…

r

[windrider86]

I'd take it as a compliment!
Either way, congrats on your ribbons. Next time you do a show, hang them up with your photos

[snowfalldesigns]

We have a local photography contest here that I've participated in every year. There isn't a professional category and the rules state that no professionals are allowed to submit. I've won something each year which is great but I'm wondering too when it's no longer okay for me to enter. I read something one time that you are no longer an amateur when you make more than $5000/yr with your photography. I haven't made that much this year (I don't think...) but yeah, I'm in a spot too. I don't think my work is good enough to be considered professional and I really enjoy the contest....
Congrats on your ribbons and yeah, I would take it as a compliment too!

[kirbinster]

Remember, it is their contest and their rules - live with it. Do you remember the great athlete Jim Thorpe who had all his olympic medals stripped because he played a semi-pro sport that had absolutely nothing to do with the sports he competed in the olympics in.

[DivotMaker]

While I understand your frustration, I would suggest you view this from another perspective.

With only 2 years under your belt and being self taught, people feel your work is good enough to compete in the professional category.

You mention you didn't do it for the money or the ribbons, so I have to ask, was the reason for competing to see what others thought of your photos? If so, IMHO, you were a huge success.

IMHO, I see competing in a higher classification of photographers and not winning would be additionally self gratifying on top of competing in a general class and winning. (No disrespect intended on your winning, honest, I think you did a great job.)

Besides, what happens if you enter the "professional" class, and win? Besides, you have another year to hone your skills....

Just my 2 c's

[Digidave]

Yeah it's a bummer I suppose but congrats on the wins you did get. Good job.

A little off topic:

A few years ago, a buddy of mine was at a local golf course. He went there alone to see if he could hook up with a foursome or something just to kill a day on the course, I guess. He found out there was a charity event going on & thought he was out of luck. So he sat down to have a drink before he left. Turns out that someone didn't show up so they asked him if he wanted to play. He told them he wasn't very good & they didn't seem to care. Heck, I didn't even know he golfed! He told me that he golfs about 3 or 4 times a year. Usually scores around 120 or so. Well, he was having one of his usual days when they came up to a par 3 hole & he got a hole-in-one. Holy Crap! Turns out that if you score a hole-in-one on that hole you win a car. So at the end of the day when they were giving out the prizes & he had to sign the paperwork, they mentioned to him that if he accepts the car & signs that sheet of paper he can never again play in an amateur event. He just looked at them & said, "What are you kidding me! Where do I sign.". That was the first & only amateur event he ever played in.

[tinton14]

Congratz! I thinks its a compliment that they would want you to participate in the professional division even if you aren't a professional. Even if part of the reason might be because you won three ribbons while others only got one, you got your work out there and people liked it, I think its a good thing.

[ZannieGirl49]

Originally Posted by windrider86

I'd take it as a compliment!
Either way, congrats on your ribbons. Next time you do a show, hang them up with your photos

+1 Take the compliment and move on. At least it'll save you some gas money.

[Ottor]

Got a couple PM's that they wanted me to show them the pics -

1st Place in Abstract ...



2nd Place - Action



3rd Place B&W Landscape



Appreciate the comments - - I actually did this, not for the ribbons or the money (chuckle), but it was just to see what people thought of my photos ... I've had a couple of successes in a short 2 years, but mostly they hang in my home and only friends, relatives, and Kirby Salesmen get to see them...

Think I'll enter next yr as a Pro ...... just to see what happens.. After all, if I actually do win somethin in that catagory... well, success is even better without expectations..

[candleman]

Originally Posted by Ottor

I went to pick up my pictures, and was told that next year I need to enter my photographs in the “Professional” division. I promptly reminded her that I was not anywhere near a “Professional” and she stated …. “Have you ever sold your pictures?” – I said that I have sold a couple, and she said that she rec’d some complaints and that people have been to my website and determined I’m a professional… (Who .. the ones that didn’t win anything??) She stated that my work is good enough to be in the professional category and I’ll need to enter it there next year or I can’t participate…

i feel your pain.. i was also once given a hard time by some @rsehole for entering a competition.. apparently having a website and making a few bucks on the side makes you a Pro.

last time for me too..