This past weekend I had the pleasure of judging and speaking at the Professional Photographers of West Virginia’s annual convention. I can’t recall having spent a more delightful time at a convention in a very long time. I’d just finished helping with my own convention, and two days later traveled to PPWV. It was a refreshing change of pace and it seemed like a bit of a convention vacation convention. Or something like that.
I enjoyed judging the 195 entries by talented makers and was moved to tears by a special album. I was impressed by the quality of work by first time entrants as well as established Masters. I had a number of delightful conversations with members and competitors after the judging was over and was glad to be able to stay for the awards banquet and see the surprise on their faces as they were presented with placements and trophies.
I enjoyed being allowed to chat with a room full of PPWV members about print competition. For three whole hours. Uninterrupted. A very nice audio visual guy hooked up my projector and computer for me (after having a throw down with the laptop settings) so I could talk about my work. And then some more about print competition. I had a great time and hope everyone else did, too. Special thanks for those I had stand up or answer random questions, especially the PPA National Award recipients, Barbara Sullivan and David Hasselhof.
Someone arranged for me to have a set of bluegrass musicians as my subjects for the Friday Night Lights event and when I was done shooting them, they had a mini-concert right then and there! That was very cool! I heart musicians and people dressed in black and you came through with both. Yay!
I was pleased and somewhat overwhelmed by the receipt of the West Virgina Honorary Masters Degree – I will treasure the memory of such a unique ceremony. And I’ll try to forget the taste of moonshine. 😉
G. Bob’s Inappropriate Auction was rampant with antics, tomfoolery and shenanigans and of course, I owe you all a special thanks for helping me prank my buddy Ted, who hopefully has learned the advantages of showing up at his own awards banquet to pick up his trophies in the future. (He tried telling me he was shooting a wedding – It sounded kind of sketchy to me.)
The PPWV is a very unique group in that I sensed a deep degree of closeness and mutual respect among the members. I didn’t mention many names, because frankly I pretty much suck at remembering them – but rest assured, if we chatted or interacted – I have fond memories of at least your face.
Ya’ll are truly a family and I was honored to be a guest at your reunion. Thank you for making me feel welcome.
Christine
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