Coming up for air & contest results

[Marty E]

Hi to my friends here at LS, I’ve been down for the count for a while with back issues but am trying to get back in the swing with my photography now that the tulips are getting ready to bloom in the next few weeks. I hope to start posting with you again soon and wish you all a happy and productive 2025.

In the meantime, I entered a bunch of photos in my city’s annual contest and thought I’d post my results. My goal for last year was to “up my game” in B&W, and LS was instrumental in teaching me how to improve. So many thanks to all who gave me feedback! 😀 I know there are varying opinions on LS about the value of contests, but I still continue to compete because they motivate me to improve and learn more to increase my understanding of photography.

I had a good year with a clean sweep of 1st, 2nd & 3rd in Macro, 2nd & 3rd in Flora B&W, and Honorable Mention in Anything Goes. They are all in the Proficient category which is also open to professionals. Many you may recall from Shark Tank, my favorite place to learn new skills!

1st Place – Macro – Blowin’ in the Wind

2nd Place – Macro – Bride of Frankenstein

3rd Place – Macro – Pretty in Pink

2nd Place – Flora B&W – Poetry in Motion

3rd Pace – Flora B&W – I See You

Honorable Mention – Anything Goes – Apple Blossoms

[Patrick]

Congratulations Marty , good works above for sure .. I hope you feel better soon and able to get out for the flowers 🙂

[Marty E]

Hi Patrick, thanks for your kind words & it’s good to hear from you. I hope all is well with you!

[Federico Alegria]

it is so nice to see your face around again Marty, i’m really happy for those results and it feels awesome that two of them stuck in my memory since day one (1 and 4)

[Marty E]

Hi Federico, thanks so much! I look forward to getting back into the LS groove, and it’s great to know that 1 and 4 stuck with you. I always appreciate your feedback!

[LightandShadow]

Congrats on your success and feeling of improvement.

BTW, sitting at the computer for long stretches to edit photos, especially if, like me, you lean in a bit, is a sure way to aggravate an aching lower back.

[Marty E]

Hi @lightandshadow, thanks for your congrats & suggestions on sitting at computer for long stretches (in my case, a laptop on my laptop). I’ll try leaning in a bit more to see if it helps! Thanks! And best of luck with your lower back. 😀

[LightandShadow]

Don’t lean in. That puts additional strain on those lower back muscles. Sit up straight. Get up frequently.

[Robert Apple]

Grats Marty, and hope the back does better, I spend 20% of my day with a ice pack under mine, Know the feeling.

[Marty E]

Hi @robertapple, thanks for congrats & sorry to hear about your back pain. I hope the ice pack gives you some relief. I spend most of my computer time with a heating pad against my back. I’m hoping PT will help me get stronger & my love of nature photography is a good motivation for staying fit enough to get out & about! Wishing you well with your back pain!

[Rob Wood (Admin)]

Your black and whites have become exceptional.

[Marty E]

Hi Rob, thanks so much! I appreciate your support and encouragement for my B&Ws. You’ve taught me to embrace them 😀

@admin-2

[Dahlia Ambrose]

Congratulations on the wins Marty. Stunning black and white photos for sure. I hope you feel better soon and good to see you 🙂

[Marty E]

Thanks so much for your congrats and good wishes, Dahlia! 😀 I’ve improved enough to start shooting our early spring blooms. 😀

[Dahlia Ambrose]

That’s good to hear Marty. Look forward to seeing more of your spring shots 🙂

[Wendy P]

We missed you! Sorry to hear you have been in pain but glad to hear of your recent photography successes.

[Marty E]

Hi Wendy, thanks so much! I’ve missed you too & it’s good to be back. 😀

[Author]

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