Blissfully Unaware : First Place, Best of Show
Results of the 2009 Essence of Bellingham Photo Competition are in and I’m excited to report that little old me took this year’s top prize with my photo Blissfully Unaware, a shot I captured on Inauguration Day at Bellingham’s Mt. Baker Theatre. Said the jury:
This photograph, rich with imagery, is anything but “unaware.” The baby’s dynamic face, uplifted eyebrows and other vivid expressions speak volumes about hope. This child has expectations! The photographer captured an amazing moment of expression on the faces of both the baby and our President; the new-to-the-world softness of the child juxtaposed against the serious, determined look of newly-inaugurated President Obama. We’re relying on both President and baby to chart our future. The other figures in the photograph are fully engaged in rapt attention to this historic moment. This is Bellingham, in celebration, in our cherished Mount Baker Theatre on Inaugural Day 2009.
It’s always nice to know that the message I am trying to convey in a photo is well received by the viewer. I was definitely struck by the juxtaposition of images and the idea that this tiny little person would never know life the way it was before this historical event… hence the title, Blissfully Unaware. This was not an easy shot to frame as the soundboard I was standing next to limited my movement while both the baby and the images on the big screen were constantly in motion. I also did not want to draw the attention of the baby’s mother because once there is awareness of a camera, everything changes! So I slyly and carefully fired off as many shots as I could and crossed my fingers that one would turn out. Apparently I succeeded!
It’s also interesting and a bit comedic to note that I had not considered entering this photo in the contest until my friend Jen of Jen Martin Studios put up a fuss about it. Since I had space for one more entry, I willingly obliged. I’m so happy I listened to her voice of reason : ) I’m also happy to report that Jen’s son Eli, entering in the K-4th Grade category, won Second Place, Best of Show with this shot titled CHOMP! Looks like Eli and I will be meeting Mayor Pike together at the end of the month : )
Here are the rest of my entries which received recognition…
Outspoken : Best of Subject, Signs
Autumn Tradition : Best of Subject, Activities
Quality Time : Honorable Mention
Good Old Fashion Fun : Honorable Mention
Inauguration Day : Honorable Mention
Preferred Mode of Travel : Honorable Mention
All of this year’s entries will be showcased at Whatcom Museum Friday, 5 June 2009 through Sunday, 7 June 2009 from 12:00 to 5:00. Maybe I’ll see you there!
