Early last week, I made my final decision on the images I would enter into WPPI’s First Half Members Only Competition. I had selected nine images and was trying to narrow it down to eight, but in the end, I just submitted all nine. My goal for entering is to eventually… maybe… one day… become a Master Photographer. The journey will allow me to gain knowledge and growth, and to be judged by my peers while receiving valuable feedback from them. I’ve never wanted to become rich or famous from photography, but I have ALWAYS wanted to be able to create the most stunning images of and for people. This is but one step to help me achieve that.

This is only the second such competition I’ve entered. The first competition was last year’s Second Half Competition. I only had enough confidence to experiment with one submission (image below). I thought the image was spectacular, and to be honest, I still think it’s pretty great. I LOVE all the leading lines, the implied movement and I think the short, but not too harsh, shadows are spot on. William’s expression is one of pure freedom and I think the bridge is a symbol of this important transition in his life.

When I first opened up the email with the results, my heart sank a little. I was hoping for at least an 80 (Above Average; Good standard of professional skill, creativity and technique). This image scored a 75. A score of 75 is considered to be below average and requires improvement in technique. However, after a little thinking, I realized that the image didn’t score in the bottom category (Below Average; Not up to Professional Standards). AND, my score was at the high end of the range (70-75), and not the low end. Had I scored a 69 or below, the judges wouldn’t even have considered my work to be of a professional standard.

So this was great news! This image was considered to be of a professional standard, just below a professional average. This is exactly where many of the greats have also started. According to the feedback, I needed to work on my rule of thirds. I celebrated the critique and started working to make better images!

This isn’t the local talent show. This is an international stage and my work is being looked at and critiqued by the very best wedding and portrait professionals in the world. I am in good company and I am in good hands. How can I not improve?

Stay tuned in tomorrow to see which nine images I selected to enter into the competition!

Until next time, be positive, happy, and healthy, and don’t forget to be photographed.

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I am a San Antonio-based wedding and senior photographer who started Ata-Girl Photography Co., LLC in 2010. As one of the up-and-coming San Antonio wedding photographers, I am also available to shoot in Austin, Houston and Dallas and the surrounding areas. I am also available for destination weddings worldwide. Ata-Girl Photography Co. offers an amazing wedding photography service that you won’t soon forget.  As a professional photographer, my sole purpose is to provide you the absolute best photography experience.

I am a professional photographer who enjoys documenting the important milestones and captivating moments in people’s lives. I firmly believe that the unique set of circumstances I have faced in life has prepared me to take a personal and genuine interest in my photography clients. When I’m not photographing a wedding, family or high school senior, I love hiking, cycling, reading, listening to Elvis and most importantly, I enjoy seeing my daughters happy!

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