Is It Who You Know?

Watching the concentration of great photographers judge the contest entries in the "Photography and Captions" module was a highlight in the sessions so far. I clicked on every bio and listened to all of their stories. Their comments got me thinking about the connections we make to professionals in our community. The publications class at my school is offered for CTE credit. As part of the course, connections with outside professionals is required and encouraged. We have developed a great relationship with the local Snohomish Tribune, in particular photographer Doug Ramsey. He is their lead photographer and freely coaches our kids as they work the sidelines at games or events. He mentored my Editor in Chief, Bailey Vassalli this year not only as a photographer, but she covered many high school events and had several front page stories of happenings around our area.

http://www.snoho.com/stories_2015/032515_snohomish_easter_parade_2015.html

http://www.snoho.com/stories_2015/060315_snohomish_teacher_patti_wade.html

Another connection I've made as part of a CTE group is a portrait photographer who invited advisers and photo teachers to come see the Washington State Professional Photographers Association  judging. The way she explained the journeymen system is that to become a journeyman photographer by the association, a photographer can submit up to 4 photos a year for judging. They have to meet a certain quality standard to earn a merit. You must earn 24 "merits" worth of these exceptional photos to be considered at the "journeyman" level. So, a photographer would have to have a perfect portfolio for 6 straight years minimum to earn this level of recognition. As a teacher who feels as though contests are a shot in the dark, watching a group of professionals discuss and judge a large body of work is appealing. Yes, emotion, leading lines, rule of thirds, pattern, and lighting can all be outstanding but what is it that makes one photo better than the others? I tried the "You be the Judge" exercise was not perfect by any stretch. I always got the first and last one right. Wondering how others faired on that exercise and if we would all choose similar photos in a contest or come to a consensus.


Annie Green
Glacier Peak High School
Snohomish, Washington