big sur photographer

The 2017 Shoot & Share photo contest results are in, people!  I’m so excited to share with you that 7 of my photos placed in the top 30% or higher out of 332,000++ images submitted.  There are several interesting and amazing aspects to this competition.  You can submit up to 50 images, although I have to admit I did this all last minute and only submitted about 20 images.  I hope to put more thought into it for future contests!  Once voting begins, you are shown 4 photos of the same category at a time and you select the one you think is the best, then repeat with 4 more photos…you get the idea.  The photographers’ names are unknown during the competition, along with knowing how well you are doing with your own photos.  You can receive a heart if someone favorites your image (not the same as a vote though), which is the only indication that you are still in the contest…and even then, you do not know which photos have continued to the next round.

Here are my photos that placed.  This first one that was a finalist means that it made it to the final Round 12, which is the top 3.5% of all photos submitted (actual placement was 257th place).  This photo brings mixed emotions for me…super personal as it shows the gut-wrenching effects of the Soberanes Fire last summer.  This photo was taken in the Santa Lucia Preserve and showcases the close proximity and enormity of the fire.  In a single image, it shows the chaos, scariness, and the hard working air crews that were constantly fighting this fire.  I am humbled and honored that it would place as a finalist photo.  Thank you to those who voted for any of my images.  It was an inspiring competition to be a part of and I love seeing my photography growth compared to last year’s contest (4 images placed).

Every year Shoot & Share hosts a photo contest at the beginning of the year.  It is considered the one and only “free and fair” photo contest in which anyone can vote.  When you go to vote, you are shown 4 photos at a time (the 4 grouped together are always in the same category) and you select one of the four as your vote.  The photographer’s details/name are never revealed until the contest is completely finished.  Each time you vote, it rotates you through various categories.  In 2016, over 225,000 photos were submitted and I realized recently that I never shared my results!

Last year was the first year that I went for it and decided to submit any images.  The 4 photos below that I submitted placed in the top 20% and 30% of all the images entered (categories that placed include Children, Families, and Seniors).  Just thought I’d share – better late than never!!  I am anticipating finding out the results of the 2017 Shoot and Share contest sometime this week!  It is such an inspiring contest and such a great sense of community within the group.

Channing is a senior at Stevenson School this year.  There are no other words to describe Channing’s photos other than completely gorgeous!

The Soberanes Fire has seemed so personal to so many of us. While our family has been placed on warning evacuation due to the fire, our home is safe at the moment. We all seem to be mourning the loss of a life, homes and trails, along with the spectacular beauty and vastness that makes Big Sur so enchanting. As I tried to think of a specific way to help those who have lost their homes in this tragic (and still burning) Soberanes Fire, I wanted to try to give back in a small way.

For anyone who purchases my favorite Big Sur photo as a metal print, wood print, or canvas through the end of August, Dawn May Photography will be giving 30% of these sales directly to The Community Foundation for Monterey County Sobranes Fire Fund (http://www.cfmco.org).  More details below.

My family has had this metal print hanging in our living room for several months and it has brought us so much joy as we love the Big Sur coastline.  Yes, the trails and natural beauty will eventually regrow, but people will need to rebuild their homes so much sooner.

Canvases:

12×18 $155

16×24 $230

20×30 $300

24×36 $365

All canvases come with a 1.5” depth wrap and sawtooth hangers (optional).

Metal Prints:

8×12 $75

12×18 $135

16×24 $220

20×30 $285

Metal prints give your images a modern and edgy feel. Images are printed directly onto high quality aluminum. Metal Prints come with 3/4″ gatorboard block that contains holes for hanging.

Wood Prints:

8×12 $110

12×18 $155

16×24 $230

20×30 $360

Wood prints give your print a natural look with your image printed on maple wood. The beauty of the grain comes through on the lighter colors and white areas of your image, giving it a soft and warm feel. Wood Prints are ½” deep and finished with a protective laminate and are ready to hang with a pre-cut keyhole. Due to the nature of the maple wood, no two boards will look exactly alike. Each print will be unique.

To order your wall art, please visit my gallery (password: Bigsurca16) to place your order directly or email dawn@dawnmayphotography.com.  Additional sizes are available, but please inquire for more details.

More info about Community Foundation for Monterey County Sobranes Fire Fund (http://www.cfmco.org/about-us/fund-list/soberanes-fire-fund/)

The Community Foundation for Monterey County (CFMC) has created the Soberanes Fire Fund to assist the affected community in recovery efforts from the #SoberanesFire which began July 22, 2016. Donations to this fund will provide support in the aftermath of the fire. Grants from the fund will be distributed to nonprofit agencies and organizations directly assisting individuals to meet needs as they arise. We are working in close partnership with the Coast Property Owners Association to deploy resources where they are most needed.

The CFMC has waived all administrative fees so 100% of donations will be used for grantmaking. The funds will be used to make grants to agencies providing emergency assistance, health and human services, short term housing/rental assistance, reimbursement of equipment and supplies, and other immediate relief or long-term recovery support for the affected residents. The fund is a trusted repository for philanthropic assets to be directed specifically for this purpose.