monterey tween 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).

Working with Christina and her mom was such a blast!  They started out at Oya Salon to get Christina’s hair and makeup done.  She looked stunning!  Totally at ease in front of the camera, I think she is off to a great modeling start.  Best of luck, Christina as you submit photos to modeling agencies!