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The Results Are In - Part 24

OK folks, it is toot once more that toot I let you toot toot know of recognition toot in toot Black & White toot Magazine…this in the toot February 2026 Single Image toot Contest Winners. Sorry, as I toot looked back at toot what I’d typed, I saw way toot many toots of my horn. No more then.

“The category that my People’s Choice Award photo was featured is the “TRAVEL/PEOPLE/PLACES” category”

This February issue #176 includes 6 of my photos, which is a record for me in this premier magazine. As I look at the other winners, I see one person with 4 photos, and a few with 3 photos published. Toot!

Here is the cover of this month’s issue.

Once again, a female giving us a dark, dramatic look.

PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD WINNER

Here is the photo that captured the public voters’ attention. The title is “Mom & Sis at White Sands National Park”. This is my mother (aka Tutu & Maurine) and sister (aka Luanna) at White Sands National Park, New Mexico. I took this photo in 2012. This photo was the People’s Choice Award Winner in the TRAVEL/PEOPLE/PLACES category. As we sat under the shelter, we had lunch. It was very much of a tradition when traveling with my mother that we have a food box in the car for lunch stops at roadside parks…or pretty much any place that we could find shape just off the highway.

Mom and Sis at White Sands National Park, New Mexico, 2012

SINGLE IMAGE AWARD WINNERS

As always, to see the photos in a full-screen way, click on the first photo and then click on the little > at the right of the photos to work your way through the 5 photos.

Flying Home with Construction Materials, St Agustine, Florida, 2022

Full Moon Through Desert Thorns, Tucson, AZ, 2023

Ocotillo Display, Tucson, AZ, 2022

Street Jazz Musicians, New Orleans, LA, 2022

Drawing Desert Energy, Tucson, 2023

HOW THESE PHOTOS WERE MADE

In the first photo of the snowy egret carrying a branch to his mate to construct a nest, no Photoshop techniques were used. That is captured exactly as he was flying back to the nest-to-be.

In the Full Moon Through Desert Thorns photo, yes I did use Photoshop there to layer the full moon and stars behind the thorns of a barrel cactus. [by the way, for the caption in the publication, they used the caption from someone else’s submittal].

The Ocotillo photo was a Photoshop composite of ocotillo limbs shot at various times in the Sonoran desert of Arizona.

The Street Jazz Musicians photo? No Photoshop at all.

What do you think about the Drawing Desert Energy photo? Photoshop or no? The correct answer is yes to Photoshop, of course.

DO YOU PREFER COLOR OR BLACK & WHITE?

I would love to have your input in the comments section below regarding your preference for black & white as shown above, versus color, as shown below.

Here is What He Was Doing with the Stick

It was so fascinating to watch these beautiful snowy egrets building their nests in St Augustine, Florida.

The male would fly out and gather a stick and bring it back for his female mate to build a home…time and again.

Here they are below as he arrives at the nest-in-progress to deliver his stick. She accepts and places the stick in just the right place. And, they often display unexpected affection, as seen here.

FINALE

TOOT! TOOT!-TOOT!-TOOT!-TOOT!, TOOT! TOOT!

[To the rythm of shave and a haricut, two bits]

My lips are very tired from tooting, so no more, and sorry to have tooted to you so much this issue.

Each of the photos above causes me to pause a bit to think on God’s gift to us through his creation of plants, animals, and us humans. It is always such a joy for me to be out in the open spaces or city spaces to admire His creative handywork. And, I consider each of you to be a part of His precious handywork.

Although this article is not Italy-related, I will still say…

Ciao, for now!

From you friend, Steve

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The Results Are In: Part 20

Index of Articles

“My goodness gracious, me sakes alive!”

That’s what my dear mother would say when something happened that surprised her in a pleasant way. And, that’s what I uttered when I opened the latest issue of Black & White Magazine. This is the premier publication for black and white photography. You’ve seen recognition related to this publication in some of the past articles beginning with the words, “The Results Are In:”. However, the honor of today’s award is greater than just having a photo recognized amongst all of the others in a particular issue. Read on to see why.

2021 BLACK & WHITE SINGLE IMAGE CONTEST

This is the contest for which I a submitted photos. Six months from now, you would see awardees for the “portfolio” contest, where several photos with similar theme are grouped into a portfolio of more than just one image. I’ve garnered recognition for portfolio submissions, also…like here, where you see a portfolio of 5 images in New Orleans.

The awardees for the 2021 Single Image Contest were recognized in the January, 2022, issue of Black & White Magazine…the cover of which you see here. Note the words at the top of the cover, “SPECIAL ISSUE 2021 CONTEST WINNERS”.

But alas, my winning photo was not in the issue with the rest of the awardees.

It turns out that it was set aside for special recognition in the now published April 2022 issue (I know, strange how these magazine issues work, isn’t it? It's the first day of March, yet the April issue is out).

So, why was my winning photo held back for publication in the April 2022 issue?

2021 SPOTLIGHT AWARD

When my latest issue of Black & White Magazine came, Ellen was the first to open it and was surprised to see this photo on page 35…a mug shot of me.

[I’ve published this photo twice before within my articles. 5 points if you can identify an article with this photo…that would be 10 points if you get both!!! Well, to be honest, which is a trait for which I strive, the previous versions showed a glass of wine that I was enjoying in my hand…that is not to say that I was enjoying the fact that it was in my hand, but that I had the glass of wine to enjoy, and it happened to be in my hand. I think you get the drift.]

And, there was the write-up, which you can see here, that I had submitted explaining my winning photo.

“Many photographers are aware of the beautiful Upper Antelope Canyon on the Navajo reservation of Arizona, with beautiful light rays streaming through. But there are other slot canyons in the same Antelope Canyon wash. ‘Never’ was captured in the seldom accessed Rattlesnake Canyon. On my fifth Antelope Canyon trip, the formation of ‘Never’ immediately captured my attention. Though the two walls of sandstone were obviously fused together as one for millennia, that joining is NEVER to be repeated – that’s just the quality of geologic time in a seldom-flowing river’s progress.”

That’s when I had my own utterance of those memorable words of old, “My goodness gracious, me sakes alive!”

THE WINNING PHOTO

OK, that’s enough buildup. Right? Here’s the photo that was recognized as the 2022 Single Image Winner in the Landscape/Nature category.

The Whole of Page 35

You don’t need to rush out and purchase the April 2022 copy of Black & White Magazine to see the page of honor…here it is. If it tends to not fit your whole screen, click on the image to get a ‘fill-screen’ version.

I’m sorry that you had to endure a non-Italy photo, but that’s just the way it is.

I have a hope for you, and here is that hope: I hope that if you are in the northern-Arizona area of Antelope Canyon (just outside of Page, AZ), you will arrange a visit to Upper Antelope Canyon. Tours are readily available. And, there is much, much less crowding than in the past, as the Navajo have installed a one-way system by creating an up-and-over-return system that takes you back to your guide’s vehicle. In the past, there we groups coming and going at the same time, and congestion was the rule of the day. And, I would suggest skipping the Lower Antelope Canyon…just not as adventure worthy.

I’ve used more than one tour outfit, and I highly suggest Adventurous Antelope Canyon Tours.

If you happen to be on a tour in the Antelope Canyon area, perhaps I’ll see you in the less-visited Rattlesnake Canyon, or Mountain Sheep Canyon, or even Owl Canyon. We can say ‘hello’ and compare photos. Until that happens, I say…

Ciao for now,

Steve

p.s. Oh hey, if you want to see the other photos I submitted for this particular contest, here are the other five, which did not receive recognition. From left-to-right and top-to-bottom they are: boulders lodged within Mountain Sheep Canyon - a side canyon in the Antelope Creek wash; hot-air balloon from our own hot-air balloon drifting over the vineyards of Napa Valley; ‘slurred’ bicyclist in New Orleans; abandoned drive-in theatre in central Nevada; and, the underside of a highway interchange in New Orleans. Click the first image and then arrow through the photos.

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The Results Are In -- Part 15

Index of Articles

I’m really excited to let you know that Black & White Magazine has once again elected to publish some of my photos as award winners. The “Special Issue 2019 Contest Winners” for single images was published in February, 2019. The term ‘single image’ is in contrast to recognition for a ‘portfolio’ of several images (like the New Orleans portfolio I previously showed here).

In this current issue, the editors selected three of my photos for publication. And one was even a photo from Italy!

Laundry Day

The photo from Italy is found on page 80 and is titled ‘Laundry Day, Isola Burano, 2012”.

Burano is a lovely and colorful island in the Venetian lagoon. Almost every house is painted in bright colors, though you could not tell that from the photo above. The wall in the photo is a nice lemon yellow. You can see a color version in my print store here.

I love this simple composition. And, I like that the laundry is from the toddler's room...complete with baby-blue, bunny-rabbit sheets and pullups. You may have seen this photo before, as the judges for the International Black & White Spider Awards liked this one, too, as they gave it a 2nd Place - Merit of Excellence Award in their 2014 contest.

Sunset Gospel

On page 40 you will find a familiar photo from “The Results Are In — Part 14'“. The photo is titled “Sunset Gospel, Grenville, New Mexico, 2014”. To find out more about this photo, see the aforementioned article.

Rapid Transit

Finally, here is an old favorite that I captured on Bourbon Street in New Orleans. Pedicabs are a great way to negotiate the streets of New Orleans, and I had fun ‘slurring’ many photos as they passed by, using a very slow shutter speed as I panned my camera. This one was my favorite. The color version was nominated in the 7th Annual International Pollux Awards back in 2015.

On page 189 you can find, “Rapid Transit, New Orleans, Louisiana, 2012”

OK, consider my horn as tooted! Now it’s time that I got back to thinking about, and writing about, good times in Italy. I’ll fill you in on that sort of thing very soon!

Ciao for now,

Steve

The Results Are In -- Part 14

Index of Articles

While I was away for a bit, I am pleased to say that recognition of my photography once again came my way. This particular recognition came from the Vermont PhotoPlace Gallery. The gallery is located in the oldest remaining residence in Middlebury, Vermont. It was built in 1799 as a residence for the foreman of the water mill on Otter Creek. I haven’t been there, but it’s said to be a beautiful structure, with sagging, hand-hewn beams of lumber from local virgin forest of yesteryear.

I received word that one of my photos was selected for the juried show of July, 2018 — a show simply titled, “Black & White 2018”. Each year this gallery departs from a specific monthly theme to display black and white photos that they feel merit exhibition.

Here is the photo that was selected for the exhibition. I have titled this photo, “Sunset Gospel” — a play on the fact that the sun has set on this particular old church.

I am always pleased when one of my personal favorite photos is selected for framing and exhibition, and this one is one of my favorites. i was doubly pleased (is that possible?) that my photo was selected for two other honors for the exhibition: it was blown up to 36” x 54” for the large banner advertising the upcoming showing; and it was the featured photo on their website’s banner, shown below.

The story of how the photo came about is typical of my photo journeys through the southwest. I am drawn to the communities that have begun to fade away, or have already done so. There were hopes and dreams involved with each structure I find abandoned. Someone selected a paint color, cooked in a kitchen that they organized, worked in a shop, preached at a pulpit, taught in front of a blackboard, served up a chicken-fried steak that probably covered the plate. So many busted dreams and broken hearts. But I hope along the way there were times of love, snuggling, happiness, warmth, success and fulfillment.

I came upon this structure in Grenville, New Mexico, just before sunset. Grenville is located between Clayton and Raton. Though I have traveled this road often, I had not noticed this small community sitting just off the highway. According to census figures, the population of Grenville in 2000 was 25 souls. Here is a photo of Grenville as it sits today. The red rectangle defines the building depicted in Sunset Gospel.

Here is the main entrance from the highway to the Village of Grenville.

Though not going strong, I’m guessing that Grenville is not at all down and out. A welcome sign, some concrete sidewalk, a picnic table with a tiny bit of afternoon shade, and a community center complete with a piano, are testament to community pride. I’m guessing that those who live here enjoy their community. I’m optimistic that their hopes and dreams are being realized each day while hundreds pass by without even noticing the place they call home — which is probably the way they like it.

Sorry for the departure from things Italian! We’ll get back to Italy next time.

Ciao for now,

Steve

The Results Are In - Part 9

I recently filled you in on recognition in the 8th International Color Awards, and I feel compelled to keep you up to date regarding additional recognition.

“I am always pleased when a juror or jurors single out my work for recognition. That is not the driving force in my photographic work, but it does give one a boost when it is received!”

This recognition concerns the PhotoPlace Gallery in Middlebury, Vermont. This gallery is strictly for photography and their themed exhibits change monthly. You last saw two of my exhibited photos in my article The Results Are In! Part 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6 (it was part 5, by the way).

Today's article covers three different exhibits -- one past, one current, and one upcoming. Here are the works that have received recognition.

FYI: You can see a slideshow recap of all awards, recognition and accolades by clicking the RECOGNITION link on my webpage.

Theme: Going Places

Sept 22 - Oct 23, 2015

This photo is titled "Movin' On". It was taken on a wonderful day in The Highlands of Iceland. The vehicle in the photo was one of eight or so that I saw that day on this 160 mile road. And the road? It is exactly as you see it here for its entire length.

Want to see a bit more of Iceland? See my YouTube video.

Theme: Up Close and Personal

May 11 - June 13, 2016

Two photos were selected for the current Up Close And Personal exhibit.

This first photo is one of my favorite flower photos. There are millions of dogwood trees blooming in the southeastern U.S. in the spring, and I enjoy seeing them. Traveling one of the many narrow back roads of Tennessee, I was able to capture this photogenic dogwood branch. As I traveled through the southeast last month, I was again treated all along the way to these spectacular blooms.

Here is a dandelion puff that you may have seen before. It was one of my first recognized photos from when Black & White Magazine had a companion color photo contest in 2012. My wife, Ellen, and I were picnicing in Vail along Gore Creek when I spotted this healthy puff. I used a bit of strategery to pluck just a few of the seeds to reveal the heart of the puff in this photo which I have titled 'Puff Fluff'.

Here is the color version from Black & White Magazine, which received a Silver Award back in 2012. It is just the upper-right quadrant of the same image, above.

Theme: Flight

June 8 - July 1, 2016

Both the photographer Ansel Adams and painter Georgia O'Keefe made the San Francisco de Assisi Church at Ranchos de Taos, New Mexico, famous in the early 1930s. My more modern version is just below. 'Ranchos Morning' was indeed taken in the morning. I believe that the passing bird adds to the drama of this fabulous adobe church, which was completed in 1816.

In her Juror's statement, juror Laura Moya cited this photo in particular as she said, "Details in some of the imagery stick with me...a hawk soars above the famed Ranchos de Taos church...".

I am always pleased when a juror or jurors single out my work for recognition. That is not the driving force in my photographic work, but it does give one a boost when it is received!

Ciao for now,

Steve

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