When my husband presented me with the idea of The Shot of the Week, I thought it was a great idea. First of all, it would be a way for my readers to get seen, a platform to show their work and have a link to their website up. I just had no idea how many submissions we would get this first week that we’ve ran it. And the talent that has poured in! I must admit, I have some very strong shooters reading my blog! I was really blown away at how many great shots came in this week for The Shot of the Week. So congratulate yourselves! And keep it up!
Sadly, though, there can only be one winner. Which is the hard part and which I went back and forth with my husband about. I do not want to discourage anyone, ever, from building knowledge and confidence in the fashion photography arena. Each and everyone of you has the potential to make it. It literally relies on your passion and dedication on whether or not you’re going to make it as a fashion photographer. Talent is key. Dedication and passion run a very close second to it. The very act of you submitting your work is a fantastic sign of your dedication. As we all know, the industry is highly competitive. And I mean that! I don’t want to thwart, scare, turn off, or freak you out, but it’s a fiercely competitve business. I’ve made sacrifices for it that I know a lot of people wouldn’t make. And it takes that committment in order to work in the industry.
In saying all this, I don’t want anyone who submitted and didn’t win this week to feel inadequate or judged. I am being honest when I say that I was really awestruck with the amazingly great images that came in for the competition. And if you didn’t win, keep tryng. You can even submit the same shot if you want because there were so many that I wanted to choose as The Shot of the Week, but that would make it The Shot(s) of the Week, and that’s not what we’re doing.
So here we go! Our first Shot of the Week Winner! It’s really exciting that this feature is doing so well! Keep submitting! That’s the nature of this business. You gotta’ keep knocking down those doors, keep submitting your work to the same client, keep showing them your best work and finally……..you will get the gig!
Click here to view the week of Jan. 10th 2009 S.O.T.W. winner!
I am glad that you decided to do this. I can already see that it will be a great way for people to showcase their fine work and be inspired by others. A big bonus of having your shot picked is getting a critique from you as well
From my perspective as a subscriber to your blog and a fan of your work, I appreciate the time and experience in the industry that you are sharing with us. With your busy life professionally and personally, I am grateful that you are willing to share your thoughts, ideas, and experiences. The Shot of the Week is a bonus for all of us that read the blog. I look at the one winner a week as adding some prestige to the weekly contest. Considering the competitive nature of the photography industry, submitting work gives us a chance to get a taste of making the effort to submit and learning how to respond to the results. Perseverance is a key trait for success in any effort. Learning that in this environment is a gentle way to let us get familiar with that aspect of the business.
Having input from someone with your experience and talent is a huge plus for all of us.
Thanks
This S.O.T.W. contest is a great idea for others to showcase their talents and for those of us who just started to learn a little insight from you about what makes a good fashion shot. Thanks for starting this contest and your time in doing all this. I’ve been a fan of yours since you sent me the invite to your blog through flickr and I am glad I’ve joined.
Warm Regards,
Larry
so happy that i found your blog! i love it and look forward to many more visits and linking you on my own blog.
This is such a great idea – gives your already wonderful blog a whole new appeal and participative element – GREAT! I love the first shot of the week selected and your comment that you received so many excellent submissions – I’m not surprised…being highlighted on this blog would indeed be an achievement. For a connoisseur and enjoyer of this milieu (rather than professional)I find this feature really wonderful. Knowing your discriminating eye will be making the selections, I’ll look forward to seeing who’s new each week! I love the fact that your blog provides not only wonderful and very interesting/useful technical advice, but provides a truly unique and personal personal perspective into this whole world (warts and all
. I continue to look forward to seeing new developments and features!
I love the idea of this! I look forward to seeing your choices to come and commentary on them!
Now that is a hell of an image. the creativity is excellent. lighting is perfect. Excellent Pic. One word come to mind to describe this image: DYN-O-MITE!!!!
Yes great pic! How can we compete for the “shot of the week”. Just add our photos to the flickr group?
Nevermind I should have looked better
Great idea with this “SotW” Melissa. I really like it.
Dominik
Great initiative, and I’m looking forward to following you on the blog.
Congrats!!!
Very Exciting!!!!Perseverance is a key trait for success….Keep up The Excellent Work!!
Hi! I noticed that my website isn’t appearing well just in case you want to read what I think about fashion being a fashion buff that I also am. Cheers!
The style of writing is quite familiar to me. Have you written guest posts for other bloggers?