At It Again

I can't believe it's already that time again, but I entered in this year's photo competition at the State Fair! I am pumped about this year because, unlike last year's entry this picture is bigger, better, and in color. As you may recall, my first year of exhibiting went alright. I mean, at least my picture got exhibited but I didn't win anything for it. I hope this year will be different. Of course, I would love to get first place and a blue ribbon like anyone else.

However, I know the competion will be even tougher this year because I'm in the amateur category. I believe this category is larger than the school category I was in last year. This means I have to step up my game and present a picture that stands above the rest not only in quality but in framing, size, etc. The higher category also means the prizes are so much better. First prize this year is $120 and, of course the coveted blue ribbon. Second gets $95, third $80, and honorable mentions get $55. Just as a comparison, here's the photo I used last year...

And here is this year's entry...

The pic above was taken in Times Square, New York from my trip this past March. As you can see, there's a big difference between the two. In fact, I tried something new with thw photo this year. I got it enlarged by Shutterfly, an online company where you simply upload any photo and order prints at very cheap prices. Let me tell you, they made the picture look even better than the one above! I think I have improved my photo picking skills somewhat. Seriously, I looked back on last year and continue to ask myself, "Why did I pick that picture?" Oh well, I invested quite a bit in this year's photo, so I hope it will pay off.