This photograph is not only near and dear to my heart, but also very nostalgic. The characters in this photograph from August of 1981 are my almost 6-year-old son, my soon to be 5-year-old daughter and one duck ! As it happened, on the very first roll of B&W film I ever processed for myself in a darkroom, Fuji Neopan 400 as I remember. I didn’t realize at the time but their body language exemplified their personalities, at least until they went off to college. My son kinda of mellow without showing a lot of outward emotion while my daughter inquisitive but guarded in all things unknown at such an early age.
Shortly after this photograph was taken I joined the Connecticut Professional Photographers Association in September of 1981 and attended my first meeting. At the end of these meetings each month all photographers would gather to have a print competition where a panel of three esteemed judges who were in attendance would judge and offer a critique on several of the photographs. There was a Creative category which was designed for all things NOT Portrait, Wedding or Commercial type imagery. I decided I wanted to get involved with the CPPA as it was known and decided the easiest way was to begin entering monthly print competitions. The very next month I entered the above photograph, I’ve tried my best to replicate that photograph, both in sepia-toned color and signs of poor exposure (the duck is overexposed) and any lack of real printing skill. One of the judges on that panel was Master Photographer and Photographic Craftsman Nancy Holowitz. She loved the emotion and body language of the children. Much to my surprise the above image titled “Hey Look Me Over” was awarded a Best of Show in the Creative Category that evening by the 3 judges.
Nancy Holowitz went onto say I should consider entering the photograph into the Professional Photographers of America annual print competition and offered a few suggestions on how to make the photograph more impactful which are seen in the below photograph. The suggestions included better printing and to use an oval matt to exclude unnecessary parts of the composition. I entered the next PPofA annual print competition with a dark over matt, similar to the rendering shown below. The photograph received a score of 88 and was accepted into the PPof A Loan Collection, the highest recognition a single print can receive. A “Merit Print”, meaning one scoring 80 or above receive one print merit towards the degree of Master Photographer while a Loan Collection print receives two merits. If there was a spark luring within me, Nancy turned it into a blazing inferno !!
A Loan Collection print is rare even for seasoned pros. The fact that my first merit print became a Loan Collection print and was of my two oldest children coming from the very first roll of B&W film I ever processed makes it as rewarding a photograph as I’ve ever made. Little did I know from that first CT. Professional Photographers print competition in 1981 would come two of the closest photography friends that I have, Nancy and Jack Holowitz, both Master Photographers and Photographic Craftsman. Later, Jack and I would travel all over the Western United States conducting workshops and building our own portfolios. I drew so much inspiration from how Jack would approach designing a photograph, I’m blessed to call Jack a dear friend and my mentor ! To this day, 35+ years later, the closest friends I have were in the room that night in 1981.
Excellent image. Love the body positions.
Thank you Joel, coming from you that is a true compliment !
Priceless Sherm
Great image and story behind it !
Thanks Gary !
The body language tells the story. You captured the moment.
Thank you Laszlo for responding.
When I saw this photograph I immediately thought of W. Eugene Smith’s iconic “Walk to Paradise Garden” photograph (1946) of his two children. They look about the same age as your two, backs to the camera, engrossed in nature. Both photographs elicit that universal appeal.
It’s not difficult to imagine how meaningful this wonderful photograph of your children has become to you. Thanks for sharing this, Steve!
Bill Johnson
Thanks, Bill for such kind words, I have in the past been told by a few photographers that the image is reminiscent of Walk to Paradise Garden, my understanding is the image was symbolic of the end of World War II and the Western world was embarking on a bright future. I thought of including that in the storyline but did not want people to think that in some way I was aligning my talents with those of an iconic photographer such as Eugene Smith. Thanks for commenting !
steve, is a note that spreads to follow along the way, who does not have pictures of their children, and as you mention each one marks the scene with his character.
congratulations for the award, congratulations for remembering him and above all for sharing your formation stories without selfishness and simplicity.
We see that there are no secrets, there is effort, dedication and a helping hand that guides you.
Thank you Ricardo for such insightful words of appreication !
I love this picture. It is precious by itself but to know that it is Steve and Staci makes it all the more special as does all the background of your start as a pro.
Thank you, Kathy, for commenting, I’m sure the photograph is meaningful in its own way to you as Steve is now family
SS congratulations on 1981 accomplishments and to do it with your own children. Special indeed. Kids are filled with truths. The title alone is definitely from SS imagination! Best in show for sure. What an honor to have such close friends for so long and to inspire you. Your inferno seems to be still blazing within every photo you take. Makes me smile!