Photo Year in Review

Wrapping up 2016, Perhaps my most exciting photo adventure this year was being sponsored by Rep Diana DiZoglio for a Massachusetts State House Exhibit in partnership with my husband who is also a photographer. We had a one week show featuring the Merrimack Valley and beyond, towns very near and dear to our hearts. And we are in discussions to restage that show elsewhere! You can see more of Jon’s work at Jonathan W Campbell Photography

MA State House exhibit with Jonathan Campbell

Middleton Stream Team Honorable Mention

I was also thrilled to become part of history. Are you kidding me!!!  My 2016 The Heartbeat of Haverhill calendar was juried into a time capsule for a gorgeous new city building that is part of the downtown renaissance of Haverhill, MA. I expect to be in the crowd in 25 years when the capsule is re-opened.

The Heartbeat of Haverhill calendar is snuggled in a time capsule in this new building called Harbor Place in Haverhill MA.

But don’t stop there – other memorable photo moments included a blue ribbon for the Topsfield Fair Agricultural Photo Competition and two honorable mentions at the Middleton Stream Team contest.

Topsfield Fair Blue Ribbon of wine grape harvest

I had two cover photos for Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce publications, had two images picked up by a Boston architectural firm, incorporated photos into a new marketing piece for the City of Haverhill, and helped people re-entering the workforce by shooting their profile pictures.

I received no awards at the Mass Audubon competition or Essex National Heritage Competition (you can’t win them all), but I did kind of win for the fact that I got out and explored these wonderful places.

Middleton Stream Team Awards Ceremony

Middleton Stream Team Honorable Mention

Personally I love competitions, for as random and perplexing as some results may seem (I cannot tell you how many times I felt someone else was more deserving of my award), but if the judges provide commentary, it encourages me to up my game and look for something others might miss. Plus there are some good prizes that help with this expanding hobby as well as The Heartbeat of Haverhill calendar. Added bonus –  there are always new and inspiring people to meet – other photographers and people in the street and on the trails.

Snakes fighting over toad was gruesome and so not likely to win a beauty award but it was such a random shot to happen upon that I did enter it into the Mass Audubon competition to no avail. Still feeling bad for the toad.

Images from The Heartbeat of Haverhill 2017 calendar available for purchase at Positive Images Gallery in Haverhill.

So check out competitions if you love taking photos. You may as well start sharing your work within a larger and mostly supportive circle. I know I’d like to see what you’re shooting! And in the meantime – may you all experience peace along with a sense of beauty, wonder, and joy to inspire you.

(c)Alison Colby-Campbell

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