Fort Myers Photographer earns International Print Merits!
International and State Print Competition can be intense in our industry, it requires pushing oneself to excellence in all areas of making that final print. Every minuet decision will be judged.
Click Here to see the Twelve elements we are judged on.
This year here are some more of the images that Barb submitted and received recognition for.
First named “Lee County Lineman” and then changed to “Storm Chaser” for more impact! Their are 12 different elements to judging a print and naming it is one important factor.
Torey is one of Lee County’s dedicated Lineman and has a mother in law that asked him to model for her.
“Nick Of Time”
Click Here to Read Santa’s story
“My Lips Are Sealed”
Little Jace came into studio with his three brothers for a newborn photography session and was so adorable he had to be photographed individually. Obliviously it was the right decision, and international print merit doesn’t come easy!
“Asking For Answers”
Aren’t we all asking for answers, this image is special because it’s Barb’s brother and shortly after he had a heart attack while at work. Another reminder that life is precious and time stops for no one.
Billy is a minister and a talented musician, he has since recovered and is doing well.
Here at SandBar we are always looking for unique subjects, ideas or people to photograph. It helps us to constantly push our limits of creativity and keep on top of our industry. If you or someone you know would like to model for us please feel free to send us a picture thru email or give us a call.
SANDBAR wins International Merit for portrait of Santa. ” Nick of Time”
Never Stop Believing in the Magic of Santa
Whoever said that Santa Claus isn’t real has never met Santa Larry.
November 2013 Santa approached SandBar Photography regarding having a formal portrait made. Even Santa needs professional head shots.
We had the pleasure of meeting Larry and his wife, Eileen, aka Mr. & Mrs. Claus.
While posing for the camera, click after click, the magic began to happen. With each frame we knew we had something very special. That ‘something special’ was confirmed
in July as SandBar Photography received prestigious International Merits for “Nick of Time”.
Santa did more than simply pose for the camera, he delivered. Here at SandBar Photography we do “Believe in the Magic of Santa.
We are including Santa Larry’s information and highly recommend him and his services.
He is kind, sweet, and gentle with children and adults. It was an honor to be asked to photograph him.
Larry is a real bearded Santa 365 days a year and has been a member of a Professional Santa Claus Association for past 14 years
Mr. & Mrs. Claus are available year round for charitable events, parties, promotions, parades and more.
He can be reached at:
Workshop 239-470-4561
Sleigh 239-470-4823
“In the Nick of Time”
As many of you know, Barb and I are members of our local professional photography guild here in Southwest Florida. Last night was our first Print Competition of the Year and we each entered six images.
We were so excited to have Merited on 7 out of the 12 entered, and three of those received placement awards!
It is our goal to continue to perfect our craft by entering images into local, state, and international competitions. We are eager to hear the judges’ critiques and are able to learn and grow from them.
Check out last night’s Award Winning SandBar Photography Images:
I had better get to blogging about this since it in today’s paper.
I am still amazed looking at this portrait and all the awards it has won. Here’s the story how it all came to be.
After leaving our annual photographers convention, It was last year about this time that I was inspired to photograph my 4 year old granddaughter McKenzie Virginia in a Renaissance Era costume I picked up at Cracker Barrel on my way home.
I have always loved the era, from romance and fiction to walking thru every castle I could convince my family to go thru while traveling in England years ago. I wanted this image to be a portrait of a little girl that could be the daughter of a Queen.
Bringing McKenzie into studio , dressing her into the costume and her mommy curling her hair just so.
She stood perfectly still and smiles, I asked her to stand very “regal” knowing she didn’t understand that word. I told her to stand tall, she was very important, and not to smile but not look bored or mad. Apparently she knew exactly what I needed because she nailed it!
I titled her appropriately “Heir to the Throne”
It was entered at local competition among professional photographers and it received 1 st place for children and Best of Show for the evening. A honor but not something that I hadn’t won before. Went home very pleased.
Next was several months later I entered in the South Eastern States Regional Competition that covered 13 states and 3 countries. I had never entered before but wanted to get critic so I could enter into International later in the year. I received an email asking where did I want my award mailed to? and then a phone call from Florida Photographer President stating since I wasn’t at convention they picked up my award.
1st Place Children’s Portrait Southern Region United States – WOW!!!
shocked I sent her to International Print Competition where she Merited and is being published in a Show Case gallery book.! Big Honor
Then coming back for our annual State Convention, she won 1st place children’s portrait, The peoples choice award ( which is all the photographers vote on their favorite portrait entered no matter what catagory) WOW!!!
and then only one award for Kodak Gallery award and again they announced ” Heir to the Throne” Barbara Spratlin for the 4th time that evening.
Needless to say I was emotional and speechless, so proud and received so much recognition and praise from such talented photographers in this industry who understand how difficult it is to get these awards.I am still humbled and very grateful.
I would love to produce such a portrait for others, something of their loved ones, truly to be cherished for a lifetime. A piece of Art. ~ Barb
