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
