Kyle – Volume 9

By the time this publishes, the Iowa State Fair Photography Salon will be over and hopefully I will be in possession of my entries. I don’t know I had a completely successful Iowa State Fair Photography Contest, but it wasn’t a complete failure. I only got one picture accepted. I shouldn’t say only because getting one picture in is an incredible accomplishment. There have definitely been years when I got shutout. There will definitely be years in the future where I will get shutout as well. One picture is an accomplishment. But I got three pictures in last year.

On the other hand, last year I got two Honorable Mentions. This year, I got 1st Place in Color Iowa Places and Landscapes.

In the end, there is a ton of luck involved. You never know what the judges will like. When they wake up in the morning, the judges don’t even know what they will like. What they had for breakfast might change their mood and change how they judge. So maybe I entered one great pictured and three terrible pictures. Maybe the judges needed a better breakfast burrito in the morning.

Regardless, here are the pictures I entered.


2022 Iowa State Fair Photography Salon - Olive Avenue
Class 11 – Open Road – “Olive Avenue” – Not Selected for Display

2022 Iowa State Fair Photography Salon - Hi Trestle Trail
Class 13 – Iowa Places & Landscapes – “Hi Trestle Trail” – 1st Place in Class

2022 Iowa State Fair Photography Salon - She Hates Pink Flowers
Class 17 – Plants, Flowers & Trees – “She Hates Pink Flowers” – Not Selected for Display

2022 Iowa State Fair Photography Salon - Best Mislaid Plans
Class 23 – Places & Landscapes – “Best Mislaid Plans” – Not Selected for Display

I didn’t really feel great about my entries this year. I’m crazy far behind on photo editing and my selection process was sloppy at least, so all things considered, not a bad year.

Here are some statistics about the this years Iowa State Fair Photography Salon:

+ 2191 pictures entered. 635 exhibited. 29%.
+ Of the 635 pictures exhibited. 193 got ribbons. 30%.
+ 125 pictures entered in Iowa Places & Landscapes (Color). 19 exhibited. 15%.
+ 158 pictures entered in The Open Road (Color). 43 exhibited. 27%.
+ 149 pictures entered in Plants, Flowers & Trees (Color). 33 exhibited. 22%.
+ 82 pictures entered in Places & Landscapes (Black & White). 23 exhibited. 28%.
+ 1179 Adult color pictures entered. 285 exhibited. 24%.
+ 339 Adult black & white pictures entered. 118 exhibited. 35%.
+ 191 Youth pictures entered. 79 exhibited. 41%.
+ 482 Special Division entered. 153 exhibited. 32%.
+ 7 photographers from Boone County entered 27 pictures.
+ 51 photographers from other states entered 169 pictures.
+ 669 photographers entered.
+ As near as I can tell, ZERO photographers got all 4 pictures in. The book claims that 2 people got all 4 pictures in, but my scan of all the entrants that had pictures accepted comes up with zero. This is my main goal every year. I did it once.

The theme class for 2023 is Sunrise, Sunset. I don’t imagine I will be entering that next year, but stranger things have happened. We’ll see what happens when I procrastinate and throw together my entries in hurry in late May next year.

+++++++

It is another Formal Portrait Sunday. This is the final collection of images from Kyle’s Senior Picture Photo Shoot. Included in here is a picture that was used for his campaign to be the Winter Formal King. A crown that he did claim.


Kyle Sharp

Kyle Sharp

Kyle Sharp

Kyle Sharp

Kyle Sharp

Kyle Sharp

Kyle Sharp

Kyle Sharp

Kyle Sharp

Kyle Sharp

Kyle Sharp

Kyle Sharp

Kyle Sharp

Kyle Sharp

Kyle Sharp

Kyle Sharp

Kyle Sharp

Kyle Sharp

Kyle Sharp

Kyle Sharp

Kyle Sharp

Kyle Sharp

Kyle Sharp

Kyle Sharp

Kyle’s current plan is to attend DMACC. He was recruited to play football for a Division III school, but decided to retire from the game and concentrate on figuring out what he wants to do with his life. Good luck with that, I’m still working on that myself.

Next Formal Portrait Sunday we will check back in with the Junck Family Photo Shoot.

Woodbury County Aux – Vol. 2

These pictures were taken on a trip I took with Jesse to Woodbury County to harvest the town signs of Woodbury County. However, all of these pictures were taken in Carroll County. Most of them in Roselle, Iowa in a church we stumbled upon. We were there on a Saturday night and the church was open for a Bible Study Group that meets there. Other than that service, there is no weekly mass at the church. They do the daily Catholic stuff there, but there isn’t many people left in the congregation. The church was recently restored though. It is absolutely beautiful. One of the most beautiful churches I have ever been in.


Carroll County - Roselle - Holy Angels Church

Carroll County - Roselle - Holy Angels Church

Carroll County - Roselle - Holy Angels Church

Carroll County - Roselle - Holy Angels Church

Carroll County - Roselle - Holy Angels Church

Carroll County - Roselle - Holy Angels Church

Carroll County - Roselle - Holy Angels Church

Carroll County - Roselle - Holy Angels Church

Carroll County - Roselle - Holy Angels Church

Carroll County - Roselle - Holy Angels Church

Carroll County - Roselle - Holy Angels Church

Carroll County - Roselle - Holy Angels Church

Carroll County - Roselle - Holy Angels Church

Carroll County - Roselle - Holy Angels Church

Carroll County - Roselle - Holy Angels Church

Carroll County - Roselle - Holy Angels Church

Carroll County - Roselle - Holy Angels Church

Carroll County - Roselle - Holy Angels Church

Carroll County - Roselle - Holy Angels Church

Carroll County - Roselle - Holy Angels Church

Carroll County - Roselle - Holy Angels Church

Carroll County - Roselle - Holy Angels Church

Carroll County - Roselle - Holy Angels Church

Carroll County - Glidden

Carroll County - Glidden

Carroll County - Glidden

The last three pictures are not of a Freedom Rock. There is only one Freedom Rock per county (except Polk County which has two) and the Carroll County Freedom Rock is in Manning. This rock is in Glidden. I think there are some alternate Freedom Rocks out there. But I haven’t looked into it.

The next time I share auxiliary images from THE TOWN SIGN PROJECT, they will be from Black Hawk County.

Baby Got Rack – Iowa State Fair – 2022

While I’m still not ready to reveal what picture got into the Iowa State Fair Photography Salon and what “award” it received, I am ready to share some pictures from Baby Got Rack’s day at the Iowa State Fair.

It was mostly great. We won 1st Place in our category (Combo/Specialty) and also won 1st Place in Showmanship. The only slight down is that we once again didn’t come home with the literal crown they give to Best of Show. That once again went to the guy that won Beef. Scott says that Beef doesn’t always win Best in Show. Scott is wrong about this, but we didn’t qualify for Beef so we couldn’t enter Beef. Anyways, this is one of the internal debates with the team. Like how some people on the team don’t realize that lemonade sucks. But what can you do?

Here are some pictures from the day:


Baby Got Rack - 2022 - Iowa State Fair

Baby Got Rack - 2022 - Iowa State Fair

Baby Got Rack - 2022 - Iowa State Fair

Baby Got Rack - 2022 - Iowa State Fair

Baby Got Rack - 2022 - Iowa State Fair

Baby Got Rack - 2022 - Iowa State Fair

Baby Got Rack - 2022 - Iowa State Fair

Baby Got Rack - 2022 - Iowa State Fair

Baby Got Rack - 2022 - Iowa State Fair

Baby Got Rack - 2022 - Iowa State Fair

Baby Got Rack - 2022 - Iowa State Fair

Baby Got Rack - 2022 - Iowa State Fair

Baby Got Rack - 2022 - Iowa State Fair

Baby Got Rack - 2022 - Iowa State Fair

Baby Got Rack - 2022 - Iowa State Fair

Baby Got Rack - 2022 - Iowa State Fair

Baby Got Rack - 2022 - Iowa State Fair

Baby Got Rack - 2022 - Iowa State Fair

Baby Got Rack - 2022 - Iowa State Fair

Baby Got Rack - 2022 - Iowa State Fair

Baby Got Rack - 2022 - Iowa State Fair

Baby Got Rack - 2022 - Iowa State Fair

Baby Got Rack - 2022 - Iowa State Fair

Baby Got Rack - 2022 - Iowa State Fair

Baby Got Rack - 2022 - Iowa State Fair

Baby Got Rack - 2022 - Iowa State Fair

Baby Got Rack - 2022 - Iowa State Fair

Baby Got Rack - 2022 - Iowa State Fair

Baby Got Rack - 2022 - Iowa State Fair

Baby Got Rack - 2022 - Iowa State Fair

Baby Got Rack - 2022 - Iowa State Fair

Baby Got Rack - 2022 - Iowa State Fair

Baby Got Rack - 2022 - Iowa State Fair

Baby Got Rack - 2022 - Iowa State Fair

Baby Got Rack - 2022 - Iowa State Fair

Baby Got Rack - 2022 - Iowa State Fair

Baby Got Rack - 2022 - Iowa State Fair

Baby Got Rack - 2022 - Iowa State Fair

Baby Got Rack - 2022 - Iowa State Fair

Baby Got Rack - 2022 - Iowa State Fair

Baby Got Rack - 2022 - Iowa State Fair

Baby Got Rack - 2022 - Iowa State Fair

Baby Got Rack - 2022 - Iowa State Fair

Baby Got Rack - 2022 - Iowa State Fair

Baby Got Rack - 2022 - Iowa State Fair

Baby Got Rack - 2022 - Iowa State Fair

Baby Got Rack - 2022 - Iowa State Fair

Baby Got Rack - 2022 - Iowa State Fair

Baby Got Rack - 2022 - Iowa State Fair

Baby Got Rack - 2022 - Iowa State Fair

Baby Got Rack - 2022 - Iowa State Fair

Baby Got Rack - 2022 - Iowa State Fair

Baby Got Rack - 2022 - Iowa State Fair

Baby Got Rack - 2022 - Iowa State Fair

Baby Got Rack - 2022 - Iowa State Fair

It was a big day for Boone, which is low-key becoming the Barbecue Capital of the World. In addition to Scott’s TWO wins, Rashawn Parker of Boone captained Team Parker to 1st Place in Team. Sean Van Cannon of Boone also came home with 1st Place in Poultry. Just getting to the State Fair through the Boone County Fair is a gauntlet!

If you would like to peruse all the pictures from Baby Got Rack’s 2022 Season, click on the link below:

Baby Got Rack – 2022

It was an up and down season that ended on a high. We will be ready to go in 2023.

+++++++

This is your reminder that this week’s THE WEEKLY PHOTO CHALLENGE theme is WEEKENDS:


WEEK 362 - WEEKENDS
WEEKENDS

WEEKENDS! What a great theme for Year 9 of THE WEEKLY PHOTO CHALLENGE.
But what is a WEEKENDS photo? It is simply a picture taken of something you do on WEEKENDS. Or it could simply be of something you do this coming WEEKEND(S). So taking your picture this WEEKEND(S) is probably your best bet.

Happy photo harvesting!

Woodbury County Aux – Vol. 1

A few months back I cruised around with Jesse harvesting the town signs of Woodbury County. I actually took hardly any auxiliary pictures in Woodbury County because we were in a time crunch. We were meeting Bill in Harlan for lunch. So actually hardly any of the auxiliary images on this trip were taken in Woodbury County. Most of them were taken in Carroll County.

Here is the first collection of auxiliary images:



There is still one more collection of these images left to be shared.

Town Sign Project: Fayette County

A few months back I cruised around Fayette County harvesting their town signs. It was a good trip:

Here are some facts about Fayette County:
+ Population is 19,604 making it the 35th most populous county in Iowa. Below Henry County and above Jackson County.
+ The largest town is Oelwein.
+ The county seat is West Union.
+ It is hard to say when Fayette County formed because it was part of the Wisconsin Territory and then party of the Iowa Territory. It was organized into its current size in 1850.
+ Named after Gilbert du Motier, marquis de La Fayette. A French general who fought with the Americans in the Revolutionary War. You know, the guy from HAMILTON. “I dream of France without a monarchy/The unrest in France will lead to “onarchy”/Onarchy? How you say? How you… oh, anarchy!”
+ Home of Upper Iowa University.
+ Major highways are: US-18, IA-3, IA-56, IA-93, IA-150, IA-187, and IA-281.
+ Adjacent counties are: Allamakee, Black Hawk, Buchanan, Bremer, Chickasaw, Clayton, Delaware, and Winneshiek.
+ Population peaked in 1920 at 29,251.

The Fayette County Courthouse isn’t bad. Very similar to Boone’s.


Fayette County Courthouse
The Fayette County Courthouse in West Union, Iowa.

The Fayette County Freedom Rock is located in Fayette, Iowa.


Fayette County Freedom Rock

Fayette County Freedom Rock

Fayette County Freedom Rock

Fayette County Freedom Rock

With Fayette County completed, here is the Photography 139 Conquest Map:


Town Sign Project - 84 Counties
PURPLE=COMPLETED

84 counties down. 84.8% of the Cyclone State conquered!

Here are the town signs of Fayette County:


Oelwein, Iowa
Oelwein, Iowa
Welcome To…
OELWEIN
Population: 5,920 (-495)

West Union, Iowa
West Union, Iowa
West Union
WELCOME YOU
Population: 2,490 (+4)

Fayette, Iowa
Fayette, Iowa
FAYETTE
UPPER IOWA UNIVERSITY
Est. 1857
Population: 1,256 (-82)

Fairbank, Iowa
Fairbank, Iowa (Partially Buchanan)
Welcome to Fairbank
Population: 1,111 (-2)

Elgin, Iowa
Elgin, Iowa
WILLKOMMEN
GRUETZI MITEN AND
GREETINS ONE AND ALL
ELGIN
Little Switzerland of Iowa
Population: 685 (+2)

Clermont, Iowa
Clermont, Iowa
WELCOMT TO HISTORIC CLERMONT
Home of Willaim Larrabee,
Governor of Iowa, 1886-1890
Population: 586 (-46)

Maynard, Iowa
Maynard, Iowa
City of Maynard
WELCOMES YOU
Where the River Flows North
Population: 476 (-42)

Hawkeye, Iowa
Hawkeye, Iowa
HAWKEYE
2 MILES
Population: 438 (-11)

Arlington, Iowa
Arlington, Iowa
ARLINGTON
Where Hills and Prairie Meet
Population: 419 (-10)

Waucoma, Iowa
Waucoma, Iowa
WAUCOMA
Just A Few Short Streets
Where Old Friends Meet
Founded – 1855
Population: 229 (-28)

Waden, Iowa
Wadena, Iowa
Home of The Lighted Cross
Welcome To WADENA
Population: 209 (-53)

Westgate, Iowa
Westgate, Iowa
Welcome To Westgate
Population: 192 (-19)

St. Lucas, Iowa
St. Lucas, Iowa
ST. LUCAS
INC. 1900
WELCOMES YOU
Population: 167 (+24)

Randalia, Iowa
Randalia, Iowa
RANDALIA CENTENNIAL PARK
Population: 50 (-18)

Oran, Iowa (Unincorporated)
Oran, Iowa – Unincorporated
Welcome To ORAN

Clearly the worst town sign in Fayette County is Randalia cause it isn’t even a true town sign.

But who gets Best in Show? There are some town signs in Fayette County that I really like. I like Waucoma. I like Wadena. I like Westgate. I like Arlington. I like Hawkeye. But my favorite is definitely Clermont. Backup the purple ribbon truck!


Clermont, Iowa
Clermont – Best in Show – Fayette County

There were a few alternate town signs in Fayette County:


West Union, Iowa
West Union – Alternate

Hawkeye, Iowa
Hawkeye – Alternate

Fayette, Iowa
Fayette – Alternate

Fayette, Iowa
Fayette – Alternate

Arlington, Iowa
Arlington – Alternate

Here is the current list of Best in Shows:


Fontanelle, Iowa
Best in Show – Adair County

Nodaway, Iowa
Best in Show – Adams County

Centerville, Iowa
Best in Show – Appanoose County

Audubon, Iowa
Best in Show – Audubon County

Norway, Iowa
Best in Show – Benton County

Gilbertville, Iowa
Best in Show – Black Hawk County

Moingona, Iowa
Best in Show – Boone County

Readlyn, Iowa
Best in Show – Bremer County

Stanley, Iowa
Best in Show – Buchanan County

Storm Lake, Iowa
Best in Show – Buena Vista County

New Hartford, Iowa
Best in Show – Butler County

Manson, Iowa
Best in Show – Calhoun County

Coon Rapids, Iowa
Best in Show – Carroll County

Anita, Iowa
Best in Show – Cass County

Lowden, Iowa
Best in Show – Cedar County

Dougherty, Iowa
Best in Show – Cerro Gordo County

Washta, Iowa
Best in Show – Cherokee County

Fredericksburg, Iowa
Best in Show – Chickasaw County

Murray, Iowa
Best in Show – Clarke County

Rossie, Iowa
Best in Show – Clay County

Low Moor, Iowa
Best in Show – Clinton County

Ricketts, Iowa
Best in Show – Crawford County

Dexter, Iowa
Best in Show – Dallas County

Weldon, Iowa
Best in Show – Decatur County

Oneida, Iowa - Unincorporated
Best in Show – Delaware County

Terril, Iowa
Terril – Best in Show – Dickinson County
Best in Show – Dickinson County

Ringsted, Iowa
Best in Show – Emmet County

Clermont, Iowa
Best in Show – Fayette County

Marble Rock, Iowa
Best in Show – Floyd County

Popejoy, Iowa
Best in Show – Franklin County

Tabor, Iowa
Best in Show – Fremont County

Scranton, Iowa
Best in Show – Greene County

Beaman, Iowa
Best in Show – Grundy County

Menlo, Iowa
Best in Show – Guthrie County

Stanhope, Iowa
Best in Show – Hamilton County

Britt, Iowa
Best in Show – Hancock County

Ackley, Iowa
Best in Show – Hardin County

Modale, Iowa
Best in Sow – Harrison County

Lime Springs, Iowa
Best in Show – Howard County

Bradgate, iowa
Best in Show – Humboldt County

Ida Grove, Iowa
Best in Show – Ida County

Millersburg, Iowa
Best in Show – Iowa County

La Motte, Iowa
Best in Show – Jackson County

Lynnville, Iowa
Best in Show – Jasper County

Anamosa, Iowa
Best in Show – Jones County

Webster, Iowa
Best in Show – Keokuk County

Titonka, Iowa
Best in Show – Kossuth County

Springville, Iowa
Best in Show – Linn County

Lucas, Iowa
Best in Show – Lucas County

George, Iowa
Best in Show – Lyon County

East Peru, Iowa
Best in Show – Madison County

Leighton, Iowa
Best in Show – Mahaska County

Pleasantville, Iowa
Best in Show – Marion County

Haverhill, Iowa
Best in Show – Marshall County

Malvern, Iowa
Best in Show – Mills County

Riceville, Iowa
Best in Show – Mitchell County

Onawa, Iowa
Best in Show – Monona County

Melrose, Iowa
Best in Show – Monroe County

Grant, Iowa
Best in Show – Montgomery County

Paullina, Iowa
Best in Show – O’Brien County

Melvin, Iowa
Best in Show – Osceola County

College Springs, Iowa
Best in Show – Page County

Mallard, Iowa
Best in Show – Palo Alto County

Kingsley, Iowa
Best in Show – Plymouth County

Plover, Iowa
Best in Show – Pocahontas County

Bondurant, Iowa
Best in Show – Polk County

Walnut, Iowa
Best in Show – Pottawattamie County

Malcom, Iowa
Best in Show – Poweshiek County

Maloy, Iowa
Best in Show – Ringgold County

Nemaha, Iowa
Best in Show – Sac County

Elk Horn, Iowa
Best in Show – Shelby County

Orange City, Iowa
Best in Show – Sioux County

Collins, Iowa
Best in Show – Story County

Tama, Iowa
Best in Show – Tama County

Gravity, Iowa
Best in Show – Taylor County

Creston, Iowa
Best in Show – Union County

New Virginia, Iowa
Best in Show – Warren County

Humeston, Iowa
Best in Show – Wayne County

Badger, Iowa
Best in Show – Webster County

Buffalo Center, Iowa
Best in Show – Winnebago County

Castalia, Iowa
Best in Show – Winneshiek County

Sloan, Iowa
Best in Show – Woodbury County

Joice, Iowa
Best in Show – Worth County

Woolstock, Iowa
Best in Show – Wright County

The next time we hit the open road for THE TOWN SIGN PROJECT we will visit Allamakee County.

WPC – WEEK 361 – FAMILY

I’m not sure that FAMILY ended up being that popular of a theme. Which is weird. Are people embarrassed by their FAMILY? I guess you’ll have to keep scrolling to find out.

As of 12:01 PM on Monday, August 8, this was the current list of ACTIVE streaks (ignore the numbers in parentheses):

+ Jesse Howard – 1 week
+ Sara Lockner – 1 week
+ Willy McAlpine – 1 week
+ Linda Bennett – 2 weeks (2)
+ Sarah Toot – 3 weeks
+ Suzie Brannen – 5 weeks
+ Sabas Hernandez – 5 weeks
+ Monica Jennings – 5 weeks
+ Mary Green – 7 weeks (4)
+ Angie DeWaard – 8 weeks
+ Dawn Krause – 12 weeks
+ Kim Barker – 18 weeks
+ Joe Duff – 19 weeks
+ Logan Kahler – 21 weeks
+ Teresa Kahler – 29 weeks (2)
+ Tamara Peterson – 29 weeks
+ Carla Stensland – 29 weeks (2)
+ Michelle Haupt – 30 weeks
+ Micky Augustin – 31 weeks
+ Andy Sharp – 32 weeks
+ Bill Wentworth – 33 weeks
+ Cathie Morton – 37 weeks
+ Elizabeth Nordeen – 38 weeks
+ Shannon Bardole-Foley – 40 weeks
+ Kio Dettman – 43 weeks (4)

But you didn’t come here to listen to me talk all tommyrot about participation rates or streaks. You came to see the submissions and what streaks continued and what streaks flamed out:


WEEK 361 - FAMILY - LOGAN KAHLER
Logan Kahler – 22 weeks

WEEK 361 - FAMILY - LOGAN KAHLER
Logan Kahler

WEEK 361 - FAMILY - LOGAN KAHLER
Logan Kahler

WEEK 361 - FAMILY - BROOKLYN ERB
Brooklyn Erb – 1 week

WEEK 361 - FAMILY - ANDY SHARP
Andy Sharp – 33 weeks

WEEK 361 - FAMILY - CARLA STENSLAND
Carla Stensland – 30 weeks

WEEK 361 - FAMILY - SABAS HERNANDEZ
Sabas Hernandez – 6 weeks

WEEK 361 - FAMILY - TERESA KAHLER
Teresa Kahler – 30 weeks

WEEK 361 - FAMILY - TERESA KAHLER
Teresa Kahler

WEEK 361 - FAMILY - TERESA KAHLER
Teresa Kahler

WEEK 361 - FAMILY - MICKY AUGUSTIN
Micky Augustin – 32 weeks

WEEK 361 - FAMILY - MICKY AUGUSTIN
Micky Augustin

WEEK 361 - FAMILY - ELIZABETH NORDEEN
Elizabeth Nordeen – 39 weeks

WEEK 361 - FAMILY - BILL WENTWORTH
Bill Wentworth – 34 weeks

WEEK 361 - FAMILY - JOE DUFF
Joe Duff – 20 weeks

WEEK 361 - FAMILY - KIO DETTMAN
Kio Dettman – 44 weeks

WEEK 361 - FAMILY - KIO DETTMAN
Kio Dettman

WEEK 361 - FAMILY - KIO DETTMAN
Kio Dettman

WEEK 361 - FAMILY - CHRISTOPHER D. BENNETT
Christopher D. Bennett

WEEK 361 - FAMILY - MARY GREEN
Mary Green – 8 weeks

WEEK 361 - FAMILY - LINDA BENNETT
Linda Bennett – 3 weeks

WEEK 361 - FAMILY - SHANNON BARDOLE-FOLEY
Shannon Bardole-Foley – 41 weeks

WEEK 361 - FAMILY - TAMARA PETERSON
Tamara Peterson – 30 weeks

WEEK 361 - FAMILY - SARAH TOOT
Sarah Toot – 4 weeks

WEEK 361 - FAMILY - DAWN KRAUSE
Dawn Krause – 13 weeks

WEEK 361 - FAMILY - MONICA JENNINGS
Monica Jennings – 6 weeks

WEEK 361 - FAMILY - CATHIE MORTON
Cathie Morton – 38 weeks

WEEK 361 - FAMILY - MICHELLE HAUPT
Michelle Haupt – 31 weeks

WEEK 361 - FAMILY - BRANDON KAHLER
Brandon Kahler – 1 week

WEEK 361 - FAMILY - ANGIE DEWAARD
Angie DeWaard – 9 weeks

WEEK 361 - FAMILY - KIM BARKER
Kim Barker – 19 weeks

WEEK 361 - FAMILY - KIM BARKER
Kim Barker

24 participants! That is a pretty good week, but definitely the least popular theme for a bit.

There were 4 streaks that bit the dust. Jesse, Sara, and Willy couldn’t make it a second week. Suzie’s 5 week streak is history as well.

I can’t be certain, but I think the empire extended from Pennsylvania to Texas to Kansas to Nebraska and Iowa this week.

But enough dwelling on the past. Time to look to the future. We are all interested in the future, for that is where you and I are going to spend the rest of our lives. And remember my friend, future events such as these will affect you in the future! This week’s theme:


WEEK 362 - WEEKENDS
WEEKENDS

WEEKENDS! What a great theme for Year 9 of THE WEEKLY PHOTO CHALLENGE.

But what is a WEEKENDS photo? It is simply a picture taken of something you do on WEEKENDS. Or it could simply be of something you do this coming WEEKEND(S). So taking your picture this WEEKEND(S) is probably your best bet.

While thinking on possible subjects for your WEEKENDS picture, mediate on the following quote for inspiration:

cozy+smell of pancakes-alarm clock=weekend
-Amy Krouse Rosenthal

I look forward to seeing your interpretation.

RULES

The picture has to be taken between 12:01 PM today and 11 AM next Monday. This isn’t a curate your photos project. This is a get your butt off the couch (unless you are taking your picture from the couch) and take pictures challenge.

You can send your images to either bennett@photography139.com OR you may text them to my Pixel 5.

That is all I got, so if the good Lord’s willin’ and the creek don’t rise, we will all be sharing your idea of WEEKENDS in this place that is my permanent Saturday next Monday.

WEEK 362 – THEME REVEAL

I’m on vacation this week. While I don’t have grand plans for today, it is set aside for errands. If you are reading this, it has taken long enough that I haven’t had time to cobble together this post. Just cause I’m busy do stuff that isn’t incredibly fun, doesn’t mean you can’t get a start on this week’s theme:


WEEK 362 - WEEKENDS
WEEKENDS

WEEKENDS! What a great theme for Year 9 of THE WEEKLY PHOTO CHALLENGE.

But what is a WEEKENDS photo? It is simply a picture taken of something you do on WEEKENDS. Or it could simply be of something you do this coming WEEKEND(S). So taking your picture this WEEKEND(S) is probably your best bet.

While thinking on possible subjects for your WEEKENDS picture, mediate on the following quote for inspiration:

The only reason we ask other people how their weekend was is so we can tell them about our own weekend.
-Chuck Palahniuk

But I also like this one:

Anybody have plans to stare at their phone somewhere exciting this weekend?
-Nitya Prakash

I look forward to your interpretation. The FAMILY interpretations should be posted later tonight.

Jayton – Volume 7

Time for another Formal Portrait Sunday. This time we will look back again at Jayton’s Summer Senior Picture Photo Shoot. It should be only a matter of weeks before Jayton starts school down in Grand View. I have no doubts he will be very successful down there.


Jayton Poole

Jayton Poole

Jayton Poole

Jayton Poole

Jayton Poole

Jayton Poole

Jayton Poole

Jayton Poole

Jayton Poole

Jayton Poole

Jayton Poole

Jayton Poole

Jayton Poole

Jayton Poole

Jayton Poole

Jayton Poole

Jayton Poole

Jayton Poole

Jayton Poole

Jayton Poole

Jayton Poole

Jayton Poole

Next Formal Portrait Sunday we will take one final look at Kyle’s Senior Pictures. This will include the picture that he or at least Andy credits for winning him Winter Dance King or Winter Formal King or whatever it is called.

Pufferbilly Days Photo Contest Results

Before I delve into the Pufferbilly Days Photo Contest, I do know what picture and what award I got into the Iowa State Fair. It is my policy not to reveal the pictures I entered until after the State Fair is over, but your clue is don’t go all the way into the main room. Go almost into that room, then look to your left.

+++++++

I think that the Pufferbilly Days Photo Contest was a success this year. Not a smashing success, but I definitely feel like it is on greater footing now. A more solid foundation. In 2021 there were only 24 pictures entered. This year that number more than doubled to 61. Which is a good number, but I won’t be satisfied until that number hits triple digits. Until we outgrow KWBG and I’m forced to find a new location.

This is how the entries broke down.

ADULT
+ BLACK & WHITE – 1 entry (I can’t put into word how this breaks my heart!)
+ HIDDEN TREASURES OF BOONE COUNTY – 3 entries
+ NATURE – 16 entries
+ PEOPLE – 5 entries
+ TRAINS, PLANES, AND AUTOMOBILES – 6 entries
+ TOTAL – 31 entries

TEEN
+ BLACK & WHITE – 3 entries
+ HIDDEN TREASURES OF BOONE COUNTY – 1 entry
+ NATURE – 7 entries
+ PEOPLE – 1 entry
+ TRAINS, PLANES, AND AUTOMOBILES – 0 entries
+ TOTAL – 12 entries

YOUTH
+ BLACK & WHITE – 4 entries
+ HIDDEN TREASURES OF BOONE COUNTY – 1 entry
+ NATURE – 10 entries
+ PEOPLE – 1 entry
+ TRAINS, PLANES, AND AUTOMOBILES – 2 entries
TOTAL – 18 entries

Thank God for the Youth and teens that are holding down the BLACK & WHITE class. Once again the balance with the NATURE class was all out of whack, so next year I’m going to split them up into ANIMALS and PLANTS.

These are the winners:



Best of Show – “Pismo Beach Beauty” – Angie DeWaard


People’s Choice Award – “Just A Swingin'” – Daphne Harris


1st Place Adult Overall – “Pismo Beach Beauty” – Angie DeWaard


2nd Place Adult Overall – “The Art in Nature” – Angie DeWaard


3rd Place Overall – “La Vita Dolce” – Angie DeWaard


1st Place Teen Overall – “Edison Phonographs” – Emma Wiebold


2nd Place Teen Overall – “Happy Little Squirrel” – Simon Enabnit


3rd Place Teen Overall – “Cartwheel in the Creek” – Emma Wiebold


1st Place Youth Overall – “Light Shining on Tables” – Tommy Williams


2nd Place Youth Overall – “Fly” – Layla Gorshe


3rd Place Youth Overall – “Lake Sunset” – Reese Howie


1st Place Adult Nature – “Pismo Beach Beauty” – Angie DeWaard


2nd Place Adult Nature – “Libella pulchella” – Allison Kayser


3rd Place Adult Nature – “Lithobates castebeianus maculosus” – Allison Kayser


1st Place Adult People – “The Art in Nature” – Angie DeWaard


2nd Place Adult People – “Good Sports” – Angie DeWaard


3rd Place Adult People – “Persevere” – Jen Ensley


1st Place Adult Trains, Planes, and Automobiles – “La Vita Dolce” – Angie DeWaard


2nd Place Adult Trains, Planes, and Automobiles – “Two Tracks” – Sally Kay Whitney


3rd Place Adult Trains, Planes, and Automobiles – “Spike Driving Contest” – Bea Upah


1st Place Adult Black & White – “Zebra Bark” – Angie DeWaard


1st Place Adult Hidden Treasures of Boone County – “Through the Wires in Pilot Mound” – Angie DeWaard


2nd Place Adult Hidden Treasures of Boone County – “Mill Creek Stone Arch” – Bea Upah


3rd Place Adult Hidden Treasures of Boone County – “Sunset Over Boone” – Nicole Schecklman


1st Place Teen Nature – “Happy Little Squirrel” – Simon Enabnit


2nd Place Teen Nature – “Fence Post” – Emma Wiebold


3rd Place Teen Nature – “Garden Raider” – Simon Enabnit


1st Place Teen People – “Cartwheel in the Creek” – Emma Wiebold


1st Place Teen Hidden Treasures of Boone County – “Beautiful Garbage” – Simon Enabnit


1st Place Teen Black & White – “Edison Phonographs” – Emma Wiebold


2nd Place Teen Black & White – “Rosie the Pug” – Emma Wiebold


3rd Place Teen Black & White – “Old Tree in Pasture” – Emma Wiebold


1st Place Youth Nature – “Lake Sunset” – Reese Howie


2nd Place Youth Nature – “The Cone” – Kayelee Burns


3rd Place Youth Nature – “Black Lab Smelling Flowers” – Tommy Williams


1st Place Youth People – “Grass” – Evie Gorshe


1st Place Youth Hidden Treasures of Boone County -“Kate Shelley Museum” – Kayelee Burns


1st Place Youth Trains, Planes, and Automobiles – “Fly” – Layla Gorshe


2nd Place Youth Trains, Planes and Automobiles – “Steam Engine” – Kayelee Burns


1st Place Youth Black & White – “Light Shining on Tables” – Tommy Williams


2nd Place Youth Black & White – “Easy on Me” – Kayelee Burns


3rd Place Youth Black & White – “Snickers” – Daphne Harris

Maybe you don’t agree with the judges? Which is fine. I don’t agree with all of their decisions, but I selected a great collection of judges this year and they did a tremendous job!

Meet them:



One thing I learned this year is that a lot of people seem to think I was “the judge” or “a judge” and then when they found out I wasn’t a judge, then I didn’t really do that much. Which I think is funny, but I’m okay with people not knowing how much work goes into this and thinking the judges do all the work. If people see how much work this is, then I’m not doing my job.

I’ve already mentally selected the three judges for next year. Two of them have already committed. I’m sure the third one will commit as well, I just have to make the call. Janae will be returning and Nathanial and Logan will be rotating out. The second judge that has committed is Angie. I had been playing with the idea of whomever wins Best of Show gets to be a judge the following year. Her winning Best of Show cemented that or maybe quickcreted it for this year, at least.

While I’ve already tried to explain how much work I put into this contest. I definitely don’t do it myself. I need to thank people that helped along the way:
+ Kim Barker – Helped with label printing and only complained once, but for good reason.
+ Nathanial Brown – a judge, but also a good idea man. For example, his idea to split the youth division into Teen and Youth. Also provided sides for dinner AND most responsible for streamlining the Judges Form.
+ Kio Dettman – Got me this gig, but also is part of the Display Team. Both setting up and tearing down.
+ Janae Erickson – Judge while being super pregnant. A trooper.
+ Michelle Haupt – Did the Photo Contest Book. It looks professional because it is professional. I think she was only moderately frustrated when she would ask a question and 9 times out of 10 my answer was “I trust you.”
+ Jesse Howard – Part of the tear down team and gophered stuff between Ames and Boone for me. Including purchasing the photo stands for the overall photos.
+ Jay Janson – Designed one of the Pufferbilly Days Photo Contest Flyers.
+ Monica Jennings – Designed multiple Pufferbilly Days Photo Contest Flyers, designed and assembled the judges board for the display case, designed and put together the certificates that went with each ribbon. She was also instrumental in putting together the display. Bossing Logan around even more than I did. Which is saying something. I got so many compliments on what the display looked like this year. I think that was a lot of Monica.
+ Logan Kahler – Was a judge. Which was big. But even bigger in my mind, was being the “inside the display case” man when putting the display together. He also provided the meat for the judgement night meal. It was delicious.
+ Teresa Kahler – Did a ton of the administrative stuff and has big ideas for streamlining that process next year with mail merge.
+ Carla Stensland – Did a ton of administrative stuff as well. She was the judges’ assistant and helped keep them moving forward.
+ The Staff of KWBG – They are all wonderful, but Jennifer in particular is VERY helpful. She put up lights so there is some lighting in there at night and fixed some of the small mistakes that were made on the administrative end.

I’ve already mentioned some of the tweaks I’m going to make for next year. There are still more to make. However, the rest I’m going to keep close to my vest for now. But I might share them when I share some of the behind the scenes pictures in the future.

However, I think there is time for one last look back. I mentioned the incredible job that Michelle did on the book. This idea is pretty much completely stolen from, I mean influenced by, the Iowa State Fair Photography Salon. Michelle is a genius when it comes to making this kind of thing and I think you should click on the links below and really appreciate her work:

Pufferbilly Days Photo Contest Book – Easy to Read

Pufferbilly Days Photo Contest Book – Easy to Print

Be wary, next year I might try bothering you to get you on the photo contest team! Or even better, maybe next year you or your kids will enter. I heard more than one story about this being a great activity for parents to do with their children and grandparents to do with their grandchildren.