On Friday, February 10th, I received an award from the Alberta Weekly Newspaper Association (AWNA) and ATCO Gas in the Best Photo Illustration in a weekly newspaper category.
I was awarded second place in the category, which received entries from weekly newspapers from all over the province, for my photo from the 2010 Coleman Community Society Pumpkins in the Park photo (as shown at right).
I found myself in impressive and intimidatingly talented company that evening, when AWNA hosted its annual symposium and awards banquet, which was attended by reporters, photographers, editors and publishers of some of the best newspapers in Alberta.
As I watched the entries into the various competition categories cross the screen (including feature, human interest, spot news, sports, multi-picture) I felt extremely proud to be surrounded by such talented and hard working individuals, let alone be in the running against them.
When I attended my first AWNA symposium during my first year as a student in the SAIT Journalism Arts program, I was certain my photography would never be good enough to even make it into a newspaper, let alone be up for several awards.
I came away from this year’s symposium feeling inspired by the work, optimism and dedication of my peers and wanting to do everything I can to deserve to be counted among them.
At times, especially when surrounded by other journalists, one can feel that they are a member of an elite club, which is hard not only to get into but even more so to succeed and do well in.