Photo by Harley Pebley

About a month or so ago I received an email from one of the readers of my blog, Seth Jensen. He was asking if I would be interested in judging the photography exhibit at the Emery County Fair in Castle Dale Utah. Knowing that my good friend and fellow photographer Ann Torrence is always up for a road trip I asked if the fair would be interested in both of us co-judging to which they readily accepted.

Yesterday Ann and I, accompanied by Harley Pebley, made the 150 mile trek to Castle Dale for the judging. While the task was not a small undertaking (120+ photos were entered), the day flew by. The people we met at the fair were among the friendliest and most hospitable folks I have been around in some time.

I was very impressed not only with the amount of photos entered in this year’s fair, but with the quality as well. Judging the four categories was not an easy task. In the end I am quite pleased with the selections that Ann and I made for division winners, judges’ choice and best of show.

It is days like yesterday that truly help me appreciate the freedom I have in doing what I do as a full-time photographer. While yesterday was a definite learning day for me photographically, it really didn’t feel like a work day. I’m very flattered to have been invited and I hope the nice people of Emery County are happy with the selections that Ann and I made.