E-mails from Syracuse, 2024 edition

It seems like an eternity ago.

I would bring my printed photos to Syracuse for the New York State Fair’s photography competition, then I would wait for the “post cards of doom,” my derisive sobriquet on how the good or bad news – acceptance or rejection – would arrive.

Now, instead of postcards from Syracuse, I’m waiting for emails. Six emails, each one synchronized to the entry number of my six submissions.

These six submissions.

I waited over the weekend. I refreshed my email client. I checked my spam filters. I chatted with two other NYS Fair photography entrants as to whether they received or heard word from the Fairgrounds. Nothing.

Then, when I least expected it …

A flurry of emails, one after the other.

With each one containing an introductory message.

“Hello,

I would first like to thank you on behalf of the entire New York State Fair Staff for your participation in our Fine Arts, Photography, and Arts & Crafts Exhibition this year. This year’s fair is one of many challenges and we understand the turnaround time was incredibly tight from entering to bringing in your art however we are proud of the turnout and appreciate each entry!

This email is to notify you for one of your entries that were accepted or not accepted into our show.

Below is the Entry number and the status of it being accepted or not (found on your entry slip that you received upon dropping your piece off).”

And one by one … email by email … I learned that FIVE of my six entrants made the cut and will grace the walls of the Harriet May Mills Art Center on the State Fairgrounds.

FIVE out of SIX.

Fist pump. Five fist pumps.

So although I have absolutely NO FREAKIN’ IDEA whether any of my entrants received ribbons or prize money or any other special accolades …

I can at least reveal the five that made the cut. And they include …

In other words … my two Nikkor medical macro lens images (Be pRepaired and 17 Jewel Movement), my New York State Fair shot (Skywatchers), my digital-modded infrared capture (The Sacandaga River Crossing), and that spectacular solar eclipse ellipse (How God Sees an Eclipse).

Now … this also means that one of my pictures didn’t make the cut, and that was my HDR-combined shot of the Canadian covered bridge. I’ve never had a successful covered bridge photo at the New York State Fair, and … yeah. It just means that I have to keep trying. Because one day, one special day, I’ll get what I want. Trust me on this.

But hey – five on the walls is massive. There was a time when NONE on the walls for me was the standard rather than the exception.

So I’ll take this every day of the week and twice on Sundays.

Now all I need to do is go to Syracuse and find out HOW each photo did.

You know what that means, folks.

Road trip this Saturday.

Wanna join me?? 😀