My entries for the 2026 New York State Fair photography competition are …

When things go well at the New York State Fair’s photography and fine arts competitions, I’m a happy camper.

When things DON’T go well … I blame it on a portmaneau of “Syracuse” and “curse.” In other words … a Syracurse.

Last year, although two of my arts and crafts pieces claimed awards, I unfortunately was unsuccessful in the photography category.

And I kinda don’t want that happening again.

So … let’s review my entries and see if any are worthy.

Yesterday I dropped off my six photos and one “arts and crafts” entry.

This year, I’m entering six choices, and they include …

A CO RAILFAN’S DREAM

This image already has one blue ribbon from the Saratoga County Fair. And it definitely stands out. The question is … does it stand out enough to claim a ribbon?

THE SHOOTING STAR

I will not give up on this image. I will not. This has to get some silk somewhere. And maybe Syracuse is the place for it.

UP4104 AT LINDEN MILL

This capture garnered at least a second-place ribbon at Saratoga, and I have big hopes for it in other competitions. Can we snag another color in Syracuse?

HERBIE JR :v) WAS HERE

We’ve already claimed a blue ribbon at Saratoga and a digital gallery showing at Square Art Gallery in New York City. As long as the artwork hangs right-side up … I’ll be happy.

I’m also submitting …

THE UNION BEE

I’m trying to remember where I captured this image. But it’s still striking, nonetheless.

And finally …

THE BUR OAK

Yeah, why not try my luck with an infrared capture? I’ve had success with infrared imagery before, so let’s roll the dice.

And in the arts and crafts category … I’m going with …

I’ve gone the extra step and had this rug professionally framed, so that the tassels hang below and the artwork can be displayed on a wall. This is one of my two latched hook rugs for submission in competition this year, and since I can’t enter the covered bridge latch hooked rug I worked on last year (it’s in other competitions whose display dates overlap), I’m going with this one for Syracuse.

And hopefully this year I will break another ignominious streak. I’ve won ribbons of various shades in the Arts and Crafts section of the NYS Fair – but apparently any time I’ve won a second or third place ribbon, I can’t find the first-place winner in that category – because apparently I’m the only one who entered something in that category. Yeah, that’s like coming in third in a one-horse race. Ick. Let’s hope this year is different.

I looked over my entries. For the first time in a while, all six photos were taken in New York; two in Albany County (Herbie and Bur Oak), one in Schenectady County (Union Bee), one in Genesee County (UP4014) and the other two in Saratoga County. Represent the Empire State, y’all.

Here we go. Hoping for the best.

Two hammer pieces, another one that’s gotten some love, and three photos that are still waiting for their first fabric.

Here. We. Go.