New York Times Photo Essay WINNER!
I have been humbled today
Today has been a very humbling experience. I just one the NEW YORK TIMES DEMOCRACY PHOTO ESSAY! I will be published by the New York Times and receive a hefty scholarship.
Today Weber State University held their Community Involvement Recognition Luncheon. I was invited to attend the luncheon as an award recipient. My wife and I just heard about the luncheon yesterday and made special arrangements to attend. Honestly I envisioned a small gathering 10 or so people and it would be a 5 second ordeal. I felt inclined to dress up, which is good because their was over 100 in attendance all dressed in suits and ties.
Bryan Butterfield won the New York Time Photo Essay Contest for the American Democracy Project
Last week I entered into the New York Times American Democracy photo essay contest. It weighed on my mind all week, hoping to win. I was happy to win but when I was told I would be getting a scholarship that would well… let’s just say I will not have to pay for the rest of my schooling, I was a little taken back. One because it was a HUGE amount of money (which I was NOT expecting) and two because I have once again won an award for making art. I feel very humble to be accomplishing my goals as a photographer. Now days everyone is a photographer… well … umm… lets not start down that road LOL. Its harder to be a working PHOTOGRAPHER these days. I had lots of people roll their eyes and tell me photography was a waste of time. Sure I am not making millions, their only is a few photographers that do, but I am living. When I don’t feel like doing a photo shoot I always tell myself that I could be selling instruments, cars or taking orders from some grumpy old boss, but instead I am taking pictures of Families, Seniors, Bands, Weddings, or other groups of people, and I LOVE IT!!! Follow your dreams, make your profession something that motivates you to get out of bed, and is somewhat worth it, to leave your family a few hours every day!
Here is a few pictures and video from the event. I don’t have access to the photos yet, so I will do another post when the New York Times publishes the photos.
