FOX15_12195258A Saturday, the September-October show opens at the H. D. Smith Gallery at the Hoogland Art Center where I am a juried artist. This time I have five photographs on display including the one above. The whole process of photography takes on another dimension when one begins to make prints for display that are exhibited for public viewing. While I earned money with my photography years ago when I was a student in seminary and for a year after graduation, I was still surprised that some anonymous person paid a substantial sum for a print in the May-June show. I guess it is a measure, certainly not the only one, of one's skill as a photographer to have someone appreciate your work to such an extent that they are willing to purchase it. Not only was I surprised, but it encouraged me to be more diligent to make the art that I exhibited as high quality as I could make it. For a number of years, I have given away framed photographs as presents and I believe the recipients have appreciated the gifts. And I consider the relationship between giver and receiver enhances the value of the photograph. But to have an unknown stranger pay more than what I expected has increased my awareness of my skill. Being accepted as a juried artist into the Prairie Art Alliance which represents more than 100 truly gifted, diverse artists is wonderfully affirming. And then to sell a photo in the first show was amazing. Now I have carefully prepared five more and I admit I am pleased and proud of what they represent. Maybe they too will go home with someone who is attracted to what I saw and the way I captured that vision. Who knows? It has happened before.