Being judged by more than 2,000 of your peers could be a bit distressing to some people.
But for Dorothy Johnston, owner and operator of Johnston Photography in downtown Oxford, being judged by her peers was a winning and confidence-building experience.
Last month, two pieces of Johnston’s studio work involving portraits of high school senior were judged by photographers from across the nation at the Senior Photography International Convention in Tampa, Florida.
‘I felt we had two strong entries,? Johnston said. ‘We are judged by our peers and I was completely honored they felt our work was up there.?
The first of Johnston’s entries was in the Boys Senior Folio category. The classic black folio is embellished with a blend of unique angled portrait compositions that earned the first time contestant the Award of Excellence from her peers.
The second entry, a white-matted border folio, drew national attention to Johnston’s meticulous photographic detail in the Girls Senior Folio category. The portrait series folio was given the National Third Overall award in the category.
‘We were the only ones there with white boarders,? Johnston said. ‘The whole event was very exciting.?
In addition to her awards, Johnston said she brought home a huge variety of ideas for posing, props and lighting and she’s anxious to start using them in her senior portraits sessions.
‘After this week long event, I am so charged for the season,? she said.
In addition to family and individual sessions, Johnston has been photographing high school senior sessions for nearly 13 years and said she is anxious to enrich this season’s sessions with techniques she learned at the national event.
Johnston purchased her downtown Oxford studio three years ago from Mel Paul after he retired from the business.
Although he is no longer in the business, Mel’s experience both with the community and the camera has been an added bonus to Johnston.
A friendship developed between the photographers and Johnston often has the pleasure of the Paul’s company during lunch at the studio.
‘Mel and Mary Ann come in for lunch all the time,? Johnston said as she beamed, adding ‘He’s a great coach too.?
For further information on family, individual or high school senior sessions call Johnston Photography (248) 628-6391.