I was covering the Miss Somerset County Fair Pageant. Hunched down on the floor so as not to obstruct anyone’s view, they announced they were going to recognize some special people. A few people’s names were called and they went up on stage to receive their roses. Then they called my name. I was completely oblivious as I waited for the person to make their way to the stage so I could take their photo. When I realized everyone was looking at me, I was in a momentary shock. A newspaper photographer being recognized at a non-newspaper event and getting roses? We live with the truth that we have a thankless job. We get small awards and certificates from newspapers, and a few thanks from people who enjoy our work, but mostly, we sit by snapping photos of other people getting awards and thanks for things they do. Hey, that's part of our job!
Luckily my husband was with me, taking names – he does a great job – and ran over from across the aisle to take my photo with the outgoing Little Miss Somerset County Fair Queen, a beautiful little girl I had photographed many times over the past year.
It may seem like a small thing to you, but to me it was like receiving the Academy Award of photography – if there was such a thing. And if there was, here is my speech:
"I don't know what to say. Thank you, Lynne Johnson and Jennifer Clayton, Little Miss Somerset County 2008 Madison Clayton. And I also want to thank the wonderful people of Somerset County and Crisfield. You are all special."
Here I am sans makeup (after a hard day) with the outgoing Little Miss Somerset County Fair Queen Madison Clayton. Normally, I would not post a photo of me looking like this but...
This is a photo I took of Madison Clayton last year when she was performing in the talent competition.
And here are two of the ladies who worked hard on the Little Miss and Mr. Somerset County Fair Queen and King and the Miss Somerset County Fair Queen pageants: Lynne Johnson, left, and Jennifer Clayton. For photos of both pageant go to the Daily Times web site (see side bar) and look for the photo gallery.
Oh, and those beautiful roses - I would like to share them with newspaper photographers everywhere.
17 comments:
Congratulations Patty!!! If anyone was ever deserving of recognition, it's you! You do such a wonderful job and everyone is grateful that you landed in our little piece of God's country and bestow your wonderful talents on us!
THANK YOU!
Patty Fan: I don't know who you are but, "Thanks!" We do have a beautiful county and we have some wonderful people who make this a special corner of the world.
What I see in this piece is your wonderful heart and soul...you are the beautiful rose my dear!
Patty, congratulations! I am so happy for you that you have been recognized by your community for all of your hard work,dedication and salesmanship ;) It is very clear to me that you have earned the award! Relish it, embrace it, and take a couple of minutes to bask in the warm embrace of people who truly appreciate all that you do for them.
Amen! Audrey said it so perfectly! Way to go Patty and the people of Cristfield!
Patty,
It is amazing what the words Thank you can mean, when given in sincere thanks. We all thank you for so wonderfully representing your town and county! Everytime a friend of mine travels (and I have one right now following The Warped Tour), I tell them if they ar anywhere near, they HAVE to stop in Crisfield, and they HAVE to get crab at The Cove, and tell them Patty sent you! So far not a one has made it, but there will be someone!
:) Congratulations. You are beautiful!
I miss you a lot my friend!
Awesome to see you.. you're beautiful in and out.!
Crisfield is lucky to have you.
Hey! Congratulations many times over!! How wonderful to get the recognition you deserve.
My daughter works for a newspaper as a business manager. She has 7 weekly newspapers under her so I know about deadlines. It makes her crazy at times......
Have a wonderful day & enjoy the "glow"!!
Love,
Marilyn
very cool Patty and well deserved! Audrey has said it all. congrats!!
Very Nice Patty
Congratulations, Patty. That kind of surprise accolade doesn't come often, particularly to people behind the camera. I am incredibly happy for you and your wonderful story building up to it says so much about you! I'd award you a lifetime achievement award but you still have a lifetime ahead of you, so I'll wait for awhile.
Patty, you are beautiful, kindhearted, and have more talent than words can describe...you deserve roses every day!! I'm glad that you were recognized! Hugs to you!
Brilliant! The joy that is Crisfield shines through in everyone of your blogs and photos. Wisdom from Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, "You don't have to look any further than your own backyard to find your heart's desire." (may not be exact wording). Congratulations, awesome lady! You rock!!!!!!!!!
Congratulations!
It is so wonderful to read that you are living amongst people who appreciate and love your work.
Reading through this post made me smile. May your days be filled with joy!
This is a wonderful story. merisi expressed it well. "Reading through your post made me smile."
I like hearing about the good things that happen to people. Congratulations, and thank you for adding something positive to the start of my day.
I also say thanks for your wonderful comment on my blog. I'm a wanna-be photographer. I have a lot to learn. I am having fun with the various assignments in the blogosphere.
Thanks again for making my day. I am grateful for the priviledge of reading your story.
What a fun post about a little bit of your career as a photo journalist. I really enjoyed reading it. And how wonderful that you were recognized at one of the community events you were covering!
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