Wow... just wow.
So there I was... I had just finished editing a wedding and was waiting for it to finish exporting. I decide to check youtube for a minute and see if any of my favorite channels uploaded anything new. I usually only do this once per week and then just binge watch everything. Well, what do you know, phlearn is one of the channels that has a new video.
For those of you who don't know, phlearn is a website that runs a youtube channel full of free photoshop tutorials. All of the videos feature a guy named Aaron Nace, and he's a crazy awesome photographer and an even better retoucher. The free tutorials he creates are usually very short, but extremely informative. I've been watching his videos for a few years now and about 99% of my photoshop knowledge has come from him.
Well the website hosts a monthly competition that is free to join and you can submit any photo you'd like that matches the theme of the competition. I've entered a few times in the past, but these contests are extremely popular (typically 1000+ photographers enter) and every month the photos that make the top 15 are jawdropping. So I never really expect to place, but I think it's fun to enter.
Well back to me checking phlearn's channel, I see the new video is the results from the contest. I always enjoy these videos because I like to view the photos and motivate myself to create work that is as good as their work. Well about 5 minutes into the video... a very familiar photo popped up onto the video.
I have never actually unintentionally passed out before, but this I think I came pretty close. Here is the guy who is pretty much my photography hero, and he is talking about a photo I shot... and he is telling me everything that he likes about it. My goodness... it still feels like a dream. *pinches self*
So yeah, out of over 1500 images, I was in the top 15 (that's the top 1% for your math geeks out there) and I couldn't be much happier (except if I had won). I just can't believe that a year and a half after I started this photography business that I'm shooting magazine covers and placing in a worldwide photography competition.
I'm super honored to have placed in this competition, and it certainly won't be the last time I enter this contest. I won't stop until I win! Check out the video below if you'd like to watch it, there are lots of great photos in there! Also if you're a photographer, be sure to check out phlearn's youtube channel and website. There is tons of good information on both of those pages for you to learn how to edit properly!