In recent weeks I have won two photo contests!!! The first is the CNPA (California Newspaper Association) 2008 Breaking News Photo, Weekly (4,300 and under) First Place (shown below). While on assignment for the Ojai Valley Visitor’s Guide, a publication of the Ojai Valley News, I was stopped at a fire camp deep in the Sespe Mountain range as crews were fighting the Zaca Fire of 2007. Stuck until cleared by commanders down the line I figured I would hunt around for some photo opportunities. About the time Smokey the Bear caught my eye a small breeze turned into a stout wind and rekindled some hot spots crews had fought the night before.
Before my eyes a burnt field reignited and the melee insued. Fire fighters swarmed like ants. The whole camp came apart with the fervor of those whose home is under attack. Already positioned by the Smokey the Bear sign, I figured I would try for a cool feature photo. First Smokey appeared with smoke, then with flame, then with a helicopter dropping retardant. I was happy with all of these and would have been stoked with any of these shots. Then the wind really kicked in and I heard shouts from behind me to clear the area, a drop was coming! Too late. The sound of turbo props chopped against the angry roar of 40 foot flames. I spun around, and through the smoke P-3 Orion Airtanker blasted through with its payload! Nice.
After the blaze had been put to bed and those present had seen the photos I shot, clearance was quickly given to me and I continued on my way through a barren wasteland towards the real goal of the day; to photograph an award wining wine maker in the Cuyama valley.
Second fun score was to be announced through the OVN’s “Best of” contest as the best Photographer in Ojai. In actuallity, I tied for 1st with my good friend, ally and competitor Attasalina Dews, but was told the tie came from the cancelation of my vote. Who knows. Either way, there you have it. Now it’s time for this fish to move to bigger ponds!