Southernbelle Photography: In my head

New, Updated Southernbelle Website!

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 11:25:11 -0500

Hey everyone! I am updating the Southernbelle website! Soon, I will have a more modern and proffessional site to suit Southernbelle Photography! It is not yet completed, but is already looking fantastic! Feel free to check it out and leave me feedback on how the update is going! The new address will be www.freeweb.com/southernbellephotos. I hope you enjoy!

Pensacola Mag

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 19:04:39 -0500

Hey! It's been a while since I popped in to tell you what's in my head, so here goes. The May issue of Pensacola Magazine had an article on me in it! Yeah, yeah, I know it's June already, but I have been so busy ya'll wouldn't believe it! If I can I will soon post the article on WHOLE STORY soon. I promise to have new pics uploaded soon! Sincerely, Your Southern Belle

Pensacola Magazine and Belmont Gallery

Sun, 27 Apr 2008 21:12:04 -0500

Hey you guys! It's been a while since I've written, but here's what's in my head. Several weeks ago I had my very first interview!! Sorry, can't give anything asked away, but it was tons of fun. You'll just have to wait and pick up the next copy of Pensacola Magazine. (Should be coming out in the middle or end of May.) Secondly, I am going to be having a showing at the Belmont Arts and Cultural Center on the next Gallery Night (May 9, I believe). I am supposed to have an entire room to hang and show my photography, so come down and visit me. Oh, and something else to note, I won first place in my school's photography contest and my photographer friend Brandon won second (check out his website on the INTERESTING... page). Might be going to the Congressional Arts Contest, but not sure. Check back in to find out. Hope to see ya'll at Gallery Night! Your Southernbelle, Hannah.

Art's Guide (again...)

Sat, 26 Jan 2008 20:39:31 -0600

Hey ya'll! Just thought I'd let you know that the Art's Guide has been printed and is now available! For those of you that know me personally, you can get a copy from me. For the rest of you, the Guide is a free magazine that you can find many places; stores, restaurants, doctor's offices--these are the types of places that you can find it. I hope you all pick one up! They look awesome! On page 78 you can find a quick bio and see some of the other entries. If you don't have one yet, but want to see the cover and bio, then you can see it on the WHOLE STORY page. Have a great day, Your Southern Belle.

Art's Guide 2008

Wed, 23 Jan 2008 17:48:07 -0600

Hello, everyone! Sorry I haven't updated my site in a while. I have been very busy; plus, the last time I tried to log on to my site my internet failed. Anyhoo... I have some big news, You Guys! Do you remember how in November I told you that I met a member of the Art's Council and he wanted me to enter a contest? Well, the contest he wanted me to enter was to compete for the cover of the Art's Guide, a spot of the winner's choice at the Belmont Gallery for an upcoming event, and an article about the winner in the spring issue of Pensacola Magazine. I was very excited, but once I recieved the the contest guidelines and rules I only had a short time to get the shot I would enter (I wanted it to be something new; not something I had taken already.) The theme was supposed to be "Modern." Okay, I thought to myself. What exactly does that mean? Maybe I'm wrong, but "Modern" seemed kind of vague, maybe broad is a better word. Nevertheless, I was determined to do my best to impress the judges. I immediately thought of the Graffiti Bridge downtown as a symbol of Pensacola's art. I had a vision of the perfect photograph in my head; if only I could communicate that onto film (even though I am digital...). That Friday, I got my best friend to go to the Bridge with me and pose for me. I would have gotten some great shots, but even though my camera was mounted on a tripod, a strong wind was shaking the camera. The results were a bunch of blurry photos. I didn't give up though. The next day, me and my mom went back out to the Bridge to try again without a model. I ended up going up on top of it and found some great plantlife. There were these beautiful purplish red leaves growing on the ground that I just knew would make a perfect contrast to the bright bridge. My mom laughed at me as I ripped them out of the ground and "posed" them in different places on the wall. I found some other flowers and such as well that I photographed, thinking how great the contrasty, saturated photo could look. I hoped and prayed that the images would look just as good on my computer screen as they did on the camera LCD screen. It was probably two days later that I sent them off to be judged. After a couple of days of holding my breath and waiting, I pretty much decided that I hadn't won, but that someone older and more experienced had taken the prize. That morning, my mom gave a "pep talk" of sorts, telling me that I probably didn't win, but that it was okay because I still had a lot to learn and that it was a compliment to have been asked. I don't know if I mentioned this, but it was my best friend's dad who was the reason the Art's Council guy even came in at Gallery Night and saw me. This is relevant because when I got to school, Lindsey ran up to me telling me she knew who had won the contest. Even though I knew it wouldn't be me, I was still interested to know the winner (last year it was painter Nina Fritz). She exclaimed that it was I. I honestly didn't believe her at first, telling her to quit lying and tell me who really had won. But each time I pressed for the truth she told me it was I, until finally I had to believe her! I guess I just made this a really long, boring, and drawn-out story, but it's too late to point that out now because now you've probably read it all ready and it was pointless to say. Whoo! That was definitely a run-on! Sorry! Anyhoo.. I am super excited right now! The Art's Guide should be out sometime in February. By the way, the judging was blind (meaning when they judged the images, they had no idea who's was who's) and I beat out the photography proffessor at UWF! Sorry, had to add that. See you guys later. (As I find out about it, I'll post info on the Bellmont event.) Your Southern Belle

A New Camera and Gallery Night!

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 21:47:06 -0600

Can you guess what's in my head? I hope so bcause it's right in the title of this blog. A NEW CAMERA! Technically it's lightly used, but it's new to me!! Let me tell you the story; it's amazing! I had my pictures displayed at the Fair and and one of the ladies in my photo club volunteered to work the photography section one day. A man that used to be in the club went to visit the exhibit and the two of them got to talking (they were old friends.) Well what would they be talking about, except for little old me's photos! He was in love with some of my images, and asked her what kind of camera I used. She told him that I used a point-and-shoot (Panasonic Lumix DMZ-FZ5). He was amazed and decided to GIVE me a Canon 20D that he hardly used. He also threw in a camera bag (a pretty nice one too), two lenses, and two memory cards! And me and my mom were praying that I would get at least one ribbon at the Fair! Not only did I get three Rosettes, 10 blue ribbons, and a whole bunch of other ribbons, but I also got a camera! God is good!___ Here's what's in my head about Gallery Night--IT WAS AWSOME!! Thanks to everyone who came! Ya'll are such an encouragement! I did sale two pictures! We were very excited about that! (To be honest, they were my first official sales!) I sold "Point of View" and "Guardian." I was also presented with several exciting opportunities! I was invited to join in a charity gala event next year, invited to a call-to-artists contest for a magazine cover and gallery space, and a request to partner with a photo-essayist to put together a book!! I really feel like I am lifting off from planet ameteur!! (okay, that was really cheesy, but you guys get the drift...) I love you all! Your Southern Belle.

Pensacola Interstate Fair

Thu, 25 Oct 2007 19:45:21 -0500

Hey, it's once again time for me to spill what's in my head (not literally. lol). I'm sure many of you are planning on going to the Fair in the time that it will be staying in Pensacola. If you do then be sure to check out the photography display (if you look for the ferris wheel that is closer to the entrance, you can find it almost direclty behind that in a blue metal building). Many talented individuals have entered their work this year; it is also my first year to have work displayed at the fair. They judged it before the fair opened, and I was very blessed to win many awards! Besides the regular ribbons, I won two rosettes (that I know of, lol); I won the best photograph for ages 13-17 and I also won the In Vogue Photography award. If you visit the exhibit I have a panel in youth with my name in the center and three photographs on the bottom of the panel to the right of it. I also have 6 pictures on the panel directly in front of the worker table near the entrance. The entire back wall is covered with pictures by members of the Wide Angle Photography Club. I can't put details right now, but entering the Fair has brought about the opportunity to maybe recieve a DSLR (it's not an award, just in case you might think so). I am praying that it's God's Will that it is so, but I'll update you later. In regards to the two photo contests that I recently enterd, I know some of you were wondering and inquiring, but unfortunately I didn't win either. It's disappointing but I can learn form them, so no love of the field was lost. Thanks to everybody whofor me and was rooting for me. You guys can never fully understand how much it really means to me. One more thing, I'm giving ya'll a heads up: Gallery Night is next month! Savor the Sound of the Shutter, Your SouthernBelle

Birds, Blooms and the Power of Photography... (Vote 4 Me!)

Sat, 28 Jul 2007 21:51:58 -0500

There's something in my head today that I just have to share with ya'll. Besides just getting back from Italy (it was incredible!), I recently found out a load of awesome news. First is news on the POP show that I talked about in my last entry. It was a tremendous success and had over 800 entries in the adult categories alone. (This was one of their best shows.) Of those 800+ photos, only 300 were juried in. If you were fortunate enough to be one of those 300 than you received a beautiful corner ribbon and were pretty much already a winner. I entered five photographs myself, three into adult categories and two into youth. Although every youth entry is judged, only one of my adult entries was juried in. After the judging we rushed to find the results, and were ecstatic to find that one of my youth entries won two awards! The picture was 'TN 24' (found in the album COUNTRY SHOTS.) Not only did it win Honorable Mention for Youth, but I also won a premium award -- the "Master's Award," sponsored by Robert and Billie Nicholson, two considered "Master Photographers." Having known them for a short time, I value their opinion greatly and am very honored that they chose my photograph over any other. (It's really awesome!) I won fifty dollars cash and two great big ribbons. I also ended up winning a couple door prizes and raffles -- a subscription to OUTDOOR PHOTOGRAPHER and two portfolio boxes (one nicer than the other). The 2nd thing I am very excited to tell you has to do with a another photography contest. My grandmother gets these magazines called BIRDS and BLOOMS. It's a gardening/wildlife magazine that she enjoys rading. One day she came to me very excited and stated that they were having a photo contest with several different categories. (This was before Christmas.) One of the categories was "Just Kiddin' Around," having to do with little kids playing around with nature or in a garden. The previous summer I had taken some beautiful pictures of my little cousin Elizabeth in my grandma's garden (in PORTRAITS the ones of the little girl), and we knew if I entered anything those would be the ones. I decided to enter the one I titled "Grandma's Garden." Well, I had been checking up on their website for months looking for the contest, but had found nothing. After a while I had completely forgotten about it. Then the other day we receive a packet in the mail from a one and only "Birds and Blooms Magazine." As it turns out, I happen to be one of five finalists in the category "Just Kiddin' Around" and the winner is decided by vote. I've already won a $50 gift certificate; if I win the category I win $100 cash, and if I win over all the other category winners I win a trip for two valued up to $1500 per person out of several trip options they provide. You don't have to vote for me if you think another is best, although it would be greatly appreciated. You should vote though. Got to to vote for your favorite. (Tip: Vote #4.) :) Savor the Sound of the Shutter, your southernbelle.

Have you been waiting for an art contest?

Thu, 14 Jun 2007 21:21:22 -0500

Here's what's in my head... I just know there's some of you out there who have been waiting for a great photography contest to come up. Why wait any longer? If you live in Pensacola, Fl, or in the surrounding area, then you should definitely enter the 2007 Power of Photography Show (brought to you and organized by the Wide Angle Photo Club), held on July 20-22 at the Wright Place in Downtown Pensacola. It is a juried art competition with a variety of categories. There is a small fee of $10 per photo entered, but it is for a good cause; the proceeds will go towards ARC Gateway to assist disabled children and adults. Hey, Kids? Tired of reading the rules and finding out that you are too young to enter? Then this is the contest for you! If you are sixteen or under, than you can enter into the youth category. Whereas only the best 300 adult photographs will be juried in to compete, every entry submitted by a youth will compete. However, Adults, don't fret! Even though you might not have gotten in and may have lost ten or twenty dollars, you can justify it by thinking of it as your contribution to kids and adults who really need our financial support. And hey, you can always enter again next year. I almost forgot to mention the category prizes: $50 for 1st; $25 for 2nd; and $10 for 3rd. There are also premium awards; the categories of those vary from best of show to best facial expression or active pets awards. The prizes received from those vary as well most are either $50 or that amount in merchandise. However, the best is $200. Just in case you were wondering, I am planning on entering the contest. So come on out guys! Display your art! Photography is awesome so let's show everyone the power behind it, 'k? ttyl:) Savor the Sound of the Shutter, your Southernbelle (p.s. For more info visit www.wideanglephotoclub.org)

Exciting News!!

Tue, 10 Apr 2007 20:09:35 -0500

Hey guys! Thanks so much for your wonderful comment Mr. Ezelle! For those of you who did not know, I once again entered the annual art contest at my school. I entered the one entitled Mother's Roses (you can find it on the PICTURE THIS page in the NATURE album). Well, for about two weeks after entering no one heard anything about the artwork; then they hung them up, but still no news--nothing. But yesterday, some four weeks after the enrty date, they still had said nothing. When I went to my second hour class my teacher asked me if I had won anything; the contest being far from my mind at nine in the morning, I asked her what she was talking about. She informed me that during first hour they had hung up the ribbons. I still had three minutes before the bell, so I grabbed a friend(for moral support, of course) and dashed towards the art. I had only to take one step out of the classroom before my 16x20 photograph came into view--to its left hung a big BLUE ribbon. Is that awesome or what? If they do what they have been doing fro years, then they will enter all of the art that placed into the state Congressional Art Contest. I can't wait! I don't know if my luck will keep up, but it will definitely be fun to see. Don't worry, I'll keep you posted! SECONDLY--Now, last but definitely not least, I have something even COOLER to tell you. I have been presented with an incredible opportunity this summer. Pause for a second and think--there are so many incredible places that God has put on this earth. Is there any more beautiful, more historic, more screaming out to teach its lessons than ROME?!!? Yes! Can you believe it? I'm am going to the Eternal City! They say all roads lead to Rome, but I didn't think Route 66 U.S.A. would literally take me there. But then again, Route 66 isn't. I've never even been there; that doesn't matter at all, though, when your looking at a trip to Italy! I know this will be an amazing learning experience for me, academically and photographically. I can only imagine the history I'll have a chance to capture there! And yes--I am definitly hitting the Colloseum while I am there, not to mention a possible excursion to Pisa (Leaning Tower, here I come!). Pray that everything will work out, nothing will go wrong, the trip will be safe, and that God will bless my grandmother who presented this opportunity to me! Love you all and glad I could share this with you! ~Savor the sound of the shutter, Your Southernbelle~