We asked photographer Jim Lasala to comment on his experiences in the recent Annual State Print Competition in NJ, where he won top honors for his image, Forgotten."After taking a year off from print competitions because of some personal issues I was finally ready to get back to business. I was full of anticipation going into our Annual State Print Competition, at the Photo NorthEast convention that NJ shares with NY.
There were approximately 400 images that were judged over a three day period by a panel of 6 jurors. Print competitions provide exciting opportunities to listen and learn. It's also a great way to keep your juices flowing and to continue to push for new ideas.
Well this year was a very special year for me. I decided that one of the images I submitted would be of my dad titled, Forgotten. It is a portrait of my dad which was taken while going through some rough times. My parents had just lost their daughter (my sister Kathy), who I dedicate these awards to. Just after that loss, my dad suffered a heart attack and was brought back to life 3 times after his heart stopped beating. He survived and was recuperating at a Nursing Home in Staten Island, NY when this image was taken.
I 'm happy to say that my dad at (93) and my mom (94), who have been married for 71 years, are still together, living in a assisted living facility, and are doing well."
- Jim Lasala
The image Forgotten received a perfect score of 100 (the first image ever to score 100 in NJ).
Here are the awards that were given to this image:
- Best in Show Award (Fassbender Award)
- ASP Award
- Fuji Award
- (2) Courts of Honor