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Thank you all very much for your help in making my final image selections for my upcoming exhibit and the KERA ArtMug submission. In case you were wondering, of the "12 images I asked you to choose from":http://djamesphoto.com/photos/200609_exhibit_sel, here is how they ranked in order of popularity amongst all those who informed me of their selections via Comment, Email, LiveJournal, MySpace, or in person.

* 1) Unused Railway
* 2) Fragile
* 2) Road With Many Exits
* 4) Free or Best Offer
* 5) Waiting For a Ride
* 5) Neon Bordered Triangle
* 7) Stay Behind the Fence
* 7) Looking out into the Bayou
* 9) A Thoughtful Side
* 10) Pretend We Were Never Here
* 11) Softer Lines

You'll notice there are only 11 here. That's because the 12th image, "I'll build tomorrow" didn't receive any votes. I should add, just to show how terrible I am at selecting images that other people will like, that it was in my personal top 3 (along with "Stay Behind the Fence" and "Pretend We Were Never Here" with "Unused Railway" as a runner up).

However, just because an image is popular, does not mean it is the best candidate for display. First of all, I know how these images print and some look better printed than others. Additionally, I want to show variety in my work, as well as include images that may look different than the images of the other exhibitors. Therefore, using your selections as a guide, I made these choices.

I sent "Unused Railway" in for the "KERA ArtMug":http://kera.org/artmug/ competition. I think that the image is artsy enough to be considered less common, will look good displayed at a relatively small size, uses wide tonal range which will make it stand out, presents a distinct mood for a somewhat common theme, and the subject matter is quite indicative of Texas. Additionally, it was taken here in Dallas / Fort Worth, the very Metropolitan area served by KERA.

For the exhibit I've decided to show the following three images.

First, "Unused Railway" for all of the reasons listed above. Additionally, this is an example of some of the very dramatic hand-blended work that I enjoy creating. This process adds even more art to the photography and really shows what is possible in today's digital darkroom.

Secondly, I've chosen "Fragile". This image contains a human element without being a portrait showing my ability to work in a studio environment. Additionally, it is a highly conceptual piece with a statement to make. Furthermore, this image is personally important to me and I am deeply moved that so many of you selected it. It is important because the concept behind this photograph was something I created entirely without a model in mind and then set out to find someone interested in posing for it. I got a lot of funny looks and odd questions regarding how and why I would do it. I am grateful that "Bonnie":http://empurple.com/ (and her lovely legs) shared in my vision for this image and that she had faith in me to carry it out. I am even more grateful that she (reluctantly) agreed to prance around in her underwear in order to make it happen. I owe a large portion of the success of this image to her.

Finally, I've chosen "Neon Bordered Triangle". This abstract image shows yet another facet of my work: using lines, color, and textures to present shape and form without context. Additionally, taken on the streets of Downtown Fort Worth, it has hints of my love for Urban Landscapes and City Photography.

I was almost inclined to include, instead of "Neon Bordered Triangle", either "Pretend We Were Never Here", because it really shows off my talent in landscape work, or "Stay Behind The Fence", because of its theme of Urban Decay and City Life. But, I think the selections I've made show a well rounded face to my work, offer something for all tastes, and are all images that will look good on display.

Again, thank you all very much, and I hope to see you in Grapevine on Saturday, September the 16th where you can see these images for yourself.