Two great years of—portraiture

PSA Journal, Sept, 2004 by Melissa Sonnen

When I joined Photographic Society of America (PSA) over 30 years ago, things were a lot different. The Electronic Imaging Division was non-existent, good photographic prints were mostly created by the maker using chemicals, the internet was still a dream, and PSA had a lot of growing to do.

PSA now stands as a strong presence in the photography world. We can conduct Society business instantaneously with our e-mail capabilities, send digital photos across our world in the blink of an eye, and our perception of photography in the world has changed greatly. No longer a craft for those with volumes of learning or the finances to afford expensive equipment, the everyday person can capture breathtaking images with minimal equipment. But as always, truly great photography starts in the "eye" of the photographer. And this is where PSA comes in--just like it did 30 years ago.

As a Society, we still offer a large range of instructional services for the inquisitive amateur, beginner level competition suitable for testing newly learned skills, and guidance for entering International Salons, which offer the opportunity to compete with seasoned veterans in the art.

Although many contests and salons accept portraits as entries and a few occasionally offer special sections for portraiture, there exists an ongoing competition devoted exclusively to portraiture. It is the Color Slide Division Portrait Competition for Individuals, which holds three rounds of judging throughout the year, with the winning images in each round becoming eligible for the Portrait of the Year Award, which is a PSA Gold Medal.

Entries are accepted in both A (amateur) and B (experienced) classes, so even beginner portrait photographers have a chance to compete with their peers. Critique of the entries is available for those asking for it. And so, the PSA learning experience can continue in this very special area of photography.

One thing that has not changed in the past 30 years is the fact that a good portrait is still a good portrait. Techniques may have changed, equipment certainly has, but prize-winning portraits still cause the viewer to pause because some very special quality in the face--perhaps the spiritual essence--stands out boldly in the image. That quality is what separates the good portrait from the snapshot. PSA offers so many instructional avenues to learn the difference. Many members write articles about guidelines for good portraiture. Establishing communications with such members is a helpful way to develop the skill needed for great portraiture.

I urge you to try your hand in this annual contest. 2002-3 and 2003-4 were two great years of competition, with entries coming from around the world. Images were very diverse and included the formal posed portrait, the subject captured in native surroundings, even animal portraiture. All living subjects with a face can be your subject, which allows a lot of latitude for creativity.

The 2002-2003 Contest presented 43 award ribbons throughout the competition year. The PSA Gold Medal for Class B went to Weng Chow Yip of Singapore for the image entitled Grandma's Face. In Class A, Martin Bruce, FPSA, EPSA of Florida received the Gold medal for Retrato De Artista.

The 2003-2004 Contest presented 34 award ribbons throughout the competition year. The PSA Gold medal in Class B went to Linda Hollinger of Pennsylvania for the image entitled Ed. In Class A, Lawrence Yeo Kok Lip, PPSA of Singapore took the honor for Uncle Sam.

We congratulate all photographers who entered this fine event. We invite all PSA members to participate next year. See the January 2004 PSA Journal in the "Opportunities" section for information about entering. The fee is only $6.00 per year, which entitles you to send portraits to all three rounds. The number of portraitists entering is fairly small, so this is a wonderful opportunity to try for a PSA Gold Medal. For immediate information, e-mail MelissaSonnen@aol.com.

Melissa Sonnen,

Director PSA CSD

Portrait Contests

Albuquerque, NM