The anticipation is over. My cover for Washington and Lee's Shenandoah magazine was finally released last week. I have done many photo covers over the years but this one is the most rewarding. Actually the shot wasn't even planned. It is what photojournalists' refer to as a "grab shot." I shot it last October while walking back to my car after taking photos of the Virginia Tech Corp of Cadets at the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, VA.
I was amazed when the images came up on the computer screen. The autumn colors and the veins on the ivy were so vivid and expressive. It was also the first time I used my new Nikon D1x. Well, I wouldn't say new...it was bought used from KEH in Atlanta. When the D1x was first released in 2001, it was one of the most innovative and expensive cameras on the market and retailed for about $4000. Now you can purchase a nice used one for under $500. I just love the feel of the older cameras.
It was on a whim that I sent it to the editor of Shenandoah. As I was looking for a submission to the school's annual poetry contest, I decided to email the editor and ask if he would be interested in the photographs. He gave me the okay and I sent it not thinking much about it. (Magazines very rarely buy unsolicited manuscripts or photography). He immediately emailed me back and offered to purchase it for the fall 2009 cover. Sallie Mann has been featured on the cover of the magazine and I didn't think I had a chance. My father used to use the idiom "Nothing ventured, nothing gained" all the time. Thank you Dad for those words of advice.
