Phoenix, Arizona - The Desert in Pastels

I normally work with vibrant colors, especially for the cactus flowers.  I worked a group of them as pastels for a different look. These were all taken at the Desert Botanical Gardens in Phoenix.

Phoenix, Arizona - 2016 Arizona State Fair Photography Entries

These are my six entries for the 2016 Arizona State Fair.  I will update and resend the post when I know if any of the entries was awarded a ribbon.

Experimental Division - Entry created from multiple photos altered from their original state using a computer program.  Images must contain original photographic elements created by the photographer.

Judge Stage 1: all three in this division were accepted. 

One of my favorite events of the year is the Hoop Dance International Competition.  This dancer did not actually have all of the fireworks and explosions, but this is how I saw his grand finale performance.

UPDATE: First prize

Sold one copy so far. 

The Parada del Sol Rodeo is held in Scottsdale, Arizona each year.  I liked this because the bull's hind legs were up, the rider had his hand up and body open, and all of the cowboys in the audience were looking at him.

UPDATE: Second prize

Sold two copies so far. 

Chengdu, China is a sister city to Phoenix.  This is a single puppet (the woman working the puppet is at the bottom) but I need multiple shots of her to show the movement of those wonderful full sleeves.

Creative - Out of focus, close up and macro, still life and studio shots.

Judge Stage 1: not accepted. 

Landscape

Judge Stage 1: accepted!

The photographers line the ridge at Zabriskie's Point at dawn.  Death Valley National Park.

Plants

Judge Stage 1: not accepted

The morning sun shines through the sheer petals of a cactus flower.  The background colors amazed me.

For more information about participating in the Arizona State Fair contests, go to:
https://azstatefair.com/participate/compete