One of my favorite recent photos has earned an Honorable Mention at the Montenegro Circuit: "Off Season," with Katlyn Lacoste at Ohanapecosh this March. I love this image, and someone in Kotor, Montenegro did too. They gave it 24 out of a total possible 27 points!

Unfortunately, the other judges in Montenegro weren't so positive, awarding it 16, 16 and 14 points. This is what's so maddening about art: its inherent subjectivity and unpredictability. Next time I submit this photo, will it receive the points necessary for acceptance, plus four to spare and an honorable mention award? Or will it receive six points fewer than the number required? There's no way to no.

Further disappointing at Montenegro, none of my other photos were accepted. I entered four photos each in the color and monochrome categories, which were reviewed by four different judges. 32 photo judgings all told, and only one accepted. Frustrating. But it's an honorable mention! So there's that.

Better luck next time, I suppose.

Off Season (Open Monochrome PIDM) (Honorable Mention)

• September 10, 2022, Montenegro Circuit (2022-471), Montenegro, Photographic Society Contest
  • "Off Season" (Monochrome PIDM) (Salon Honorable Mention), Katlyn Lacoste, Ohanapecosh, March 2021