Dear Right Way to Travel Reader,

Professional photographer, Rich Wagner, here again. I got so many reader questions last time I guest-edited this e-letter that Lori asked me to come back this week. In the next few days, I’ll be answering those questions and sharing more photo tips, too, so stay tuned.

Today, I bring you your February Photo Challenge Theme.

I think if I had to rank my favorite holidays, Father’s Day would be first. Valentines Day is my number two. What could be better than giving and getting love? Shelly has given us a joyous way to celebrate this month’s Photo Challenge, here below. She’s even inspired me to take a few shots of my own.

I hope you’ll join me. Even if you don’t win the monthly prize or the yearly $2,000 grand prize, you’ll feel great doing it.

Scroll down to see February’s Photo Challenge Theme...

Rich Wagner
Professional Photographer and Guest Editor, The Right Way to Travel

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The Right Way to Travel, Weekly Photo Tip
January 28, 2009
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FEBRUARY’S THEME - LIFE IS SWEET
By Shelly Perry in Portland, OR

February is home to the sweetest day of the year for lovers -- Valentines Day -- but that doesn’t mean you can’t find something sweet in the other 27 days in the month.

As it happens, the very things that make life sweet -- people and situations that make you feel good -- are the elements that sell photographs. I’ve said it here before and I’ll say it again: Happy people sell photos.

Maybe it’s your girlfriend, husband, wife, or boyfriend that makes your life sweet. Or maybe it’s your new grandbaby or your good old loyal four-legged friend. The things that make your life sweet can often be good subjects for your photography.

Here are a few examples to get you started:

You can also interpret “Life is Sweet” more literally and shoot photos of chocolate or sweets. If you do, take care to compose your shot with style...




So give it your best shot and show us what makes your life sweet.

Photos will be judged according to light, composition, focus, and theme. Only one photo per person can be entered, and the photo must be taken by the entrant.

To enter, send us your ONE best theme-appropriate photo. Multiple entries from the same photographer will be deleted.

Submissions for February’s Photo Challenge are due by 8:00 a.m. EST on Monday, February 23rd. You can submit your photos by clicking on the "Enter to Win" link on the right side bar of this page.

Details about contest guidelines are here.

[EDITOR'S NOTE: Shelly Perry from Portland, Oregon, specializes in people photography, what she calls documentary or lifestyle portraits. She is known especially for her imaging of children. Her concern for people is reflected both in her sense of purpose and the images she produces. Her images have been seen all over the globe on music CD covers, books, magazines, catalogues, websites, ad campaigns, and even on TV. Her work has also appeared in several local exhibits and gallery shows.

To meet Shelly in person, visit:
http://www.thephotographerslife.com/phw/neworleans ]

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