For about the last month or so, I have had a space that has been setting empty on my wall. A space where a photo used to hang, but then took down. But the reason why it was took down is for a good reason.
My dad has always been the person I go to about birds. He grew up around various types of waterfowl, and has always had the knowledge about most birds. So one day, I texted him a photo as I always do, to ask what it was. He had said it was a young Sharp-Tailed Grouse, and that was that.
Flash forward to the next day, I already had the photo edited along with a photo of a hawk that I knew I was going to enter into the county fair. I sent that photo of the hawk to my family group chat, and asked for advice as to what photo I should pair with it. My dad was the only person to respond to my question saying he liked the one I had sent him the night before. While I was a little hesitant, he was the only one to reply to me, and I trust my dads better judgment. So I went ahead and entered it into the fair.
Flash forward some time after that, it was finally fair time. I had dropped my photos off on a Monday, and my little family and I went the next day to see how my photos had done. My jaw was on the floor when I had come around the corner and saw that photo of the Sharp-Tailed Grouse with a Grand Champion ribbon hanging on it. I was not expecting that what so ever. I always try to go into it, humble, but hopeful. I was nearly in shock, and I almost cried. This was my first time winning something like this for my photography.
I knew what my dad would say when we sent the picture. My sweet husband whipped out his phone and was sending pictures to just about all of our friends and family, which included our family group chat. My dad's response was just as expected "I knew it was a winner ;)" I then knew I was going to gift the photo to him. I did in-fact gift him the original print, with the frame and everything. I knew I could so easily order a new print, and my very crafty husband who made the original frame, could make me another one. It was almost a no brainer.
Flash forward yet again, to the beginning of September. We went down to Nebraska for a family gathering, and that is when I presented the gift. Leave it to my dad to make me, who was already emotional as it was, shed a few tears. When I gave him the photo, he said that my great- grandfather, would have loved it, as he loved sharp- tailed grouse. If there are any of my readers who know the back story on that, I am sure they would understand why that was a very sentimental comment to me. My dad then took the photo and hung it on the wall immediately, where it still hangs today.
My dad is one of my biggest role models. He is the number one person who got me into all things hunting, outdoors and conservation. With all of that, came my love for taking photos of the magnificent wildlife all around us. I don't think I would be the person I am today if I didn't have his guidance.
So now, the space is finally filled on my wall. All of my ribbons have been hung, and I cannot help but still feel a little flutter in my stomach when I look and my wall, and the achievements I have made thus far.
Thank you dad, for all of your help and words of encouragement. I know you know, even though I have my book to reference, I will still be blowing up your phone with the photos to double check what something is :) I love you long time <3
