The photography gods have been good to me and some fellow photographers and friends.

First, there’s Krappy Kamera Competition X, juried by Jill Enfield, where I managed to snag third place for Cross. I’m thrilled to be sharing the limelight with some awesome talent including Annabelle Texter, J.E. Piper and C. Gary Moyer, just to name a few. That show runs March 4-29 at the Soho Photo Gallery, 15 White Street, in beautiful downtown Manhattan. The opening reception is Tuesday, March 4 from 6 to 8 pm. I’ll be there in spirit so please hoist a few for me.

Second is making the final round of the 2007 Critical Mass competition sponsored by Photolucida. As I continue to hear from people, it’s finally sinking in as what a huge deal this really is. Just thrilled beyond belief to be a part of it. All finalists will have their work judged by over 200+ reviewers over the next two months. The top three finishers will each have a monograph of their work published, while the top 50 will have their work permanently posted on the Critical Mass website. I’m really honored to be among some fantastic photographers whose work I truly admire including Aline Smithson, Beth Dow, Colin Blakely, Douglas Ethridge, Jane Fulton Alt, Joseph O. Holmes, Sarah Small, and Mitch Dobrowner.

And if all that tasty goodness wasn’t enough, Cross has also been selected by the Goddess of Blur herself, Susan Burnstine, to be in the Toy Stories exhibition to be held at the New Orleans Photo Alliance Gallery, 1111 St. Mary Street in N’Awlins. Ms. B has shown her usual exquisite taste in given an honorable mention to Boy Behind Fence, created by the BOS man himself, Warren Harold, with his rather unique pinhole camera. I’ll also be “hangin’” with some outstanding talent including Theresa Manzanares, Gary Moyer, Annabelle Texter and the inimitable Tread. The show begins with an opening reception February 16 from 6-9 at the Alliance Gallery, and ends April Fool’s Day.

Speaking of Tread, he got a well deserved Juror’s Award for Best Black and White work in the Photomedia Center’s Holga 2.0 competition for this shot. Way to go, bro!!! btw, I’m all bug-eyed that this photo of the Treadster is also well hung on the walls of Seattle’s Wall Space Gallery as part of an juried exhibition entitled “In A New Direction” which was juried by non other than Clint Willour, Director of the Galveston Art Center and a giant in the Texas photography scene. The show ends on Groundhog’s Day, February 2. When you go to the website, click on #22

And not to be left out, Warren, snagging hisself a spot at the Holga Show 2.0 as well with these two delicious plastic made goodies, here and here, as well as illustrious toycammers Phil Bebbington, Becky Pendel and Gordon Stettinius. Check out the entire gallery of selectees here.

Congrats to my pal Mitch Arsenie for getting this photo into the latest issue of Chicago Magazine for their feature on the 30 most unique views of the city. Way to go, Mitchy!

And as soon as I feel better, I will be frantically getting my portfolio together for the FotoFest ‘08 portfolio reviews April 3-6 in Houston where I hope to hoist a few with Mr. Harold.

And the ever so divine Ms. B got herself a great big birthday present by not only selling a ton of her beautiful prints at PhotoLA but snagged a spot on the roster of the Watermark Gallery in Houston.