8-24-11 —     Joy McGinnis never really thought about winning a photography contest last July, when she snapped a photo of ripe, red raspberries that her husband had picked while the couple was on a camping trip. But a year later, that is exactly what happened.

    McGinnis’ photo of raspberries in a ceramic bowl which was lying on an old log bench at the cabin where they were staying was selected by the General Federation of Women’s Clubs to appear in their 2012 calendar. It marks the first time that anyone from Wayne County has been selected for this honor, and it puts McGinnis in an elite group of 12 photographers who will have their work featured in the calendar.

    “I didn’t really think about it,” said McGinnis, about the day when she snapped the photo. She said she just wanted to capture the beauty of the berries before she and her husband, Gary, enjoyed them.

    The composition of the picture is excellent with the black and white log providing a perfect contrast for the white bowl filled with the berries. The first time she realized she might have captured a special image was when someone at the photo counter commented on its beauty.

    Last September, fellow members of the Monticello Woman’s Club encouraged McGinnis to submit entries for the 9th District photo contest. She submitted three photos and won a first, second and third place. The first place winner, the picture with the raspberries, then advanced to the state level.

    McGinnis’ photo was selected as the state winner and moved on to the national level.

    Last month, she was notified that her entry was one of 12 selected for the calendar, which will be available next month.

    “I was very surprised,” said McGinnis, when asked about the honor. “I have always enjoyed taking pictures, but I never thought of myself as a photographer.”

    McGinnis said she always took a lot of pictures of her daughter, Ange, when she was young. But after her daughter was grown up, she began to take more nature photos, which is something she enjoys.

    She also enjoys history, which fits in with her love for Earl Palmer’s photography. He captured images of Appalachian life.

    “I found  myself doing a lot of that and I like it,” said McGinnis. “I like taking pictures of people cooking, canning, breaking beans.”

    The upcoming Heritage Festival at Mill Springs will give her a chance to take many of these types of photos, as craftsmen and artisans demonstrate their talents.

    Perhaps in that setting, McGinnis will capture her next award winning image. She is already getting ready to submit for the next contest, which is coming up next month.