As we get closer to the Academy Award ® ceremonies this weekend, I am reminded of my own brush with award greatness.

In the photo below I am standing with a real Oscar ®! This is the closest I would ever get to any type of award, big or small. I might have moved in closer, but the two especially menacing uniformed gentlemen on either side of me warned me several times that it would not be wise. I had no reason to doubt them.

In a time where seemingly everyone gets a trophy just for showing up, the badge of honor I wear is the fact that I have never won anything. In fact, to the best of my knowledge, I am the only member of the Professional Photographers of America to score a 0 in a competition. Yes, that’s right, zero. No applause necessary. Thank you.

This photo was taken sometime back in the mid-nineties (?) at Shea’s Performing Arts Center in Buffalo. For several years, prior to my move south, I photographed many performances and special events. It was a grand time.

One of the great things about being a photographer (among many!) is it gave me permission to go places. Even if not always being invited. I was able to go places, meet people and see things I would never have had the opportunity to in any other profession. I am extremely lucky and blessed. You may feel free to remind me of this if you ever have the occasion to catch me bitching about something…