Congratulations HoneyShot!! That's an outstanding achievement and now I suppose the next step is a 'contract'.... Keep up with the fine work in the world of photography!!
What a fantastic! I am also a photographer from Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). Now, I use a basic digital camera because it saves my money and against chemical wastes. The B & W is the best solution to get an award. I won a prize from the Boston Globe 15 years ago.
If you want to buy a digital camera, I would suggest you to get a 5 pixel (or MP) that makes the picture looks better or high quality. Over 5 pixel is a lot better, but 5 is good enough (plenty of resolution).
My opinion, you do not need some special effect features on a digital camera - you can use the effects on Photoshop or other software so that you preserve your original pictures. Also, don't forget to storage your photographs on CD-R or DVD-R (not on a hard disk, for sake).
Thank you so much Roadrunner I really appreciate it! No contract out of this, but I do get an award, recognition, and a little money too.
Thank you webexplorer! Thank you for the camera adivce too, but my cameras are all well above 5 mega pixels. I am a professional photographer so need higher end equipement than that, but even my smaller 'home' camera that I shot this picture on is 8MP. Your advice is excellent for some of the others that have read this thread and they (or a family member) are interested in doing some photography, though, so thank you for posting it anyway. This is the first time I've really been recognised for an art shot, as mostly I only take the sort of photos that can pay my bills!
Thank you very much flyfishfemme! Actually yes, prints of this image are for sale now. It's not available to buy online yet, but when my new website is up in a few weeks it should be!