Outstanding Member Of The Year

[gstark]

First of all, a big thank you to Manda and Leon (Sheepie) for organising last night's Sydney Christmas dinner. I think it's fair to say that everyone who attended had a great time, and while the food was simply awesome, the company left the food for dead. What a great bunch of people y'all are.

Those of us who parked across the road in the MLC Centre got an extra credit, however, if we were (a) able to find a way back in to the parking lot, and then then actually manage to get our vehicles out. Congratulations therefore to Rachel and Paul, Bel and Geoff, and of course, yours truly, stuck in the queue behind them with the main exit door closed.

Also, a big thank you to Poon, for the goodies he gave to us for last night. Four members now have the Lambency light diffuser, which Leigh and I were playing with yesterday. More on that later. Poon also supplied for us a 3 head lighting kit which will be going to the winner of the challenge, along with other prizes for the minor prizes.

And thanx too to Craig and Katie G - Alpha7 - for their donation of a prize of a Red Bubble certificate which will be going to the second placegetter in the challenge.

Ok ...

Outstanding Member of the Year ...

This is an annual award that we give to somebody who is considered, by the KMs, to be exactly that: the outstanding member for the year. Last year itwas Matt K, and the prior year, Manta (Simon), both of whom remain strong members, and supporters, of this forum.

This year we arrived at the choice with very little discussion, because the initial nominee was clearly a wonderful choice; a person who enjoys popular acclaim whenever an image of his is posted here.

But OMotY is far more than simply a popularity poll of his images. This person is one who displays a great sense of creativity in his approach towards his photography. He has great sense of humour, and a wonderful, and big, heart. If and when jokes are made about him, he takes them in his stride. He doesn't get angry or defensive about them, but enjoys and joins in the laughter, and all in good grace.

Similarly, if an image he presents is criticised, he takes that too in good grace: he reads and accepts the criticism. He listens, and he learns, and as a result, we, the KMs and the members here, have seen his photography skills grow, and grow, and grow.

But there's more: he takes other members out on shoots with him, to help them, to teach them, to help them grow. And he offers honest and valuable critique of images presented here, in the forums, again, hopefully to help the posting photographers grow in their experience and skills.

And when he learns a new technique, or does something different, or that he feels may be of interest to the community, he takes the time to share and describe that with the community, often accompanied with great photographic examples, and detailed descriptions of what he done, or what he is doing.

So, without further fanfare, I give you our new Outstanding Member Of The Year, Wendelt.

Who was out on a shoot till late last night and was sadly, unable to attend our Sydney dinner. Congratulations, Wendell.

[Alpha_7]

Congratulations to the winners, especially to Wendell definitely an Outstanding Member (no matter the year), I hope your star continues to rise!

[sirhc55]

I can only second what Gary has already said. Wendell’s name was placed on the table and without any hesitation was chosen as OMOTY.

A truly wonderful outcome for a truly inspirational guy - my heartfelt congratulation Wendell

[blacknstormy]

Congratulations Wendell - you certainly are a perfect choice for OMOTY

And congratulations to all other winners last night - this really is the best forum on the net, and it is all of the members and the Stark's and kind people like Poon that make it so

Long live dslrusers
Hugs
Rel

[Raskill]

Congratulations Wendel, well deserved to say the least.

Hope you all had a great time.

[Glen]

Well done Wendell

[marcotrov]

Congrats to all the winners and a special and well deserved congrats to Wendell
cheers
marco

[joet]

Sincere congratulations to you, Wendell, from myself and one of your really BIG fans, Chryssine (of course)

From the days of your P&S architecture and landscape studies, to your present undoubtedly professional and adventurous approach to fashion, it's always been clear to us that you possess unique talent and ability

Well deserved and one day we'll all say we knew that famous photographer from the beginning

[ATJ]

Congratulations Wendell!

[Geoff]

Awesome work Wendell...congrats mate, truly well deserved!

[PiroStitch]

Congrats Wendell! Thanks for al your contributions mate! Well deserved award

[Manta]

Congratulations Wendell - "Outstanding Member" indeed, in every sense of the word! Gary's words summed up the feelings of so many members here who have been inspired, educated and entertained by your amazing contributions to the forum.

I was so pleased to meet you in person a year or so ago where I witnessed your generosity of spirit, charisma and technical know-how. I look forward to doing so again sometime soon but, for the time being, want to pass on my very best wishes to you in receiving this honour. It's so very well deserved.

[Alpha_7]

Just a reminder our new OMOTY is having a gallery opening on Tuesday night, so it would be great if members could make it and show some community support.

[bwhinnen]

Congrats too all, and specially Wendell, well deserved!

I hope you all had a wonderful time last night (and I am sure you all did).

Thanks,

Brett

[radar]

Congratulations Wendell,

a truly well deserved award

Cheers,

André

[wendellt]

oh no i feel so bad

i feel so bad i ditched you guys because of shoot that went on forever
so sorry hope you all had a great time

i'll be back to my regular forum activities in about 1 week after my exhibition
when things slow down

miss you all and thankyou so much it means alot that people recognise that i do give, even not recently but early during the forum days

if i got a award you can keep it and donate it to charity or something or recylcle it for the next challenge

hope to see everyone soon

[SteveGriffin]

A very deserving winner.

Like many forum members I have watched in awe as Wendelt's now considerable skills have developed. I remember the days when he was absolutely hammered for having blown highlights and/or shadows in an image posted for review. That seems like so long ago but in reality it is only a couple of years.

Well done and I hope that one day we will be able to bring you up to Brisvegas to show us some of your tricks

Steve

[Killakoala]

Congratulations Wendell. Your skills really have blossomed since your first post here and it is great to see you doing so well and creating images that look so fantastic.

You are well deserved of this win.

Good luck with your exhibition.

[Oz_Beachside]

Congrats and thanks Wendell, love your work, and appreciate your feedback on my, and others images, helps the learning process!

have a great christmas break!

[ozimax]

Congrats Wendell, thoroughly deserved OMOTY award!

[gooseberry]

Congrats wendell ! Love seeing your images...

[Onyx]

Congrats Wendell, you're very deserving of the title. I have to personally thank you too - you've definitely helped me out with my photography, and shared so much knowledge with so many people.

Not only do you consistently produce amazing images, but you're willing to share the techniques and procedures used to create those images to all interested. Your openness and generosity lifts the standard of this forum and reflects well on all of us.

Thank you Wendell for being a part of this community, and for all the help and opportunities that you have extended to me personally.

[Old Bob]

Congratulations to all the winners, and a special pat on the back for Wendell.

Bob

[stubbsy]

Congratulations to the challenge winners and a big shout out to our new Outstanding Member Of The Year. As has already been said Wendell has given much to the members here and that's the point of OMOTY - sharing techniques & discoveries, nurturing others, contributing to our collective wisdom and to the growth of each and every one of us in our photographic endeavours. And for those who've not had the good fortune to meet him, Wendell is a really great guy to boot.

[phillipb]

Congratulations Wendell, can't say anymore then has already been said, but you fully deserve it.

[TonyH]

Congratulations Wendell a great choice well deserved....

Keep up the great work!


Tony

[Matt. K]

Well done Wendel! It was a unanimous decision by the moderaters and KMs....that in itself is an indicater of how popular the decision was. Well deserved. Hope to see you at the exhibition!

[NeoN]

Congratulation Wendell, a well deserved award,and thanks for all your advise and help you gave to me, and other peoples images well as some excellent images of yours.

Cheers NeoN

[ABG]

Congratulations Wendell. A thoroughly deserved award. It's a bonus that the award is going to such a great bloke.

Can you please post details of your exhibition? I'd love to attend and am sure that I'm not Robinson Crusoe in that regard.

Cheers

Andrew

[the foto fanatic]

Congratulations Wendell, and I hope your exhibition is an enormous success.

[Paul]

Congrats Wendell,
A worthy winner of this award, I've really enjoyed looking at your images over the years and how you've jumped leaps and bounds in your style.
The fact that you can take a laugh at yourself is another tick in my book.
I hope to be able to come to your gallery night time permiting to view your wonderful work.
Again congrats!

[Alex]

Congratulations, Wendell!! Well deserved. I can only add to what has been said - you've been a great help and inspiration.

Alex

[Bob G]

Congratultions Wendell - Luv ya work


Bob G

[wendellt]

hi thankyou so much
it's much appreciated

my gallery opening night is tuesday 11th dec
6-8pm

for two weeks
othjer times mon-fri 11- 6pm
sat - sun 11 to 6pm

my assistant fabrizio cortesi is also showing hes good

[glamy]

Congratulations Wendell and keep up the good work

[ABG]

my gallery opening night is tuesday 11th dec
6-8pm

for two weeks
othjer times mon-fri 11- 6pm
sat - sun 11 to 6pm

my assistant fabrizio cortesi is also showing hes good

Thanks Wendell. Which gallery?

[wendellt]

golly i forgot

gallery at 72 erskirne street
near wynyard

see you there

[colin_12]

Congrats Wendell. What a ripper.
Regards Colin

[Big Red]

Congrats Wendell, i have seen how you handle yourself on here and although i have never actually met you i have the utmost respect for you as a person and as a photographer...

Well Deserved Win

[Slider]

Good to see a good time had by all (I will get down there one of these years )

Congratulations to all the winners and especially Wendell. An excellent and fitting choice and a most deserved win indeed

[Oneputt]

Congratulations Wendell. I am sure that in years to come I will be bragging that I know that guy

[Oscar]

A great honour Wendell. Keep up the good work.

Congratulations. Love your work.

Cheers, Mick

[CraigVTR]

Congratulations to the challenge winners and to Wendell, your work is fantastic. Enjoy your opening on Tuesday.

[BBJ]

Well deserved Wendel, congrats mate.

[barry]

Congratulations Wendell, well deserved.

[Reschsmooth]

Congrats Wendell, and well deserved - your contribution to the forum in terms of images posted and education provided is awesome.

Regarding the exhibition, do you know if they would object to me taking photos whilst in there (would be Thursday late morning, if I get a chance)?

Cheers

[dviv]

Congrats Wendell!

A fantastic and well deserved award.

I'll be dropping in tuesday night to check out the exhibition!

[wendellt]

hi patrick the gallery will only object if you do it in a surreptitious
if your more obvious about it they wont mind but i call the shots so yeah take as many as you like

you'll prob want to go there tuesday night all my model friends will be there
better for your pics

thanks again people

[jethro]

Congrats Wedellt, I always said you were a freak! Nothing bad intended just the opposite. All your imaging is and always has been first class.

where to now?

keep it up
jethro

[Geoff]

Wendell - we will definately be there tomorrow night!