Congratulations! You did really well. At various times, I was the Fine Arts Superintendent, a judge and a contestant in the Coconino County Fair, Flagstaff, AZ, and I'm not sure which one of those generated more Tums consumption. I can tell you that there's no easy answer to your questions, but I doubt that your choice of paper was significant in the judge's decision, except as it related to the overall quality of the print. As a judge (with two other professionals), I looked for the theme, composition, camera technique and quality of presentation (matting, framing, etc.) Three different judges might have had other priorities. Knowing that, we tried to bring in "fresh blood" on a rotating basis.

By the way.....don't be too hard on the "idiot volunteers". It takes a lot of work and long hours to check all the artwork in and get the display set up and ready for judging, usually with not a lot of time to do it in. And sometime, just sometimes, it's not easy to tell which way is up :-).

Again, congratulations!

Well, I do, in retrospect, say "idiot volunteers" (or whoever hung the photos) somewhat tongue in cheek, since I didn't have them ready to mount (i.e. rings or someother hanging device for hooks), though I had it situated correctly in the plastic, they didn't know that was the correct orientation.

I'd also cut & mounted the photographs myself on mounting board, but it wasn't the cleanest job (and I already know that's why I was docked some other points). But it's a learning experience & I know what to do for next year!

Another question, are juried photos something you could add to a resume or vitae? I'm currently trying to build my own portfolio & resume while taking distance learning photography courses from new york.

What you want in your portfolio is your absolutely best work, and nothing else. If your juried photos fit that category, then go for it. I have to admit to being somewhat suspicious of juries. I've found that, sometimes, there are agendas there that have nothing to do with the quality of the art. The bottom line, go with what your eye and your gut tell you is good......

Distance learning from New York? Would that be NYIP, my photo alma mater?