Picture Perfect

[Sianna Djordjevic]

Sianna had seen the picture in a magical magazine that she subscribed to, she'd just been awed by the way it had been composed. She really liked it, and truly respected the person who'd taken the picture. So much so that the teen had decided to write to him. She was unsure what the person spoke, but english always seemed like a safe bet. So, she had written a letter, taking great care and carefully picking every single word. She placed a few of her own pictures into the envelope and then walked to the owlery, she got a school owl attached the letter and sent it off. Sianna would be very surprised to receive a response but she was happy she'd at least tried.
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Dear Mr Callaway,

I saw your picture in the most recent edition of Photographers Monthly, and was awed by the picture. As I am a budding photographer, I felt it necessary to express my pleasure and love for that picture. It was so well put together. I work for my school's yearbook as a photographer and often find myself limited by the constraints of my tasks. I enjoy the work thoroughly, but it is work that at best improves my ability to take portraits.

I found your picture in the magazine and though that if ever I was to pursue photography more seriously it would be to produce my own pictures that gave that sort of impression. I have included a few pictures, and are hopeful for any comments and suggestions that you might have for me in this matter. I know they barely come close to yours, but I am fairly proud of them.

It has come to my realisation that I have not actually introduced myself, I'm Sianna Djordjevic, I study at Hogwarts New Zealand, and I'm a fourth year. I thank you for even reading this letter, and thank you in advance if you chose to write back. At the very least I am thankful that you submitted that picture because it is beautiful.

Yours sincerely
Sianna Djordjevic

 

[Gavin Callaway]

Gavin had been completely surprised when he received a letter from an unknown person admiring his photo in the latest issue of Photographer's Monthly. He had never expected to get such a response from someone he didn't know, let alone even think his photo would be published at first. He was so touched by the letter that he decided to write back right away, not that there was any doubt he wouldn't. He hoped his words didn't seem too choppy as he wrote in English.

Dear Sianna,

I am so touched by your letter! Please, call me Gavin. Truthfully, I am still rather shocked that they chose to publish my photo as well, so I was still thrilled by that. To get your letter is just the cherry on top of my cake. I cannot thank you enough for your kind words.

You are a fourth year and you work for your school's yearbook already, that is a very smart move. Even if they are only portraits at least you are getting professional work done and it is actually being published! It may not be in a magazine, but it still counts, especially to include in a portfolio. I cannot say the same, all of my work is unpublished (well, until now) so it took me a little while longer to get recognized. I'm sure this position may open doors for you, should you choose to pursue it professionally.

Though I do understand the limitations of your current position, you still seem quite skilled at other types of photography! Thank you for including some of your photos, I think they are very good!! You should be proud of them. I like the composition of them a lot, though sometimes they may look a bit too composed. Someone once told me photography should look effortless (even if a lot goes into actually getting the perfect shot, right?) I think you've really got an eye for great angles though - that is something I still struggle with myself!

Have you tried submitting your own work to the magazine yet? You may be surprised at what could happen! I submitted quite a few times before and they kept rejecting them until finally this one got chosen. I just knew not to give up, so that is my best advice to you. Keep trying!

Thank you again for writing to me, it was a surprise much appreciated. I would love to hear from you again.

Sincerely,
Gavin

P.S. How is Hogwarts New Zealand? I hear our schools will be facing each other in a Quidditch tournament soon. I am a student at Beauxbatons myself actually, sixth year. If I can get published as a student, so can you!

 

[Sianna Djordjevic]

Sianna had been surprised to have received a response from the boy whom she'd contacted. The letter she'd sent hadn't been really intended to have a response but it was still rather nice. She smiled at the letter, slowly reading each word and she could figure from the way he wrote that perhaps he didn't usually speak english. However, she appreciated that he had made the effort, really she appreciate it in its entirity. The girl pulled a piece of paper towards her and began to form a response. Eventually finishing it off and sending it off to the boy.
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Dear Gavin,

You are welcome, the words were well deserved. I am glad you appreciate them, I felt it only necessary to contact you to saw so because I believed you should get them.

I enjoy working for the yearbook, though it is basic, I thoroughly like the challenge it gives me and how it feels to see the end published work. It is not like being published in a journal but you are right, it is a start, and a start is always a good thing. I am glad you do not find my pictures terrible. I must admit that I know I do struggle with composition, I will take hours to put something together and though I like the end product, I certainly do agree that they can seem over composed. Perhaps it is something learned with more practice. Everything with photography I have so far found is about trying things and then trying other things if the first few don't work.

I don't believe I could ever get published, at least not yet. My pictures are good but I'll admit I'm still a little nervous about showing them to others. You know? The work for the yearbook is easy, I don't mind showing people that, but my own composed pictures are a little more tricky, but I might just consider it. Certainly won't get in for a while, but perhaps it isn't such a bad idea. Truly I don't know if I wish to continue with photography after school, I would want to, but I fear I'll never be good enough. Is photography a career path you wish for yourself? I am more than certain you might succeed.

Hogwarts New Zealand is a fine school, it's a good place to learn, there's plenty to do and plenty of opportunities. Of course I have nothing to compare it too, so theres no telling how it really is, but I do enjoy it. Yes, that game has just passed, sorry about your team, hufflepuff were a strong team this year. Do you have houses in Beauxbatons? Is it a good school? Does this mean you are french?

I am pleased you have chosen to write back, it's nice to talk to someone about photography.

With thanks,
Sianna