That was Unexpected!

[Danielle Gates]

Danielle was sitting on a windowsill on the Owlery after she had sent an owl to her older brother. He had just sent her a post asking how she was and if ever she had some friends she could introduce to him. She laughed thinking back to his letter. The young Corelli put up a foot on top and looked down to the grounds, watching some students milling about towards their classes or dormitories. She was already done with classes and decided to hang out at one of her favorite places - The Towers. She loved high places, she even had her bedroom on the topmost floor of their house.

She leaned back and gave out a relaxed sigh when she spotted a dark spot in the sky. It was coming closer to her which turned out to be an owl with a letter. Dani thought it would just passed her by so she was actually surprised when it dropped a letter on her lap.Strange.

 

[Gavin Callaway]

Gavin had been completely surprised when he received a letter from someone who admired his photo in a photography magazine that he was subscribed to. He read the magazine every month and had always submitted his work to no avail, until now. Having his picture published had been amazing enough, but he loved that someone had appreciated his work even more, enough to actually send him a letter. So Gavin had immediately written back to the girl who went to Hogwarts New Zealand. Because Gavin couldn't speak and tell the owl who to deliver the letter to, all he could get out was "Hogwarts New Zealand," as best as he could. So the owl had no official recipient but Gavin hoped it would get to the right person.

Spoiler: Letter for Someone Else

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 I cannot say the same, all of my work is unpublished (well, until now) so it took me a little while longer to get recognized.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!