Reaching for the stars and back to earth − 21 June, 2008

The higher you get your hopes up, the harder you will fall when it didn't come true.

After months and months of waiting... finally got the word two days ago that my photographs did not make it into the finals of BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year, the world's most prestigious award for Wildlife Photography. Competing against over 32,000 entries and 3,000+ photographers from all over the world.... it's a small consolation to know that 4 of my photos did made it to the semi-finals.

However, I'm still very disappointed. Those 4 photos that got into the semi-finals were not the photos which i would thought would make it to that stage. I had initially thought 3 other photos that i submitted were much better in terms of composition, color, execution and story. I have pinned so much high hopes on them that when those didn't even made it to the semi-finals, it came as a big shock that literally shaken the very core of my being.

That's the thing about being an idealist... Believing in yourself that you think that everything is so possible and within your reach if you reach high enough... And higher and higher you go.... until one day the lightning strikes you and you fall back to earth like a fallen star.... all burnt out.

Then again, each failure serves as a great lesson. That i truly believe. I finally get what the judges are looking for by comparing the 4 photos that did went on to the semi finals, and those others that didn't.

Till next year! I'll be reaching for the stars again!