On Saturday, May 1, Dawn Sievers and Marty Duane decided to present me with the Authentic Blogger of the Month Award.

It was an unexpected honor.

I was thrilled to know that someone thought my blog was worthy of being put in the spotlight.

I felt a sense of validation and deep appreciation.

And I’d like to pay it forward by starting a trend here on First Impressions.

I invite you to send me your or someone else’s photo blogs with a short description of why they should be featured.

I will feature one photo blogger a month, highlighting their best works of art.

The criteria for selection? Sole subjectivity.

It’s a tip of my hat. An acknowledging nod. A salute to your outstanding work.

A celebration of your images — which are worth a thousand words.

All featured photo bloggers will be archived on this site, so you can peruse through their images whenever you get a chance.

Also, the featured photo bloggers will be able to proudly display the First Impressions Featured Photo Blogger of the Month button on their site.

The first featured photo blogger is Russ Morris, an artist, designer and photographer living, working and playing in Silicon Valley. Congratulations, Russ!

Here are some of my favorites from his collection.

I like his unique perspective. A different take on normal things.

Making them come alive with his angles and technique.

Sometimes playful, sometimes somber.

Silently, his images tell stories.

Russ has been a photographer for almost 45 years and recently got into iPhoneography (iPhone photography). He says: “I’ve always loved being able to freeze a moment in time, and now the iPhone makes doing it so damned convenient, fun, and easy.”

Have a look at Russ’ photostream on Flickr or stop by his Photo Blog, Vivid Observation.

And send in those nominations.

Looking forward,

Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2010 Mansi Bhatia

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