Photo Contest

I entered a photo contest on ARI’s (Autism Research Institute) website entitled “Help Us Tell ARI’s Story…Tell Your Story in a Snapshot.”  First Prize is an iPad 2.  Sure would like to win that. The alternate first prize is ARI’s Fall 2012 General Conference registration for 2, 
including 3 nights hotel accommodations at the
 Hyatt Regency Orange County, California.  Also, 10 finalists will win a copy of Martha Herbert’s Autism Revolution and 
a one-year subscription to ARI’s Autism Research Review International (we already subscribe).  

I have a favorite picture of Joey and Parker, snapped a few years ago, before Parker got so gray around the muzzle.  After considering the option of applying the myriad of available Photoshop effects – soft vignettes, stylized colors, beveled edges, etc., I decided upon altering the photo not at all… nothing.  I wanted to preserve a happy moment in a family’s life clouded by years of autism, a moment in time, clear and true.  No smokescreens.

Joey & Parker

Below is the 500-word caption required with the photo entry:

Joey and Parker are buddies.  Joey gives Parker supper each night, carefully measuring the exact amount into the bowl.  He lets Parker out into the backyard when he scratches on the back door.  He lets him inside when he scratches to come back in.  They share toys and they share ice cream – not the most hygienic of practices but a unique kind of bonding over a plastic dinosaur or a rubber bone.  In return, Parker provides the unconditional love and acceptance of a gentle, forever playful, Golden Retriever.  A perfect match.

I thought it would be fun to enter.