From left, Marie Nygren, Jennifer Manah and Sheree Jensen pose with their photographs that won top marks at renowned symposia Shooting the West, which took place in March in Winnemucca.
Fallon’s own clutched prestige at one of the west’s premier photography symposia, Shooting the West, which took place in March.
For nearly 30 years, Winnemucca has played host to the five-day expo full of distinguished events — showcasing a diverse collection of speakers, workshops, fieldtrips, exhibits, contests and vendor booths — all for aspiring and expert photographers alike.
Rounding off the week is the popular symposium in which industry professionals give presentations on varied topics. This year’s speakers included Fallon locals Larry Neel, Dennis Doyle and Kristen Kabrin.
“All the photographers there are just nice people, willing to share,” said long-time Fallon photographer Sheree Jensen of the event she’s been attending for about 10 years. “The friendships you make, you start recognizing people over the years. Just the friendships are great.”
Jensen added there’s just so much information, and one learn so much and wants to try new things.
The symposium’s “Give It Your Best Shot” photo contest saw over 100 entries this year. Symposium presenters help determine the winners by selecting their favorite two photos — one for a merit award and one for a speaker’s choice award. (Winners are announced on the expo’s final day.)
Fallon residents Marie Nygren, Jennifer Manha and Sheree Jensen received top honors and won speaker’s choice awards for their contest entries. Local photographer Linda Hammond was also recognized in The RANGE Outback Roundup sponsored by RANGE Magazine; her award-winning entry will be published in a future edition of the magazine.
“Any time being recognized at that quality of competition, it’s a privilege. It’s exciting,” Jensen said. “It’s a privilege because there’s so many good photographers there and to be recognized among your peers — it’s special.”
Churchill County would like to congratulate Fallon’s Shooting the West presenters and contest winners on their accomplishments, said Julie Guerrero, executive assistant to the county manager and organizer of the county building’s Celebrate Us art project. She added all of these talented photographers have work on display at the county administration building, 155 N. Taylor Street.
County Manager Executive Assistant Julie Guerrero contributed to this article.