Last month I went to the Slow Exposures photo festival in Pike County, Georgia. It was the second year I attended. I almost didn't go. There is a juried exhibition, which I didn't get into this year, and the prospect of going and not showing something didn't appeal to me when I first got the email notification. But when I got the rejection letter, one of the organizers had added a handwritten note, saying she hoped I came anyway. I had a good time last year, so I decided to go anyway.
I'm glad I did. There were several good photography shows to see, interesting panels to go to, and good parties, too. I'm going to have to make this an annual trip, even if I don't make the show.