With the extra income she would earn from those lower expenses, she could afford to start a college fund for Bluebell. Snow was practically buzzing with excitement. She decided to buy Bluebell that ridiculously expensive doll she’d been asking for for weeks now after the interview. What was the point of winning a huge cash prize if you didn’t splurge a little?
Snow spent about twenty minutes dressing carefully. If she was going to be interviewed, she wanted to look her best.
She chose an airy blue dress made out of thin fabric coming to little points on the sleeves and bottom hem. It was fancier than what she usually wore and brought out the bright shimmering blue of her eyes, and Snow was glad for an excuse to wear it. Fortunately, though the weather had been cooler recently, today was a warm enough day to wear a dress made out of such thin fabric.
Snow also did her makeup, something she seldom did except for very special occasions. Once she was done, she checked her phone for the time. She still had two hours before she had to walk Bluebell home from the bus stop.
Most kids walked home by themselves from the bus stop, but Snow used any chance to go for a walk outside and loved spending quality time with her daughter.
When she got to the National Photography Foundation’s headquarters, there was a small crowd of people outside.
Snow tried to edge around them, but when they caught sight of her, they converged around her, surrounding her on all sides.
“Are you Snow Willows?”
“What was the inspiration for your sunrise picture?”
“Where do you see your career going from here?”
“Other than the one that won the competition, what do you think is your best picture to date?”
Snow didn’t even have time to answer one question before another reporter was asking a different one. She had the urge to run; she didn’t like small spaces, and the photographers were crowding her.
Snow forced herself to stand her ground. This was too good a career opportunity to miss. She could get so much visibility for her work if these interviews went well. She’d be crazy not to do her best.
“Please, one question at a time.” Snow nodded at the reporter closest to her, who didn’t hesitate.
“What made you choose that particular photo to send in for the contest?”
“Well, apart from it being one of my best photos, I hoped that even if I didn’t win the contest, it would bring a smile to the judges’ faces. Sunrises are always so inspirational and hopeful. I guess I just wanted to spread some joy. Sunrise is my favorite time of day. The light at that time is just the most beautiful.”
“How do you feel, knowing that you’ve won?”
“I’m still in shock, to be honest. I never imagined I’d win. But I’m delighted, of course. It just needs a little more time to sink in.”
“What do you think this means for your career in photography?”
“I honestly don’t know. I mean, I’m hoping my work will get more visibility. I have my own greeting cards business that I create from the photos I take, so hopefully more people will find out about that. I also take on freelance jobs sometimes, so perhaps I will get more of those.”
“Would you say you deserve this prestigious award?”
That was a tough one. Snow honestly wasn’t sure. She had never thought she would win, but she had, and that said something. “I don’t think I’m qualified to judge that, but the judges of this competition have chosen me for the award, and I am most honored by their decision.”
She stood outside for almost an hour, answering different questions. Snow gave out the link to her Facebook page with her greeting cards, as well as her email address and the email address of her freelance agency for anyone wanting a photography job done.
Finally, Snow had to put a halt to the questions that never seemed to end. “I need to get going now. I need to pick my daughter up from school soon.”
Of course, that brought up a whole new flurry of questions, which Snow politely declined. “You have my email address. If anyone has any further questions, I’ll be happy to arrange follow-up interviews. For now, I have to go.”
She hurried into the building and closed the door behind her. Snow took a deep, calming breath. That had been intense, but not in a bad way. She was sure that her work would get a lot more visibility in the coming weeks.
The actual picking up of the award was easy. They had it ready for her, and Snow simply gave them her banking details for the cash prize, which reflected just a few minutes after they did the transfer. The reporters were still hanging around outside, and Snow once more turned down their questions as courteously as she could.
She made it to the bus stop just in time, right as the bus was pulling up.
Bluebell bounced out of the bus, grinning broadly. “Mom! Mom, we did the volcano, and it even exploded!”
“Wow! Did the teacher let you help?”