Cowboy Ken in US competition
A warm smile and a penchant for Western-styled hats has garnered a local farmer some international attention and a chance to bag a great cash prize.
Old Queenian and Tylden farmer Ken Shuman is a finalist in the Smithsonian annual photo contest for his stunning cowboy portraits.
Shuman, a fifth-generation farmer, said he did not know his love for taking photographs as an Afrikaner version of a cowboy would give him a chance to win an international competition.
The reticent Shuman said the idea to enter the competition was suggested by a friend who had come to admire his photographs after following him online.
I was just taking the pictures to “put up on my Facebook page. He was the one who broached “the idea of the competition.
“I am a very reserved person and was not really keen on the idea at first.
“He encouraged me, saying the photographs really deserved to get more exposure, said Shuman.
The competition is run by the Smithsonian Institute magazine, based in Washington DC, in the US.
It is published by the Smithsonian, a group of museums and research centres.
Now in its 18th year, the contest has six broad categories including the natural world, travel, people, the American experience, altered images and mobile.
Shuman is a finalist in the Mr Cowboy sub-category. The Xhosa cowboy, as Shuman has come to be known because of his look and love for the local language, said his passion for the Western look was completely accidental.
“I always loved caps. Being a farmer we all love our caps and are given so many.
“One day I was at the a men's clothing store and realised I had never bought a cowboy hat.
“I tried it out and people “starting complimenting the new look, he said.
About making the cut from the pool of thousands of international entrants, he said he was both surprised and humbled.
Surprised because I never thought my photos would do anything international. I am humbled as people I do not know find my art-style portraits appealing. I am honoured that professional judges think the work I do is good enough,” Shuman said, adding he enjoyed just bringing a smile to people s faces.
’ One of the captions that goes “with a picture I like reads A smile ‘ costs nothing, but gives much. It enriches those who receive it without making poor those who give it ’,” said Shuman.
The winner of the grand prize will walk away with $2,500 (R43,125) while the winner of each category takes home $500 (R8,625). There will also be a readers choice award, also with a ’ $500 prize.
The winners will be announced in September, with the winning portraits posted online and shown in the Smithsonian magazine.