Chapter 287: Fingered by fate (2/2)
In fact, at the moment, a senior of the group was at the front of the room speaking to all the seated members about the procedure for the critique and also, the competition. Although it was a beginner's contest, it turned out to be a bit more serious than Ben had expected. Well, to be exact, this competition itself was nothing grand. Rather, it was what came next that was notable; The winner would have their photos entered into something substantial—the International Photography Awards!
Although entry only happened online, the club would pay for the entry fee as well as help organize the winner's photo portfolio for the event.
At first, learning about the unknown stakes caused Ben to raise his eyebrows, but now having heard of those Awards, he didn't care much. He just took it as something to encourage the beginners, so he didn't put much thought into it. However, that wasn't the case for everyone else.
Although he didn't notice, several other youngsters amongst the listeners gazed with shining eyes, squeezing their fists when the speaker mentioned the famed International Photography Awards. After all, it was one of the world's most prestigious photo contests!
As for Ben, he was more concerned with the meeting today and how he could best raise his personal talent stat through improving in photography. That's why when the critiques began and some of the senior photographers spoke of techniques and methods of improvement, Ben prepared himself to better absorb that knowledge.
As such, he took out the mid level stat growth multiplier from his pocket, and activated it!
Immediately, the familiar rush of enthusiasm struck him like the first time he listened to dubstep!
Become a champion!
Develop your talent!
Get the cover of Shounen Jump!
However, he managed to control himself this time, having gotten somewhat used to this particular surge of motivational energy last week. To his side, Charlotte was narrowing her eyes at him though. She sensed Ben was off, like he was in a strange state, but something was missing…
Yet, with twitching eyes, he restrained himself, almost as if he was running out of memes…
Regardless, the critique continued with various people offering constructive criticism. Listening to it, Ben gained a lot too, picking up on mistakes he'd made during his first week of photography and discovering new methods to improve his skills. As the number of presented submissions increased, he also realized something.
Within this group, in terms of photography skills, he and Charlotte were amongst the weaker members, but it made sense. The reality was they both started photography not long ago. Meanwhile, some people here did it semi-professionally or studied it as their major in university.
So when Charlotte's photos of him came up, although Ben was proud of his various poses...he recognized the quality was amongst the worst submitted today. He even noticed a few of the senior members frowning at the photos. But so what? He didn't expect anything in the first place. They were both beginners in the end.
Fortunately, the veterans understood that too. So they began offering advice on how the photographer could improve. Yet, not everyone in the room maintained such a wholesome mindset.
”Is this a joke? I thought this was a critique for beginners, not for people who'd never held a camera…” Several rows in front of Ben, sat a young man with short red hair, crossing his arms as he sneered at the photos. Although he hadn't yelled his comment, it was audible to many people around, including Charlotte…
Ben turned to her and saw her face turn pale as her body backed away towards the wall…
'This bastard...' Watching this, Ben grimaced. He knew how sensitive Charlotte was to criticism. Each word must've pierced her heart like a needle...
Yet, the worst part was--he was responsible! He'd convinced her to join this critique, thinking the people here were mature enough that it'd be an easygoing experience. So what was with the attitude on this rusty ginger?
Glancing at the loudmouth, rage began to boil in Ben's chest...
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Author's Note: We came in 7th this time, not that far from bonus chaps :( Honestly, the issue this past month with voting was that Webnovel did not give MPUAS any promotions. We were owed a banner, a library feature, and many other features and received none of them. Even so, we came very close to returning to the top 5 this week. If the votes stayed on par with how they were Sunday and Monday, we would've made it.
Unfortunately, some of you brothers and sisters chose to take it easy towards the end of the week.
*Sniffles*
I hope this week everyone can stay consistent and keep voting every day. The schedule is the same as last week. Up to 8 bonus chaps for getting in the top 5. In any case, thank you all for your support.