EMMETSBURG — Natalie Rosenberg’s decision to plant more than 100 sunflowers in her garden this year paid off in more ways than one when she earned third place in the illustrative category at the Professional Photographers of Iowa Fall Convention recently in Des Moines.

“She has a good sense of composition and color harmony, and has gotten very good on the technical side,” said Dave Petrick, lead adjunct instructor with the photography program at Iowa Lakes Community College.

Petrick attended the convention with Rosenberg and another student, Catherine Teach. It was the first time at the print competition for Teach, who was there to observe and may compete next year — just like Rosenberg watched and learned before entering the contest.

“It’s a good learning experience,” Petrick said. “They learn if their photography is on track to be on a professional level, as judged by some of the best professional photographers in Iowa.”

Students who attended the two-day convention with Petrick also got to participate in the event’s in-depth classes on different areas of photography, such as newborns or senior portraits, and have opportunities to meet vendors and other photographers.

“(Entering competitions) is one of the best things you could do for yourself to help you become a better photographer,” Rosenberg said. “You will adapt to what the judges are looking for in every photo you take.”

She also said she appreciated hearing immediate feedback from the judges during the judging.

Petrick intends to continue bringing students in his photography classes to conventions and workshops.

To view the winning photos from the Professional Photographers of Iowa Fall Convention, visit www.ppiowa.com/fall-2016-coming-soon.