Mercer County Native’s Winter Photograph To Be Featured On U.S. Postage Stamp
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Juanita Phillips shows off a print of her photograph, which was selected by the U.S. Postal Service for inclusion in this year’s Winter Landscapes stamp series.
April Ellis
Herald Staff
For Mercer County native Juanita Phillips, what began as a simple love of photography has turned into a once-in-a-lifetime honor, her work will soon be traveling across the nation on millions of U.S. Postal Service stamps.
Phillips, 69, a 1974 graduate of Mercer County High School, has lived her entire life in Mercer and Anderson counties. Though her career has long been in medical transcription,she currently works from home for Central Kentucky Radiology, photography has always been her passion. “I’ve never been without a camera throughout my life,” she said. “Photography has always been my hobby and what I’ve called my ‘retirement fun job.’”
Her photograph was selected for inclusion in the USPS’s upcoming Winter Landscapes series of stamps, released on Friday, Sept. 19, during a ceremony in Danville, Ind. Phillips was invited to share her story at the event and autograph “first day of release” cards for attendees. The stamps were available nationwide beginning Saturday, Sept. 20.
The chosen photo dates back to March 12, 2018, when Phillips ventured out into the aftermath of a wet snowfall.
“It was beautiful everywhere,” she recalled. “I probably walked a mile or more and took over 300 pictures that day. This one just stood out as the best.”
It featured a snow-covered fence curving against a backdrop of bright blue sky, the image captures both serenity and contrast.
Originally submitted to “Country Magazine” in 2018, the photo later appeared in “Birds & Blooms.” It was there that a representative from PhotoAssist, a company that helps USPS develop its stamp program, discovered the image. Phillips first learned of her selection in April 2022 through an unexpected email.
“At first, I thought it might be a scam,” she admitted with a laugh.
After researching the company, she realized the offer was real, and was sworn to secrecy until the official reveal in November 2024.
For Phillips, the honor still feels surreal. “I don’t consider myself a professional photographer, just an enthusiast who enjoys taking pictures,” she said. “To me this is an amazing honor and I’m humbled my photo was chosen.”
She hopes those who see her stamp will feel the same awe she experienced on that snowy March day.
“I would hope people look at it and appreciate the beauty and peacefulness of a newly fallen snow and appreciate God’s artwork in nature.”
The recognition hasn’t changed her approach to photography, which she continues to do for enjoyment. Still, Phillips says it may inspire her to share more of her work. Her advice to other artists: “If others enjoy and compliment your photography, get your work out there. Submit photos to contests, magazines, because you never know. You could be totally surprised at the recognition and honors you might receive.”
For someone who once bought her very first camera for 69 cents at age 12, Phillips’ story proves that even lifelong hobbies can lead to extraordinary opportunities, sometimes ones that travel the world.
