Award Winning Images

As an artist, I believe that getting better with my imagery is extremely important to my growth as an artist as well as a businesswoman. I started submitting for competition a few years ago and I believe the process has made me a more proficient, detail-oriented, and technically advanced photographer. I'm very specific about what competitions I submit to. I look for competitions that are judged by leaders in my industry and that keep the artist's name out of the competition to further ensure that they are based solely on the quality of the work and not on the artist's notoriety. The images below were submitted to the International Photo Competition or as we call it IPC. This competition is put on by Professional Photographers of America an organization that has been the leader in the industry for 150 years. I have been a member since 2016 if you would like to learn more about IPC click here. If you would like to know more about PPA click here.

I also recently started submitting to WPPI 2022 was my first year to submit physical prints and all of the images I submitted were awarded. This was so exciting because I was able to see all of the images judged live. It's very nerve-wracking! One of the things I love about this competition is that they value creativity. It's definitely something I strive for when I compete. Since I had enough points from this competition I was awarded Associate of WPPI, this is the very beginning of their honors of excellence program so I do have a ways to go to get awarded triple master's, which will take years of commitment on my part with competing.

You might be asking yourself how this benefits you. Simply put photographers that submit to these types of competitions where they receive true, honest, and sometimes gut-wrenching feedback grows to be much better at their craft. This in turn creates better imagery for you, and it ensures you receive professional quality images that you will be proud to hang on your walls.

Autistic Connection

This is the first image I received an award for and therefore holds a special place in my heart. This sweet little lady has the most stunning blue eyes I have ever seen and she just so happens to be on the spectrum. Her diagnosis doesn't define her and she makes huge strides every day. She is smart and beautiful and is a massive joy to her family and all that know her. Her mom is a dear friend of mine and I love how she has fought tirelessly for the medical care and education that her daughter deserves. This image was taken during an Authentic Kids Session.

My Favorite Things

Oh, how sweet and gentle this image is, how she lovingly holds her blanket. You would never know that this is a rare glimpse into this child's life. She is one of the most active children you will ever see! Always moving and wildly entertaining! Her smile lights up a room and she keeps her parents on their toes and filled with great joy! This image was taken during an Authentic Kids Session.

Unveiling The New Me

I had so much fun photographing her! Talk about an amazing young woman! She's not only stunning but she had such great energy and laughter! I loved how she felt comfortable in my knowledge to trust my vision for her entire session. This image was taken as part of her Graduating Senior Session. This image signifies that she is moving on to a different part of her life. Like a butterfly coming out of its chrysalis.

Contemplating The Arrival

This image was taken with the intent of showcasing how inward bigger kids are. They aren't as wild and energetic as toddlers. As time goes on they morph into inwardly thinking beings and this image shows that perfectly. His soft expression and body language, he truly is in a quiet space. That red hair of his is simply outstanding with the speckling of freckles. Sometimes a soft expression is so much better than a smile, it speaks volumes to the viewer and creates a story, drawing one in to wonder what he is thinking about. This session was part of an Authentic Kids Session.

Renegade Son

Ok so it's hard not to be partial, this handsome man is my son. When I took this image I wanted a more stoic expression, kind of "too cool for school" as one might say. He typically is akin to being a tornado of sorts with lots of energy and laughs. I loved how thought-provoking it is. I am an artist who believes in your family being the art on your walls, and you better believe this image is proudly displayed in my home.

Fluffy

So, clearly, you can see why I named it fluffy! What wonderful hair this little lady has. I can't get enough of her soulful expression. I wonder if she will grow up to be an old soul. When I designed this image I wanted to show off all that wonderful hair! Going with a dynamic contrast was very intentional. This image was a hand edited digital painting, I lovingly poured hours into creating this look. I envision it being displayed in an oval frame.

On Top Of Spaghetti

The idea for this image came because I used to sing "On Top of Spaghetti" to my son. (I don't anymore, he's too cool for all that)! This is my highest scoring image to date. It went loan.

PPA’s annual International Photographic Competition (commonly referred to as ‘IPC’) produces the very best photographers from all over the world. Thousands of images are submitted, but only the very best get selected to be published in the esteemed PPA Loan Collection Book.

Simply put, the Loan Collection exhibits the best of the best from the IPC. These amazing images are collected into a gorgeous and massive, hardcover book. This book is made available for purchase to photographers all over the world. Most importantly, it is known for being a collection of images that set the standard for quality in our industry.

So you can imagine my delight, especially when the story is personal to me and my son. He certainly has become quite the actor!

Put Me In Coach

I always find it amazing where inspiration strikes. For example, this image came about after I received a "Stitch Fix" Order for my son. (Did you know they do this for kids? they do and it's fantastic, especially if you live in an area with limited options) The t-shirt and sweats were part of the order. I fell in love with the Graphic on the t-shirt. and promptly got to work on how I wanted this to look. Styling for portraits, in general, is very important but in competition, it's crucial for storytelling. The pops of red are very deliberate in tying everything together.

Sticky Situation

Oh, how wonderful it is when life becomes art. This image's inspiration came from when I was a little girl and had gum stuck in my hair when I fell asleep with it in my mouth. I had been told to take it out at bedtime. I scrambled trying everything to remove it before my parents found out, to no avail. In this image, I added the little boy to the story to be the poor soul having to cut it out of her hair, hence the name "Sticky Situation".

I'm Not Out Of Tune You're Out Of Tune

When I was younger we had a dog that when Michel Jackson's song "Beat It" would come on the radio or if we would sing it she would instantly start howling. It was hysterical! So that is where this image idea came from. This image became my second image to "loan" now known as imaging excellence since the term changed in 2021. When I look at this image it cracks me up every time. The dog whose name is slim is just so into it!

Tug O' Homework

Oh, the classic excuse of "The Dog Ate My Homework". This is my take on that, but in this story it just happens to be true! In a mad attempt to get the homework away from the dog the result is tug o' war! so...Tug O' Homework. Who will be the victor? We can only come to our own conclusions.

Who'll Start The Bidding

Can't get past sibling rivalry., It's just gonna happen! This image came about in my brain after reading a poem by Shel Silverstein titled "Sister For Sale". As a child, I loved reading his poems and found them so funny. When I created this vision I wanted to visually tell the story that the eldest sister was more of a tomboy and had enough of her younger sisters' princess ways. So I made sure to convey that with the clothing items they wore and how their hair was done. Natalie and Jasmine were so fun to work with we laughed the whole time. This capture with her tongue out and her thumb down was actually their idea. I loved it so much that it became the image I used. It was so much fun to see this being judged live a WPPI.