As a member of the Professional Photographers of America, I participate in a variety of print competitions they organize. I believe it’s a good way to make sure that my photography skills are cutting edge. By participating on a constant basis, I am always trying to improve. The biggest competition is the annual International Print Competition. The judging lasts for nearly a week each June in Atlanta, GA.
Each photographer is allowed to enter four images. The judging team reviews the images and decides if they are good enough to be included in the General Collection. If they pass that judging, they are then re-judged for inclusion into the Loan Collection, which is considered the “best of the best.” This collection then travels across the world to other photographic events for display. The images are also included in a Loan Collection book.
Each judge is given a certain number of tokens that they may assign to some of their favorite images that did not get approved for the Loan Collection. These images are then published in a special “Showcase” book.
I am very proud that all 4 of my images were approved this year, with 2 images being approved for the Loan Collection and 1 image for the Showcase book. This level of honor resulted in a Gold Medalist award for 2011.
"Don't Cross the Boss" ~ 2011 General Collection
"But I Don't Want to Take a Nap!" ~ 2011 Loan Collection
"Lonesome Soul" ~ 2011 Loan Collection
"Spotlight on Sassy" - 2011 General Collection / Showcase Book