I never thought I would be someone who would enter the Photography Industry Awards. I have entered ‘open to the public’ awards and won ‘People’s Choice’ but to be judged by my peers and those with so many accolades in the industry scared me. I was a wedding photographer that liked to produce images that made my clients smile, it wasn’t about being an artist winning awards.

I thought the images that won were always those that didn’t represent my style. To me they were a bit over the top with regards to their editing so it didn’t resemble a photo any more. Then the tide turned and an awesome photojournalistic photographer I know showed me his Gold Award winning image. It gave me faith in my ability to also produce Award quality images with my relaxed, candid, sometimes quirky and fun style!

This year I decided it was time to take a leap of faith and enter the AIPP NSW/ACT Professional Photography Awards. It seems my leap paid off as I received 4 awards out of the 7 images I entered! I scored 85, 84 and two 80s. My highest scoring print was of a Bridal Party at the Mint and received a Silver with Distinction Award. One of the judges said it reminded him of the Annie Leibovitz Vanity Fair shoots with celebrities – this is exactly the look I was going for so I was super excited to hear my vision was shared.

What did I get out of entering the awards other than some pretty certificates to hang on the walls?

1. Recognition from my colleagues and industry that I am producing professional quality work.

2. I have the ability to produce Award Winning images = bonus confidence boost.

2. A thirst for learning more about fine art printing and producing images that look like pieces of art to hang on the wall.

3. A renewed energy for working on personal photo projects to continually stretch my creative vision.

4. A greater appreciation for people who have a different style to me and how that can benefit how I approach my photography.

5. A stronger network with great photographers and opportunities to work on joint projects in the future.

For those photographers who are questioning whether you should enter, I say take that leap of faith and learn along the way!

Yvette and Daniel love the camera. They love being cheeky together. They love doing their own romantic and sexy poses. They love being together. At age 21 they have maturity beyond their years and have been together for 5 years. I call Daniel a young Superman and Yvette his Lois. Please enjoy our little journey in the Rocks on Thursday.

Centennial Park is certainly a favourite for a lot of my couples and you can see why, it has a lovely country feel and there are so many spots where you can feel like you are the only person there! Alicia and James started the session telling me they were quite nervous and by the time we were 15 minutes in they were suggesting ideas of what they wanted to do in front of the camera and they were able to relax really well and bring out their true feelings in front of the camera!