I have been a keen follower of the AIPP Awards for a few years now. The AIPP is the Australian Institute of Professional Photography, and the largest member organisation for professional photographers in Australia. My work was assessed and I became an accredited member back in 2013. Since then I’ve been honing my skills to be game enough to enter the annual awards. Last year whilst at a workshop, I got chatting to some fellow photographers who enter the awards each year. They gave me the encouragement I needed to think about entering this year. I submitted a few of my photos and nervously awaiting the judging on Monday. Most people don’t get anything on their first attempt so I was trying to stay realistic and use the process as a learning experience. As much as I was hoping to win an award, it was quite unlikely. To my absolute delight (and slight shock!) one of my entries was awarded a Silver Award (a mark of 80 – 84). To say I was thrilled is an understatement! My 3 year old daughter was sitting on my knee watching some amazing entries be judged on the live stream. When mine came up and the judges made some lovely comments about it and awarded it a Silver we both jumped up and danced around the room. What a thrill! I think it’s safe to say I’m hooked and am already thinking about what I can do for next year.
I’d like to publicly thank my wonderful family for believing in me, and for all their support in pursuing my love of photography all those years ago. They have been, and continue to be, my biggest supporters and a source of huge encouragement on the journey to be the best photographer I can be.
Here is my award winning image
