Going for Gold - Award Winning Photography
Well I can't believe it has taken me this long to write a blog post about this. I'm sorry but you have all kept me very busy in the studio recently with your gorgeous babies, so I'm only just getting around to blogging about gaining my qualification with the Master Photographer Association.
Continuing to learn, develop and grow is an important part of my business as I want my clients to have the best experience and finished artworks to treasure for a lifetime. Becoming a member of the Master Photographer Association (MPA) was one of the ways I chose to challenge myself. After years of talking about one day gaining my Licentiateship qualification with one of the photographic societies, I took the plunge and booked myself a judging slot at this years Photography Show at the NEC.
It was a very nerve wracking drip down to Birmingham with my 20 selected portraits ready for judging. Not only do you have to submit an extensive panel of photographic images, which are displayed judged in front of 5 highly respected Fellows of the industry, but you also must produce an in depth working profile, about your work and business practises. This document goes into the Health & Safety elements that must be understood when dealing with the public, also have professional insurances that protect the public. Licentiateship of the MPA is the hardest qualification to achieve within the photographic profession, as it takes a great deal of time, work and dedication to your art to reach this level.
My panel of portraits were entered into the maternity and baby portrait category and the judges comments really made my day. My panel was described as sheer quality, outstanding and unique. I was thrilled to gain my Licentiate qualification and pass with flying colours. Phew! It was such a relief, especially in front of everybody watching at the NEC.
One of the other aspects of my membership with the MPA is the international monthly photographic competition. As nerve wracking as it is to put your work forward to be judged and critiqued, I find it a great way to learn and improve. Having a highly qualified judge to give you feedback on your work is invaluable and I have been fortunate enough to have won a number of highly commended awards and even a couple of gold awards.
It made my day to find out that I was Portrait Photographer of the Month in December and February. I work hard to give my clients the best creative portraits and personal service. It's important for new parents to feel confident that their photographer is a qualified professional and fully trained in newborn baby posing, to capture those precious memories of their family.
This is a collection of my winning portraits. I promise to keep challenging myself and entering whenever I get chance and will happily keep you updated on social media. x
