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I just saw the results for the 2005 Winter Contest for the Wedding Photojournalist Association, and I had two images that ranked in the top 20!!

I was awarded 4th place in the Dancing category for this shot from Tyler & Preston’s reception:

Judges Comments: A humorous photo. Sometimes the subject makes the photo and this guy’s expression is priceless. The high camera angle and use of strobe works well to draw your eye in as well as the repetition of the arms.

And 14th in the Ceremony category for this photograph of Cristina:

So so so many great photographs in this competition - take a peek at some of the amazing award winning images by clicking through the galleries.

“You like me! You REALLY like me!”

That’s what we all remember, but in fact the famed line reads:

“I haven’t had an orthodox career, and I’ve wanted more than anything to have your respect. The first time I didn’t feel it, but this time I feel it, and I can’t deny the fact that you like me, right now, you like me!” (1985)

– Sally Field, Best Actress for “Places in the Heart,” after having won in 1980 for “Norma Rae”

Well, you like me too!

This past week, I placed tenth in the Ceremony category of the WPJA Fall 2005 contest!!

Here is my award-winning image:

JUDGES COMMENTS: I really like it when photographers get low and give us a different perspective than the norm.

To learn more about the WPJA and see other winning images, visit:

Just figured I would mention this:

I recently became a member of The Wedding Photojournalist Association - you can see their website at www.wpja.com

From the text on their website:

“The Wedding Photojournalist Association (WPJA) is a professional organization composed of photojournalists and wedding photographers from around the world. What sets our members apart in the industry is their candid, documentary approach – a distinctly artistic vision toward wedding photography.

Leading the way in Wedding Photojournalism, WPJA represents the most discriminating talent around the world technically, creatively and visually. Qualified members hold industry-leading standards, skills and business integrity.

The WPJA sponsors educational programs including seminars, conventions and workshops geared toward the wedding photojournalist. We also host wedding photojournalism contests, judged by top working photojournalists and news photo editors. The purpose of these contests is to celebrate the photographers who document and record the found moment.

The Wedding Photojournalist Association (WPJA), an International, membership-based organization, represents professional photographers skilled in the documentation of weddings and events in a candid, unobtrusive style. The WPJA was founded to uphold excellence in the area of wedding photojournalism. “

Nationally, fewer than 5% of wedding photographers qualify for this honor. I am very excited to be part of such a prestigious group of oober-talented artists.

Also,

I have been a member for a while now, but figured it was worth mentioning, that I am also a member of Wedding & Portrait Photographers International (WPPI) which can also be found online at www.wppionline.com

I am a founding member of the Tallahassee Association of Wedding Professionals at www.tawp.org