Well, not sure where to start with this. Since starting to shoot as a professional I have always set myself goals of achievement, both personal and professionally. After watching my first Australian Institute of Professional Photography (AIPP) Awards judging a few years ago I said to myself that it would be my dream to one day win a category at the highly competitive Australian Professional Photography Awards (APPA) and the week before last week (or maybe the week before that?) it happened!
I was awarded with the title of 2011 Australian Creative Photographer of the Year and got to stand on stage with some of my favorite photographers in the Industry today. I love what I do and I can honeslty say that sometimes the only reason I push myself as hard as I do is because I know how many stupidly talented photographers there are out there (many of them now my friends, many of course, i have yet to meet). To stand a chance against these freaks I have to fall no shorter than my absolute personal best (+1) when considering and crafting my work.
Thank you to all of you disgustingly freakishly talented photographers that are constantly making me run faster, I owe this as much to you as anyone else. This one also goes out to all my non-photgrapher friends and family that have put up with me and my obsessive personality all these years. I constantly ask myself why you are still around (as I am sure you do), but for whatever the reason I am so gretful for your friendships and support – I love you with everything i have left.
I am also going to take this opportunity to let you know about some of the other highlights I have had in 2011 that I am not yet shared on my blog. This year I was also absolutely over the moon to received the following accolades:
2011 ACT AIPP Wedding Photographer of the year & 2011 ACT AIPP Illustrative Photographer of the year.
In my first international WPPI competition this year I also managed to walk away with overall 3rd place in the Illustrative category and 2nd place for bride and Groom together, receiving in total 7 awards of excellence.
Below is the portfolio that secured me the title of 2011 AIPP Australian Creative Photographer of the year, I have put what each print scored at the state level first and then the national score, its always an interesting comparison to make.
I am the first to admit that these types of posts seem very self indulgent and a little bit “look at me”, but then I also think you work so hard, you lose sleep at night you bust your guts to do the best you can, and when things go the way you plan you might as well share the joy right? Also, it gives my mum something to forward onto her friends and my relatives to show them that not only am I not in prison, I’m doing alright for myself! (also buying me a few brownie points come christmas time).
I would like to dedicate the use of the word “absolutely” in this post, to my dear friend Todd Hunter McGaw.
*Below – State level (90 – Gold) – National Level (96 – Gold with Distinction)
*Below – State level (94 – Gold) – National Level (86 – Silver with Distinction)
*Below – State level (97 – Gold with Distinction) – National Level (83 – Silver)
*Below – State level (90 – Gold) – National Level (91 – Gold)
nirav - This is insane Dan!! Dude, you are on a roll and deserve every bit of the awesomeness in your life.
bryan - awesome Dan! congrats!
Michael Wachniak - you. deserve. this. (and more) :)
Mark Dohring - You may be walking on water soon at this rate. Huge congrats mate. Well done.
Brian Terry - Nice one dude. Delighted for you. B