Last week saw the annual gathering for the AIPP Australian Professional Photography awards (APPA) in Melbourne (Australia). I was over the moon to receive 1 Gold award, 2 Silver Distinctions and 1 Silver award for my four prints entered. The standard of work on show was unbelievable, I can confidently say that I am super proud to be apart of the Australian Photography Industry. The photo artists that come out of this country are right up there with the best in the world and I am inspired by this every day… It is also a constant reminder to me that I cant afford to slack off as a creative if I want to stay competitive in this industry, so thank you fellow awesome image makers! (you complete me). I was honored to be asked to be a judge again this year and it was a responsibility i didnt’ take lightly. I got to sit alongside some of the photographers I most respect in this industry and discuss/critique work in an open forum, often in front of the entrants (who were probably whispering, “they don’t get me” or “yes!! they get it” or maybe even, “that Dan guy needs to pull his pants up”) I know this because I am also an entrant and it is usually me up the back of the room chewing my nails down to the bone when my peers are “judging me”. As an entrant, it takes alot of courage to put yourself out there to be critiqued and I believe that everyone that does this deserves to be awarded, really. To quote a good friend of mine Samm Blake “Through the greatest discomfort, comes the greatest growth” and I truly believe this.
On another note, at the gala dinner on the closing night I was awarded the honor of AIPP Master of Photography which is a huge personal achievement for me.
Below are the images I entered into this years awards, I hope you enjoy! Thank you to all of my clients for giving me the opportunity to make pictures and to those volunteers that helped me out for my whacky portrait idea (below).
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