Well…. I finally got there and it was well worth the wait. Yesterday I returned home after spending a week in Melbourne for the 2010 AIPP Australian Professional Photography Awards (APPAs). The 2010 APPAs are like the photography industry’s Oscars. Over 700 photographers from all across Australia submit over 3000 prints to be judged by the best of the best of the best. And I must say, I’m pretty stoked with how I did this year. Out of the four prints I submitted, I was awarded 1 Silver, two Silver with Distinctions and 1 Gold with Distinction.
My Gold with Distinction print scored a 99 out of 100. When three of the five judges scored it 100, I just about fell over. Needless to say, it was one of those moments that I’ll never forget. And not only was that 99 a first ever for a Wedding Category print, it was the Highest Scoring Print overall. It was truly humbling and amazing to say the least. For that print, I was blessed enough to receive the Ilford Trophy – a trophy that I was hoping to maybe one day receive in my LIFETIME. A trophy that has so many of my photo hero’s names engraved into it and now I get the honor of sharing that real estate with them. So it goes without saying that receiving this award only last week stills seems a little crazy to me.
Also, I have to give a shout out to my good friend (and fellow Canberran) Emily Hannah who was awarded 2010 Documentary Photographer of the Year! I could not be happier for you Em!! Also, I have to give props to worker bee Christine ( Pookles) Pobke who manage to walk away with 2 silvers in her first APPA’s (an amazing effort). The Gala Awards Dinner was a black-tie event held at the Melbourne Crown Casino and was so well put together. It was an awesome night filled with lots of champagne, dancing, champagne, and… well, champagne. Will post some pics from the celebrations soon!!
Aside from the obvious, the other highlight of the week away was getting to meet so many other photographers from around Australia and developing new friendships. I’m confident there were at least a few potential life-timers in there so I cant wait to see what the future holds for myself and my new-found friends.
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