I have shared on my blog before about my desire to achieve my masters in photography with the PPOC as a challenge to myself to continue as a student of photography. It’s a challenge that will ensure I maintain high technical standards in my studio, but also ensure I grow creatively. In order to achieve a masters degree, I must submit images for accreditations, enter in provincial and national print competitions and be an active member with the PPOC.
An accreditation is a review of a portfolio of my work in a specific category. Success with accreditation ensures that I am “capable of delivering above average quality of photographs in a chosen category of photography.” (excerpt from the PPOC website’s description of accreditation). I recently received my accreditation for commercial photography and last month, I was notified that my portrait submission was also accepted! For the portrait category, I had to include images in studio and on location of PR portraits, family groups, children, executive, couples and individuals. These images also had to contain mix of close up, half, 3/4 and full crops. Here are a few of my portraiture submissions:
Every business professional needs a good PR portraits! Even Robin Williams has a proper PR portrait in suit/tie! A PR portrait must have correct lighting ratio/pattern on the face, the background has a specific lighting pattern/colour, skin tones are even and smooth, and the pose is natural and makes the subject look relaxed and approachable. A simple change in camera position can change the way a subject is viewed in an image!
I also received notification last month that my submission of “Mystic Wonder” was accepted to the national print competition. Only 46% of entries are accepted and go on display at the PPOC national convention which was held in Saskatoon this year. The judges review lighting, presentation, composition, colour balance, expression, story telling and a host of other points when reviewing the images. “Mystic Wonder” receives a silver corner and is now on display with my other entries that I have had accepted in previous years!
One of the reasons why I continue to challenge myself in print competitions and accreditations is because I want to maintain a high level of standard with my photography. With today’s cameras, it is easy for anybody to point and shoot and get a great image, but with my training I can take that image further by ensuring correct lighting, colour balance, posing, expression, story telling and correct/safe use of state of the art professional grade photographic equipment. I want Dragon Hare Studios to provide high quality images and in order to maintain this standard, I continually have to learn and challenge myself. Give us a call so we can create images for you that will capture your story and ensure a lifetime of memories!