After a few years in the photography industry, and three years in my own studio as Nomad Photography, I decided to submit some prints to the Canon APPA 2009 prints awards (Canon Australian Professional Photography Awards) that took place during the PMA 2009 in Sydney.
I am thrilled to announce that for my first entry in this competition, I received my first Silver Award in the Wedding open category. How exciting is that.
Here is the awarded print.
Silver Award in the Wedding open Category. Canon APPA 2009
Beside the satisfaction of my brides and grooms, I wanted to enter this competition as a personal assessment. This award is a recognition from peer professional photographers as a high professional level of wedding photography.
To be honest, I didn’t expect much for a first time but now I am hunger for more. This is the kind of drug that pushes you to be better for the next time.
It’s been a 3 day trip to Sydney to attend for the judging, far from home, my wife and the kids. I dedicate my first award to my wife Linh, who has always supported me in my passion for photography.
A particular though for my father who gave me the photography bug more than 30 years ago.
Below are some photos during the APPA 2009 week end at the Sydney Convention Centre.
A note for photographers: photos taken with the Canon 5D Mark II with the Canon 85 mm F1.2 L II at ISO no less than 1600.
Also note that the prints are presented anonymously for judging and credits are given to the photographers that presented these prints.
No reproduction or use without written permission from the owner. Duplication of the images on this page is prohibitted.
Friday Trade only day:
Train trip to Sydney at 6 AM. The start of a long and exciting week end.
Canon Stand
Judges examining a print
The wall of FAME
Award winning photographer Rocco Ancora during a talk at the Nikon stand
Award winning photographer Rocco Ancora during a talk at the Nikon stand
One of the Gold Award winners in the APPA 09 illustrative category
Natasha. Mark Up Artist and model
APPA 2009. A moment to remember
Canon APPA 2009. The wall of FAME after the first day of judging.
Saturday. Judging day for APPA 2009 Illustrative, Documentary and Portrait categories:
I had a print in the Illustrative category but missed the judging and didn’t see it on the wall of fame so I guess it didn’t get awarded …
Here is the print submitted for this category.
The story behind this photo is, we were at the Gold Coast, Linh, the kids and I. I was wandering in a gallery when I saw this bridal gown store. I stopped for a while and waited for the moment. Not longtime after, this couple of tourist came along in the frame and had a short chat about the gown displayed in the window.
This is the type of street photography that I like, aside from my wedding sessions.
Like I said, I missed the judging of this print so I don’t know how good it was until I get the score back from APPA.
A view from the hotel @ 5AM. Start of a long day
A few hours later.
Recently judged prints
Difficult decision
Canon addict
Nikon Stand
Nikon stand
Model shoot @ Hasselblad stand
For the archives
Award winning photographer Marcus Bell during a talk at the Nikon stand
Award winning photographer Marcus Bell during a talk at the Nikon stand
Award winning photographer Marcus Bell camera settings recommendations
A Nikon sale rep
Natasha. Mark Up Artist and model
Sunday. The big day for the APPA 2009 judging of Wedding open, Portrait (environmental) and Photographic book categories:
A view of the Darling Habour on my way to the Sydney Convention Centre
One of the Gold Award prints. Strong message and beautifully executed. Credits to the owner of the print
Another Gold Award print. I had the chance to assist to the judging of this particular print. Well done. Credits to the owner of the print
Some strong images on the wall of FAME
Silver Awards with Distinction in the Portrait Category
Always wanted to know how an exhibition looked like before the crowd gets in ? Here it is. Awesome studio lights
Another stand before the busy crowd
Nice T-Shirt Hilary
This is the moment we are all waiting for.
Relaxed judges before the long day of judging. Mercury Megaloudis. The 2008 Canon AIPP Australian Professional Photographer of the Year
A fellow photographer from Perth seconds after the judging of her print: well deserved Gold Award in the Wedding open Category
Her print visible after the judging on the wall of FAME
My precious Silver Award in the Wedding Category at the Canon APPA 2009
Another fellow photographer in front of his Silver Award print in the background
Silver Award @ The Canon APPA 2009. A moment to remember. The photographer and the print on the wall of FAME
Canon APPA 2009. The wall of FAME during the last day of judging.
A view of Sydney on my way back to Canberra. That was an awesome week end. To be continued …
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