Six Silver Awards & a Return to Competition
Six Silver Awards.
Seeing those words after this year's Master Photographers International (MPI) International Imaging Competition was both exciting and incredibly rewarding.
Not simply because of the medals themselves, but because they marked my return to something I hadn't done in two years.
Photography has always been a craft I love to study. I believe there's always another technique to learn, another story to tell, another way to grow. While my focus has remained exactly where I want it—serving the wonderful families who trust Pixels with their memories—life has a way of shifting priorities. Between running a business, raising a family, and recovering from a back injury, entering competitions quietly slipped to the bottom of my list.
This year, I decided it was time to jump back in.
Sometimes Growth Starts with One Small Decision
If I'm honest, there was a little hesitation.
Not because I don't love photography, but because every creative eventually wonders if they're ready.
Should I wait another year?
Should I create something better first?
Should I spend more time refining every image?
As the deadline approached, I realized I had two choices: continue waiting for the "perfect" time, or simply hit Submit.
So I did.
In true creative fashion, I finalized my entries just two days before the deadline. Would I have loved another month to tweak every detail? Absolutely.
But sometimes the biggest step forward is simply deciding to begin.
Real Clients. Real Stories.
One of the things that makes these awards especially meaningful is that every image I entered was created for a real client.
These weren't styled specifically for competition.
They were portraits created to celebrate childhood, imagination, personality, milestones, and family.
Every laugh.
Every expression.
Every carefully chosen detail.
Every image began because a family trusted Pixels to preserve a moment they never wanted to forget.
To know those same portraits were recognized on an international stage is an incredible honor.
Celebrating the Results
This year, six client portraits received Silver Awards through the Master Photographers International (MPI) International Imaging Competition.
The award-winning images included:
Show Your Work
In Tow
Dripping with Curiosity
Cultivated Grace
Between Wish and Spell
Golden Girl
Each image tells a different story, but they all share one thing in common—they were created with heart, intention, and a genuine love for documenting childhood in a way that feels timeless.
While receiving six Silver Awards is certainly something to celebrate, the awards themselves aren't the finish line.
They're simply encouragement to keep learning.
Why Enter Photography Competitions?
People occasionally ask why photographers enter image competitions.
The answer is actually pretty simple.
Not for trophies.
Not for titles.
Not even for recognition.
Competitions challenge us to become better artists.
Every image is evaluated by experienced judges who offer insight into lighting, composition, storytelling, technical excellence, creativity, and emotional impact. It's an opportunity to view your work through fresh eyes and discover new ways to grow.
That feedback doesn't stay inside the competition.
It comes home to every family session.
Every senior portrait.
Every child who walks through the studio doors.
Every client benefits when their photographer never stops learning.
The Best Artists Never Stop Growing
One of the things I love most about photography is that there is always something new to discover.
A different way to use light.
A stronger story to tell.
A fresh perspective.
The moment we believe we've learned everything is the moment we stop growing.
I hope I never reach that place.
Instead, I want every year to make me a better artist than the one before.
Thank You
To every family who has trusted me with your memories—thank you.
These awards may have my name attached to them, but they begin with you.
With your children.
Your stories.
Your trust.
Your willingness to step in front of my camera and allow me to create something meaningful.
I'm honored that those moments were recognized, but I'm even more grateful that I get to do this work every single day.
While I'm grateful for the awards, I'm even more excited about what comes next.
I'll take the judges' feedback, continue refining my craft, and keep challenging myself to grow as an artist.
Because every workshop attended, every critique received, every competition entered, and every hour spent studying this craft ultimately serves one purpose:
Creating even more meaningful portraits for the families who trust Pixels with their stories.
And to me, that will always be the greatest reward.
