For years, I hesitated to call myself “award-winning.” I thought honorable mentions were handed out like participation trophies — something photographers tossed around without much meaning.
But this year, I took a hard look at what it really means to receive recognition from prestigious international competitions like PX3 and IPA — and I realized just how rare and significant those honors are.
Competitions Aren’t Easy — They’re Brutally Competitive
International photography competitions like PX3 (Prix de la Photographie Paris), IPA (International Photography Awards), and the ND Awards receive thousands of submissions from photographers worldwide — spanning amateurs, emerging artists, and seasoned professionals.
These contests:
Are judged by panels of internationally respected photographers, curators, editors, and art directors who rigorously evaluate every image.
Don’t just look for technical correctness, but for artistic vision, originality, emotional impact, and storytelling power.
Have incredibly low acceptance rates — the majority of submissions don’t receive any form of acknowledgment.
It’s common for talented photographers to submit year after year, sometimes for decades, hoping for just one nod — an honorable mention or official selection. Many never receive any recognition at all.
My Portraits Are Different — They’re of Horses, Livestock, and Animals
Unlike typical portrait photographers who shoot people, my focus is on the expressive personalities of horses, calves, and other animals.
One of my honored images is a portrait of a red calf that IPA recognized after a rigorous selection process. Animal portraiture requires:
Patience and deep understanding of animal behavior
The ability to anticipate moments that reveal personality
Technical precision to capture subtle expressions and mood under unpredictable conditions
📸 Diverse Subjects, Consistent Quality
My work also spans:
Floral photography, where I explore texture, light, and decay with a fine art “distressing” aesthetic.
Action shots, including fast, chaotic indoor rodeos — like the PX3 image that earned an honorable mention this year.
Excelling across such varied subjects means mastering many different skills, and consistently producing work that resonates with discerning jurors on the international stage.
Honorable Mentions Are Hard-Earned and Rare
Contrary to my earlier belief, honorable mentions are not handed out lightly or in large numbers. They are a significant achievement in a sea of thousands of entries.
Only a small percentage of submitted images get any recognition at all.
Judges look for images that rise above technical proficiency to demonstrate creativity and emotional power.
Many photographers dream of earning even a single honorable mention — and never do.
For me, receiving these honors means that my work has been validated by some of the best eyes in the field. It reflects not just technical skill, but artistry, vision, and the ability to tell compelling stories through my lens.
Why Honorable Mentions and Official Selections Matter to Me
Honorable mentions and official selections might not be the top prize, but they are far from insignificant.
Each recognition means:
My work was chosen from thousands of submissions by experts who really know their craft.
My images stood out enough to be highlighted — a testament to quality, vision, and emotional impact.
I’m part of a very small group of photographers whose work meets these high standards.
I’m deeply honored to have multiple honorable mentions and official selections over the years. They aren’t just accolades; they’re milestones on my creative journey — proof that my persistence, experimentation, and dedication are paying off.
And while I haven’t placed yet, I’m optimistic. Having a growing portfolio of recognized images builds the foundation I need to one day reach that top prize. It’s a marathon, not a sprint, and each recognition brings me closer to that goal.