As a Kalamazoo photographer, I’m always looking for opportunities to keep learning, push myself creatively, and become better at what I do. That’s one of the reasons I attend ShutterFest, an annual photography conference that brings together thousands of photographers, models, and some of the most respected professionals in the industry.
This year, several months later I just received notice that one of my Shutterfest images was selected as a Top 20 finalist in the ShutterFest Top Talent Competition.
And considering how that image came together, that makes the recognition even more meaningful.
The Top Talent Competition is built around images created during ShutterFest, whether during classes or in the many shoots photographers and models arrange outside of class.
This year, more than 30,000 images from over 350 photographers around the world were submitted for evaluation.
One of mine made the final 20.
The photograph features model Deni McDaniel, who had agreed to meet me for an ambitious 6:00 a.m. shoot at the Gateway Arch in St. Louis.
I had purchased a gold fly dress specifically for the session. The dress had a dramatic 14-foot train, and I had a pretty clear idea of what I hoped we could create with the scale and lines of the Arch behind her.
What I hadn’t planned for was t
When Deni and I arrived at the Gateway Arch that morning, we quickly discovered that the topography surrounding its base was creating what felt like a giant wind tunnel.
For the dress?
Perfect.
For a large softbox sitting on top of a light stand?
Not so perfect.
That’s one of the things I love about photography, though. You can plan the concept, choose the location, bring the equipment, and arrive with an idea—but ultimately, you have to work with what the environment gives you.
And sometimes what initially looks like a problem becomes exactly what the photograph needed.
The wind caught that enormous gold train and brought movement and energy into the image. Deni brought the other half of the equation. Her poise and confidence made it possible to create something striking despite the conditions.
The resulting photograph is the one the judges selected for the Top 20.
Photography competitions are subjective, so I don’t take recognition like this for granted.
What makes being selected especially meaningful is the caliber of the photographers and industry professionals involved with ShutterFest. Having an image recognized by people whose work and experience I respect is incredibly rewarding.
But I also appreciate what the photograph represents.
It came from preparation, collaboration, experience, and the willingness to adapt when the conditions weren’t exactly what we’d imagined.
Those are qualities that matter to me far beyond competitions.
Whether I’m working with a model creating images for a portfolio or photographing a couple on one of the biggest days of their lives, the person in front of my camera shouldn’t have to figure everything out on their own.
You don’t have to already know how to pose or what to do in front of the camera. That’s my job.
My job is to see what’s happening, give you direction when you need it, make adjustments when something unexpected happens, and create an environment where you can feel confident instead of wondering whether you’re “doing it right.”
That approach is central to the experience I’ve built at Inspired Media and something I’ve learned through photographing nearly 250 weddings and countless other sessions.
I’m incredibly grateful to Deni McDaniel for getting up before sunrise, putting on a 14-foot gold fly dress, battling the wind, and bringing so much confidence and energy to this shoot.
And I’m honored that something we created together stood out among more than 30,000 submitted images.
For me, that’s the best part of this recognition.
It’s encouragement to keep learning, keep experimenting, and keep creating images that make the person in front of my camera feel as confident as they look.
If you’re a model looking to build or expand your portfolio—or you’re simply looking for a Michigan photographer who will give you the direction you need to feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera, I’d love to talk about what we can create together.
And if you found Inspired Media while searching for a Kalamazoo wedding photographer, the same philosophy applies on a wedding day: you enjoy the experience. I’ll make sure you never have to wonder what to do next.