DOMARE - SM I FOTOGRAFI
Här kan du läsa mer om de som varit domare i SM i Fotografi någon gång under de senaste åren. För att se aktuella domare för året, klicka på "jury" i menyn.
ANN COPPENS
BELGIEN
Ann Coppens, photographer with a passion for nature photography, is always looking for that ultimate moment where action and light enhance each other. Reflecting the emotions of animals and highlighting their personalities are the main pillars in her photographs. Capturing the tranquillity and simplicity of nature in a thoughtful way is her goal. Her images tell a story. The story of our planet.
Ann is a pro photographer based in Belgium. Her photography has taken her to many corners of the globe.
Many of her works have won prestigious international awards.
ALAN SHAPIRO
USA
Passionate, New York-Based Photographer, Storyteller and Educator.
Alan grew up on the creative side of advertising, working with clients around the world, telling their unique stories in very unique ways. He had the pleasure of collaborating with many talented photographers and film directors and became envious of their art and craft. At first, he saw it as a means of reducing his stress-filled life. As a Chief Creative Officer at the world’s largest Advertising Agency Network Omnicom, he needed a distraction. A friend gave him a camera. Then he bought another and another. His new hobby and daily “creative exercise regimen” turned into a joy-filled and all-consuming passion. Then, his first photo client called, followed by many more.
His work can be seen throughout the entire hospital set on ABC’s The Good Doctor, in launch campaigns for the Apple iPhone and Nikon, as well as for Cadillac, OnStar, U.S. Navy, Lockheed Martin, Die Zeit, Ricoh, Cotton Incorporated, Scholastic, and numerous others. His work fills entire walls in Bose retail stores and Ritz Carlton Hotels worldwide and hangs in numerous private and corporate art collections. His macro, food, and still life work can be seen in countless editorial publications and products from housewares to clothing to puzzles.
As much as Alan loves creating images, he genuinely loves to teach; sharing his workflow from capture through post-processing and printing. He is a super high-energy instructor with a knack for getting people out of their comfort zones, as well as helping them discover and capture beautifully simple things in unexpected ways.
BENTE JÖNSSON
SVERIGE
Bente Jönsson är en certifierad fotograf i Sverige och Europa och innehar mästarbrev.
Hon har jobbat som professionell porträttfotograf i över 20 år på en studio i södra Sverige.
Hon har tävlat i många år, blivit utnämnd till årets porträttfotograf, varit digital domare i SM en gång tidigare och sitter i styrelsen för Svenska Porträttfotografers Förbund.
Hon brinner för yrket och har haft fotografi som hobby sen hon var stor nog att kunna hålla i en kamera. Hon försöker alltid hitta det personliga i varje bild och strävar hela tiden efter att utvecklas, bli en bättre fotograf och hitta nya vägar. Därför tycker hon att det är viktigt att utmana sig själv. Att våga ta steget in i SM är ett bra sätt. Man lär sig väldigt mycket om sig själv genom att tävla och utvecklas varje gång.
Hon fotograferar mest porträtt på både människor och djur men även arkitektur och natur. Hon har också gjort en del utställningar genom åren från egna projekt och tycker att det är kul att få leka loss med ljussättning, komposition och nya vinklar eller nya sätt att se på människokroppen.
BJÖRN PERSSON
SVERIGE
Björn Persson är en internationellt erkänd konstfotograf från Stockholm. Björn försöker skildra djuren som de verkligen är –medvetna, kännande varelser med olika personligheter. Istället för att skapa förtvivlan över deras hotade situation vill han skapa hopp och inspirera människor att engagera sig. Hans verk har ställts ut på ett flertal gallerier och museer runt om i världen, och han har gett ut två fotoböcker. Bortsett från konstfotografi är Björn engagerad i naturvård och han är ordförande för Smart Savannahs, en organisation som arbetar med att skydda hotade vilda djur i Afrika.
CAROLINE TANGHE
BELGIEN
Qualified European Photographer – QEP
Specialities: Portrait, Reportage, Illustrative & Fine Art
Caroline Tanghe is best known for her studio portraits, which express serenity and simplicity.
For Caroline, photography is more than a reflection of reality. It is the emotion that gives her images an extra dimension. Feelings that cannot be described with words she manages to express in her photographs.
Caroline obtained the QEP label in June 2015 with the series “Clin d’oeil” a series of portraits made in India. She has been part of the jury for the QEP qualifications several times.
Her images have been on display at various exhibitions both at home and abroad.
As president of beroepsfotografen.be (the national association of professional photographers), Caroline is committed to the interests of all professional photographers.
DARIO RIGHETTO
ITALIEN
With 20 years of experience as Strategic Marketing Director for a world leader in professional photography print and album making, Dario has been the instrumental factor and driving force behind the establishment of a valuable network of partners and influencers worldwide, overseeing international brand awareness and reputation, product design, and developing innovative visual and written communication strategies.
During his long career, Dario heralded some of the most crucial changes in the
photography industry, including Canon’s revolutionary HD printing technology.
His two decades of experience in marketing and developing printed products for
thousands of professional photographers around the world makes him one of very few with such specialist knowledge at a high level.
From 2018 - 2020 he was a member of the Canon Europe Ambassador Program panel, providing insights from the wedding photography industry.
Before entering the photography industry, he nurtured his passion for painting,
becoming a watercolour illustrator after years of studies. Dario developed his skills as a child in a painting studio in his home town, learning directly from the artist. He was PR & Intelligence officer of the Italian Air Force, during which time he mastered public speaking, keynote presentations and body language.
He considers himself a storyteller, a visionary creative, and a passionate professional who is highly customer-oriented.
ERIK JOHANSSON
SVERIGE
Erik Johansson is a Swedish surreal photographer known for his mind-bending and meticulously crafted images that blend reality and imagination. With a background in computer science and a passion for visual storytelling, he creates thought-provoking compositions that challenge perceptions. Erik’s work has been exhibited worldwide, and he is currently developing the Svenstorp Art Center in Sweden, set to open in May 2025.
FERNANDO BLANCO-FARIAS
MEXICO
PPA Certified Professional Photographer, 1992
SMFP (México) Maestro Fotógrafo, 1999
SMFP (México) Maestro Fotógrafo Instructor, 2003
PPA Master of Photography, 2000
PPA Craftsman Degree, 2000
APPImagem (Portugal) Mestre Fotógrafo Instrutor 2011
FEPFI (España) Miembro de Honor 2015
COFOMEX (México) Maestro Honorario 2018
Fernando, passionate about photography since he was a student at the Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara where he obtained his degree as Mechanical Engineer. After completing his studies he was hired as an executive at the Eastman Kodak film factory in his hometown, Guadalajara.
A few years later (1984) he decided to quit his position and follow his passion to devote himself to what until then had been just a hobby, becoming a successful commercial/advertising photographer, until he retired from the business and closed his studio (2016), without ever losing his passion for the art.
Being a self-taught photographer and knowing of the enormous need for education, he has been for many years a photography mentor, especially in the area of photographic composition and lighting, giving seminars throughout Mexico, Central and South America, the United States, the Philippines, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Spain, and Portugal.
He has been an instructor for judges in Mexico, Spain and Portugal, a photography judge in Mexico, the United States and Portugal, the Mexican judge for the World Photographic Cup (2017), and has assisted Canada (2019) and Brazil (2020) to choose the images for their WPC team.
ERIKA VALKOVICOVA
TJECKIEN
Erika is a Slovak award-winning landscape photographer currently residing in Prague, Czech Republic. Her work reflects her passion for travel and fascination with nature. She is feels drawn to the enchanting Arctic, where she loves to photograph a variety of icy landscapes and seascapes, never hesitating to sacrifice sleep or go the extra mile for that perfect shot. Erika's boundless curiosity and eagerness to learn have recently led her to spend more time on night photography. When she's not on her adventures, she organises small group tours for those keen to see and photograph these extraordinary places for themselves.
QEP Qualified European Photographer in Landscape
ABIPP Associate of the British Institute of Professional Photography in Landscape
FEP Awards 2024 - Bronz Camera in Landscape
FEP Awards 2023 - Bronze Camera in Nature
FEP Awards 2022 - Silver Camera in Nature
Sony World Photography Awards 2018 - National Award Slovakia
EUGENIO LI VOLSI
ITALIEN
Eugenio Li Volsi was born in Catania in 1969.
A son of art, he approached the world of photography from an early age, following his father Raffaele, a professional photographer since 1948, from whom he learned the fundamentals of analog photography.
He attended numerous professional photography workshops and seminars throughout Italy and abroad; this commitment was rewarded by numerous awards, certificates, and recognitions.
For him, photography is a story: telling with light. Nothing can be left to chance and improvisation. Technique is essential, but it must be combined with creativity, sensitivity and intuition.
A life full of commitment, but also of many confirmations: from the foundation of the Associazione Fotografi Siciliani, to the Bronze Awards obtained for the Wedding category in 2014, the year in which, again for the WEDDING category, he received the important qualification of QEP Qualified European Photographer) from the FEP (Federation of European Professional Photographers).
In 2016, an active collaboration with Confartigianato (of which he is Provincial President in the Photographers Communication Category) began, which led him to be called, as a member of the jury, for the attribution of the new QEP and MQEP qualifications to European professional photographers and, in 2017, to the appointment as a member of the international jury for the FEP European Professional Photographers of The Year Award 2017.
In March 2017, he organized the “FEP Photo Days 2017” in Catania, bringing for the first time to Sicily, to Catania, a unique event, which involved all the Presidents of the photographic associations of 30 European countries and the greats of photography.
In 2017, the important Belgian Magazine U‐to‐P on Wedding photography, published an interview with him and his works.
In 2018 he was appointed as International Judge of the IPPA (Irish Professionals photographers Association) for the 2018 Awards, as FEP Judge for the FETA Competition (Emerging Talent Student) and was elected by Confartigianato among the 12 members of the Board of Directors of the European Federation of Photographers.
In 2019 he was already appointed as a member of the international Jury at the FEP Photographer of the Year Award 2019, and again for the year 2019/2020/2021/2022/2023/2024 he holds the position of European Judge for the FEP (European Federation of Professional Photographers) for the QEP and MQEP Qualifications.
For 2020, as a representative of the FEP and the WPC (World Photographic Cup), he will be present as a Special Guest in various Workshops that will take place during the year in various cities of Italy, promoting to the professional photographer how to access European and world qualifications.
He is the organizer of the 7th/8th Edition of the World Cup (WPC) and was appointed Chairman of the Italian Judges for the creation of Team Italy.
He is the current Italian representative in the steering committee of the FEP (Federation European Photographers).
On November 26, 2023, he received the Master QEP certification, the most important European recognition, issued by the FEP (Federation European Photographers) to a very limited number of professionals who must demonstrate outstanding and impeccable technical and artistic skills.
"What is the goal of my work? It is to look to the future and innovation without forgetting that the photographer is, in any case, an artisan of the image; it is necessary to improve and innovate without losing the artisanal and creative sense of one's work. Telling stories in an authorial, authentic and elegant way."
GURVIR JOHAL
UK
Gurvir is a highly accomplished and internationally renowned wedding and portrait photographer based in the United Kingdom. With a passion for capturing timeless portraits and creating dramatic images, he has established himself as a prominent figure in the industry. His exceptional talent and dedication to his craft have earned him numerous accolades and recognition. Gurvir's work has been widely celebrated, and he has received multiple awards throughout his career. Notably, he was honored with the Grand Award in the online division of WPPI (Wedding & Portrait Photographers International). Additionally, Gurvir has achieved the prestigious titles of Double Master photographer with WPPI and Fellowship Photographer with SWPP (Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers) and recently was awarded Master Photographer with SWPP also.
As a testament to his expertise and reputation, Gurvir is affiliated with several renowned brands in the photography industry. He serves as a Nikon Creator and proudly represents Fundy Designer, GraphiStudio, Studio Ninja, Canson Infinity, Aftershoot, and Light & Motion as their ambassador.
Gurvir's talents have taken him on exciting journeys across the globe, allowing him to capture beautiful moments at weddings in various cultural contexts. His international experiences have also led him to become a sought-after educator and workshop instructor. He has shared his knowledge and skills with aspiring photographers through teaching engagements and has been invited to speak at numerous conferences worldwide. Furthermore, Gurvir has served as a distinguished judge in prestigious photography competitions internationally.
With an impressive portfolio and a wealth of experience, Gurvir continues to push the boundaries of creative expression in wedding and portrait photography. His passion for capturing the essence of his subjects and his ability to create breathtaking images have made him a respected and influential figure in the industry.
Ranked #3 World's Best Wedding Photographer - OneEyeland
Ranked #1 UK Best Wedding Photographer - OneEyeland
Instagram: gurvir_johal
Facebook: Gurvir Johal Photography
GÖRAN STRAND
SVERIGE
Göran Strand har fått stor uppmärksamhet för sina bilder och filmsekvenser av olika himlafenomen. Han har bidragit med film- och bildmaterial till både svenska och internationella filmproduktioner. Mer än 20 av hans bilder har utsetts till ”Astronomy Picture of the Day” av NASA och 2014 använde bandet Coldplay en av hans norrskensfilmer i musikvideon ”A sky full of stars”. Under 2016 gavs fem av hans norrskensbilder ut som frimärken av PostNord AB. Göran har utsetts till årets bästa svenska astrofotograf 2013 och 2016 och samarbetar nu med Nikon på deras spegellösa kamerasystem som en av deras Z Creators.
Utmärkelser och priser
2013 och 2016 - Sveriges bäste astrofotograf av Svenska Astronomiska Sällskapet.
2017 - Belönades med Carl Zetterströms minnesmedalj för jamtsk vitterhet av Jamtamotets bevarande.
2021 - Andra pris i världens största astrofototävling Astronomy Photographer of the Year.
2022 - Årets hembygdsstipendiat av Jämtland-Härjedalens Gille i Uppsala.
2022 - Hedersutmärkelse av Per Stjernströms Kulturstiftelse för betydelsefull kulturgärning i länet.
HANNA NERET
SVERIGE
Hanna Neret är en familjefotograf och Photoshop-älskare baserad i Täby utanför Stockholm. Förutom lekfulla familjefotograferingar utomhus släpper hon gärna loss i studion och i Photoshop, där hon skapar bilder med mycket kreativitet, en rejäl dos storytelling och ofta något klurigt budskap. Många av hennes bilder är montage av flera olika källbilder.
Att tävla i foto har blivit en passion och Hanna har radat upp en lång rad internationella vinster från bland annat The Societies, Icon Awards, WPE, The Portrait Masters, Click Masters, Australian Photographic Prize med mera. Hon har flera SM-guld i olika kategorier, och hon vann också Årets Bild under SM 2023.
Hanna gillar att dela med sig av sina kunskaper och undervisar i bildredigering i Photoshop och Lightroom bl a hos Moderskeppet, samt håller föreläsningar på ämnen som storytelling, barnfotografering samt Photoshopmontage
JACQUELINE BRANDT
DANMARK
Jacqueline Brandt is a Copenhagen based Photographer. She is currently studying photography at NEXT KBH in Copenhagen and spent her first year as an apprentice at Lampost Productions in Johannesburg, SA. There she was mentored by Jodie Ennik who was teaching her the ways of producing for local and international clients. During her time in South Africa she also co-started the first ever African national team to enter the World Photographic Cup - Team South Africa. From the age of 14-19 Jacqueline was working as a Photo/Studio Assistant. Though she started working in the photographic industry from an early age it was only a couple of years ago she realised she had a love for photography and went all in on pursuing it.
JAMIE HAYES
USA
Jamie attributes the success of their studio, along with business partner Mary Fisk-Taylor, to their sound management and business skills combined with their love and passion for photography.
His commitment to creating priceless portraits, wedding albums and commercial imagery has earned him an extremely loyal clientele as well as a sterling reputation in the state of Virginia. Their business savvy and creative marketing concepts have enabled them to establish an extremely profitable and fulfilling portrait and wedding gallery.
As a PPA Approved Business Instructor and PPA Approved Photographic Instructor, Jamie offers informative and motivational programs to working photographers. Jamie has participated in several state, regional, national and international conferences giving both full-day and week long classes. As an affiliate PPA juror he has the pleasure to judge several international print competitions throughout the US.
He is a proud member of several professional photography organizations, including: Professional Photographers of America (PPA), Virginia Professional Photographers Association (VPPA), The Society of XXV and the International Society of Portrait Artists.
Jamie has been honored with many awards on both state and national levels. His achievements include the Kodak Gallery Elite Award of Excellence, numerous Kodak Gallery Awards of Excellence, PPA Loan collections, multiple ASP Regional Medallion Awards, SEPPA Distinguished Awards, Best Wedding Albums VPPA, Best of Category, Fuji Masterpiece Awards and the VPPA Photographer (Highest Print Case) several times as well as one of the Top Ten Photographers for the entire state of Virginia.
Jamie will earn the distinguished honor of ASP Fellow in January of 2018 as the 122 photographer in the world to earn this degree. Jamie shares his simple lighting concept applying a down to earth and easy formula for lighting any subject indoors or outdoors.
JAN POHRIBNY
TJECKIEN
master qep
Born in Prague, February 8, 1961
studies
1976‒1980 Secondary School for Graphic Arts in Prague (applied photography)
1981‒1986 Film and TV School, Academy of Performing Arts (Department of Art Photography)
1985‒1986 six months study programme at the University of Applied Arts in Helsinki (FIN)
professional résumé
Since 1986 he works as a free lance photographer-artist. On top of his artistic works he works predominantly in the field of design and illustration photography. He co-operates with a number of leading agencies, companies and magazines at home-country and abroad.
He has been a member and since 2017 president of the HYPERLINK "https://www.asociacefotografu.com/"Association of Professional Photographers of the Czech Republic HYPERLINK "http://asociacefotografu.com/"(APF). Since 2018 he represents APF in executive board HYPERLINK "http://www.europeanphotographers.eu/"of Federation of European Professional Photographers (FEP). He was a member of the “Prague House of Photography” (currently FotoForum Prague) since 1990, where he worked (1992-1997) as an instructor and the main coordinator at the “Summer Workshop Program” of PHP. Since 2003 he has been a member of its executive board. • He has been a founding member and president of the Society for Únětician Culture Renovation since 1995.
Lecturing: He has been working as part-time and full-time teacher at the HYPERLINK "http://www.itf.cz/"Silesian University, Institute of Creative Photography since 1998 - 2013. He has been working as part-time teacher at HYPERLINK "http://www.skolamichael.cz/pohribny_jan/"Art College Michael in Prague since 2011. Since 2020 he's teaching at HYPERLINK "https://www.vskk.cz/en/"University of Creative Communication. He runs a number of workshops at home and abroad. He has given regular lectures at the Polytechnic Art School in Imatra (Finland) since 2000. At “ HYPERLINK "http://www.praguesummer.com/content/view/8/25/"Prague Summer Program” for Western Michigan University since 2001. At HYPERLINK "http://lofotenfolkehogskole.no/search/node/Pohribny"Lofoten Folkehøgskole in Kabelvåg (Norway) since 2009. Since 2019 he leads and organise his own workshops HYPERLINK "https://pohribny.cz/fotoscuola-tavole-en"FOTOSCUOLA Tavole in Liguria, Italy. In 2006 he was active as “artist in residence” in the HYPERLINK "http://www.taiteenkeskustoimikunta.fi/en/web/etela-savo/arts-council-of-south-savo"Etelä-Savo region in Finland.
exhibitions
More than 60 one–man shows at home and abroad.
Participation in more than 150 exhibitions at home and abroad.
represented in public collections
Applied Arts Museum, Prague (CZ)
Gallery of Fine Arts, Karlovy Vary (CZ)
La Mission de la Photographie, Paris (F)
Moravian Gallery, Brno (CZ)
Musée de l’Élysée, Lausanne (CH)
Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (USA)
Museum of Design and Arts, Benesov (CZ)
Museum of Fine Arts, Olomouc (CZ)
National Museum of Photography, Jindrichuv Hradec (CZ)
North Bohemian Museum in Liberec (CZ)
North Bohemian Gallery of Fine Arts, Litomerice (CZ)
Prague City Gallery, Prague (CZ)
published books
Collective of authors. Decuria (10 QEP fotografů z ČR). HQ Kontakt, 2005.
Collective of authors. Learn the creative composition. Brno: ZonerPress, 2005.
POHRIBNÝ, Jan. Místa zasvěcení / Places of Initiation. (text Antonín Dufek) Brno: Moravská galerie, 2004.
POHRIBNÝ, Jan. Magic Stones. London-New York: Merrell Publishers, 2007.
POHRIBNÝ, Jan. Mystéres de pierre. Paris: Les Editions du Toucan, 2007.
POHRIBNÝ, Jan. Magické kameny. Slovart, Bratislava 2007.
POHRIBNÝ, Jan. Searching for the Light, Jindřichův Hradec: Národní muzeum fotografie, 2008.
POHRIBNÝ, Jan. Kreativní světlo / Creative Light. Brno: ZonerPress, 2011.
POHRIBNÝ, Jan. Kreativní barva / Creative Color. Brno: ZonerPress, 2016.
POHRIBNÝ, Jan. Spi-rituální krajina /Spi-ritual landscape, SGVU Litoměřice, 2023
JEANETTE LARSEN
NORGE
Jeanette driver et lite portrettstudio sammen med sin mann i Stavanger, sørvest i Norge. Studio åpnet i 1999 og hun har fotografert store deler av byens befolkning. Noen på jobb, men flest privat. Jeanette liker mennesker, stemninger, årstider, gjensyn, samtaler, latter og melankoli. Fotografi kan være så mye forskjellig og det slutter aldri å bli interressant. Det hun liker aller best er når portretter forteller noe om hvem personen på bildet er.
Svennebrev i 1996
Mestebrev i 1999
QEP i 2019
Dommer lokal laugskonkurranse: 2005-2023
Dommer i Norges Fotografforbunds landskonkurranse i 2006, 2015 og 2023
Digital dommer Belgisk WPC kvalifisering 2020 og 2022
Paneldommer for Federal European Photographers 2021
Dommer for Federal European Photographers årskonkurranse 2022
Dommer i lokal laugskonkurranse: 2005-2024
Printdommer i SM: 2021 og 2023
Printdommer i Finlands Landskonkurranse: 2023
FEP award Portrait Silver Camera i 2019
Best of Nation World Photographic Cup 2020
Gull med krans. Norges Fotografforbunds høyeste konkurranseutmerkelse 2020
JENNY IVARSSON
SVERIGE
Jenny har arbetat som porträttfotograf sedan 2013 i Tyresö, Stockholm. Hon har från starten inriktat sig på gravid- och nyföddfotografering men har även fotat mer kreativa och stylade porträtt på senare år och jobbar nu med människor i alla åldrar för porträtt, både privat och för företag.
Jenny erhöll titeln Svensk mästare i kategori Baby 2016 och Svensk mästare i Kreativt porträtt 2023 och har däremellan hamnat på prispallen i flera kategorier både i SM i Fotografi och internationella tävlingar som WPPI, FEP och WPE.
Hon är en del av SM kommittén sedan 2020 och arbetar aktivt med att utveckla och föra tävlingen framåt för landets alla fotografer.
JEROEN VAN NIEUWENHOVE
ISLAND
Jeroen Van Nieuwenhove is a full-time, award-winning Belgian Icelandic nature photographer working out of Reykjavík, Iceland. Being inspired by extremes, he has largely dedicated his photography to documenting the Arctic, with a special focus on volcanic eruptions & the Icelandic Highlands. Most recently, he received international attention for his dedication to documenting the Fagradalsfjall & Svartsengi volcanic eruptions in Iceland. With his work surrounding volcanoes, he focuses on showing the exceptional beauty within the chaos, whilst highlighting the creation within the destruction. Jeroen is also a self-published author and teaches photography through workshops & ebooks.
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@jvn.photo
JESSICA McGOVERN
Jessica McGovern – online judge 2025
Jessica McGovern FSWPP FBIPP
With over 240 international recognitions for her own work covering pets, people, open and commercial categories along with 14 "Photographer of the Year" titles, Jess is the founder of That Tog Spot and a real stickler for the details. She teaches, critiques and judges photography every day, alongside fulfilling client portrait sessions in South West Scotland. Regardless of location, means, background or circumstance, Jess believes that photography is a skill where every individual can feel safe in their personal expression. She loves the weird and the wonderful along with nature, landscapes, moving pieces of portraiture and high-impact imagery.
Away from photography competitions and education, you'll find Jess either at work or out on the farm with her husband, their four dogs and 3 three horses.
JHUMA DATTA
Jhuma Datta, a distinguished landscape photographer from India, is celebrated for capturing mesmerizing and poetic moments through her lens. Her photographs are remarkable for their exceptional lighting and diverse landscapes. For Jhuma, photography is a meditative experience. She firmly believes that a photographer's spirit and attitude plays a more significant role in their work as compared to various palatable factors.
JIM LOWE
STORBRITANNIEN
Jim Lowe, MA, United Kingdom,
FEP Qualifications chairman
Specialities: Architecture, Commercial, Landscape.
Jim has been a professional photographer since leaving Art College in Swansea. His first employment was with the Ministry of Defence in London, which included taking photographs from helicopters to illustrate camouflage techniques for the army. Then he spent six years as a research photographer in Portsmouth Polytechnic, followed by six years as chief photographer for the Westinghouse Brake and Signal industrial corporation which involved assignments to Africa and Hong Kong.
Jim started his own commercial/advertising photography business in partnership with his wife, Sue in 1985 and concentrating on food and studio product photography, then specialised in architectural photography for the last 25 years, which resulted in being awarded fellowships of both the Royal Photographic Society and British Institute of Professional Photography.
The majority of his images are now captured using digital technology, but during his career as a commercial photographer, he became a recognised expert in Black & White, landscape and architectural photography using a large format Sinar camera system.
A British publishing company; PIP (Photographers Institute Press) published a book written by Jim; ‘Architectural photography inside & out’ which sold out worldwide after 3 years, especially in the United States and Australia.
Jim is also well known for his large format analogue black and white fine art landscapes for which he uses traditional film, hand printing them to exhibition quality. These have been acquired by collectors as far afield as Japan, India, South Africa, Canada and The Republic of Ireland as well as the UK. There have been exhibitions of Jim’s B&W landscapes and architectural photography in Europe, London, Moscow, Bath, Wiltshire, Cornwall and recently (2019 and 2021) the Lens op/de Mens, international fotofestival Pelt in Belgium.
From 2007-2018, as well as continuing with his other activities, Jim, was a senior lecturer at Falmouth University, Cornwall on The Marine and Natural History Photography Course and was made Head of the course in September 2012.
During his time teaching at Falmouth University, he achieved a Master’s degree in Education and Creative Academic practice and became a Senior Fellow of the UK’s Higher Education Academy in 2016.
Jim was President of the British Institute of Professional Photography from 1999-2000 and Vice-President of the Federation of European Photographers from 2000 to 2010 and has been judging for the FEP for many years and is currently the Chairman of the FEP Qualifications Jury and Chairman of the FEP’s Young Photographer Award (Emerging Young Talent).
JOHAN BROUWERS
BELGIEN
QEP - Qualified European Photographer
After a career as a professional photographer, I turned my passion back into my hobby.
After studying photography & film at the Hoger Sint-Lukasinstituut in Brussels, I worked for more than 40 years as a photographer in Houthalen-Helchteren, Belgium, specialising in portrait and reportage photography.
The passion for photography has remained and is now mainly expressed during my international travels and trips with my motorhome.
I am also closely involved in the work of the FEP, the Federation of European Professional Photographers, where I am chairman of the EP qualification jury. EP - European Photographer is a basic quality label with which the FEP endorses and recognises the minimum required professional competence of its members.
https://www.europeanphotographers.eu/qualifications/ep-european-photographer
Since edition 2019 I am the chairman of the FEP Awards, an annual competition for professional photographers from all over Europe.
https://www.europeanphotographers.eu/competition
At the international photo festival ‘Lens op de Mens’ in Pelt, Belgium, I am a board member and chairman of the competition jury. ‘Man’, in the widest sense, is the theme of this largest open air photo festival of the country.
www.fotofestivalpelt.be
Personal website: www.johan-brouwers.be
JONNA KALLIOMÄKI
FINLAND
Jonna Kalliomäki is a Master of Applied Arts and Nature Photography. She works within the field of photography, serving as the co-artistic director of the Kuusamo Nature Photo Festival and has been the chairperson of the festival's photo competition for several years. Her love for nature led her to move to the north, and currently, she resides with her partner in Hemavan, Swedish Lapland.
JOSHUA HOLKO
AUSTRALIEN
Born in Melbourne, Australia, I am a full-time professional Nature and Wildlife photographer. A passionate photographer, teacher, and adventurer I run workshops and expeditions for other photographers and travellers to some of the world's wildest and remotest regions.
Specialising in the Polar and sub-Polar regions of the globe, my work celebrates the extreme latitudes of the Polar environment. An ambassador for the Polar Regions I gave up the corporate world to pursue my true passion for photography. You are welcome to join me on a photographic trip of a lifetime to some of the most magical destinations on this planet.
BIO
Living in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, I studied with distinction at the Australian Photography Studies College and the Australian College of Journalism. I am a fully accredited AIPP Double Master of Photography and was a member of the Australian Institute of Professional Photographers (AIPP) until it closed its doors in late 2021. In 2011 I was selected to appear in the AIPP 'Look for the Logo' television campaign highlighting some of Australia's best photographers. In 2011, I was also appointed as Australia's first and only Moab Master Photographer and Printer by Moab and Legion Paper in the USA. In early 2012, I was honored to be appointed as a member of the esteemed Coloratti by X-Rite and was subsequently interviewed for Nik Radio in late 2012. Early in 2013, I was honored as the 2012 Outdoor Photographer of the Year in the 'Spirit of Adventure category for my photograph of Mountain Climbers in Antarctica. In 2013, 2014, and again in 2015, I was elected to the Victorian Council of the Australian Institute of Professional Photographers. In 2014 I also won the Australian AIPP Canon Professional Science, Environment and Nature Photographer of the Year and Victorian Epson Professional Photographer of the Year grand prize along with overall State category wins in Science, Environment and Nature, Creative Photographer of the Year, and Highest Scoring Print of the Year. In 2015 I was honored as the Global Arctic Photographer of the Year with five medals across multiple categories.
In 2017 and 2018 I was named the Victorian Epson Professional Documentary Photographer of the Year as well as being a finalist in the Science, Wildlife, and Wild Places category. I was also highly honored in Nature's Best Photography in the Nature in Motion category for Ghosts of the Arctic and was a finalist in Travel Photographer of the Year. In 2019 I was named the Victorian Epson Nature Photographer of the Year and was a finalist in the APPA National Australian Professional Photography Awards in the Nature Category. In 2020 I joined the AIPP Board as a Director of the Institute and served for 18 months until closed in late 2021. In 2021 I won the Silver medal for Australia in the World Photographic Cup in the Nature category and was the overall winner in the Natural World category in the AIPP Silver Lining Awards.
My photography has taken me on extensive travels throughout Australia, Tasmania, New Zealand, North and South America, Canada, China, Europe, Iceland, Norway, Finland, Greenland, Mongolia, the Arctic, and Antarctica. I also pursue an active interest in mountain biking and wilderness trekking.
In Australia, I am officially represented by Philip Kulpa and the Source Photographica Gallery. International representation includes the Aspen Gallery in Aspen USA. My work has also been exhibited at international shows and expos across the USA and Europe including Photokina in Germany and PhotoPlus in New York.
My photography has also been exhibited at Montsalvat Art Gallery, purchased by City Councils, as well as private collectors around the world. My photography has won both Gold with Distinction and Silver with Distinction awards at the prestigious Australian Professional Photography Awards (APPA) as well as winning other internationally acclaimed awards such as the World Extreme Environment People's Choice Award. My work has also been published in numerous magazines and journals, including B&W + Color, National Geographic, Canadian Geographic, F11 Magazine, The Australian Photography, and Gallery Compendium, Wild, Australian Photography, Better Photography, Better Pictures, Wildlife Photographic, and the Silvershotz Journal.
JÖRGEN BRANDT
DANMARK
For me, photography is a way of life, a job and a hobby – and the boundaries are often fluid or non-existent.
The light and form must always be there and must support the image. As a photographer, in my personal images, I work more and more with the abstract, perhaps closer to abstraction, where things become “more” and often “other” than they are.
Been a mentor for photographers from, among others, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, UK, Netherlands, Belgium, Slovakia, France, etc.
Has taught and lectured on photography in Denmark, the Faroe Islands, Japan, Latvia, France, UK, Sweden and more.
President, Federation of European Professional Photographers (FEP) 2012-14
Chairman of the Jury, FEP Photographer of the Year 2011-18
Chairman of the Jury, World Photographic Cub 2016-18
Co-founder & Governor 2013-17 World Photographic Cup
Qualification Judge FEP 2008-
Chairman of the Board, Museum of Photographic Art, Odense, Denmark, 2006-13
Awards, selection:
Master QEP – Master Qualified European Photographer (http://www.europeanphotographers.eu)
The Master Qualified European Photographer (MQEP) Certificate is awarded to photographers who have demonstrated an outstanding command of their craft.
Supreme qualified master>photo-dk (https://dff-photo.dk/) awarded in recognition of outstanding, creative and technically perfect work within a chosen specialty. The work must be individual and express a particularly personal style, just as the approach to the subject is expected to be characterized by originality.
Fellow British Institute of Professional Photography (bipp.com)
Technical ability at the highest level, crafting images to an uncompromised standard. Demonstrating excellent all-round technical ability, preparation and production of flawless mounted prints clearly showing personalised style and creativity.
FEP Fine Art Nude Book Prize 2020 for the book 3 x 3 x 3 SENSUALITY, EMOTIONS, TRANSFORMATION
Photographers Jorgen Brandt, Pascal Baetens, Martin Vrabko. This work highlights the creativity of three photographers while remaining true to the collective work of the artists as a group. The layout and printing are excellent and enhance the quality of the nudes.
FEP Merit Award 2018 in recognition of meritorious service rendered in his position as Chairman of the FEP Photographer of the Year Competition 2011-18
Warren Motts International Service Award 2015 (Professional Photographers of America - ppa.com)
Warren Motts International Service Award is presented to individuals who have made major contributions in promoting and developing professional photography on an international level. The award is not necessarily conferred each year, and a maximum of 25 may be given.
Acted as a judge/chief judge in image competitions in Denmark, Sweden, Europe (FEP), for the EU, Spain, France, Australia, China as well as in a Nordic Competition etc
Proud and happy to now be “Head-Judge” in Sweden for the 11th time - always a pleasure
KENNET HAVGAARD
DANMARK
Jeg har netop udgivet en ny portrætbog “Fjæs”, den kan købes her www.ihavebeenframed.dk
Så udgiver jeg et gratis fotomagazin der hedder LUX, det finder I her http://bit.ly/LuxMagazine
Fotograf
Kennet Islandi Havgaard
Fælledvej 16D, 2
2200 København N
+4540533940
kennet@havgaard.com
www.moving-stills.dk
KEVIN WILSON
STORBRITANNIEN
Kevin Wilson is a Dorset-based wedding photographer widely acclaimed as Europe's leading portrait and wedding photographer. He has the rare distinction of Fellowship in all three major photographic bodies: The British Institute of Professional Photography (BIPP), The Royal Photographic Society (RPS) and The Master Photographers Association (MPA), although no longer a member by choice. Additionally, Kevin has attained his Master’s Degree in The Professional Photographers of America. Kevin Wilson has been a Portrait and wedding photographer for the past 30 years in Dorset and throughout the UK.
Kevin's experience and artistic flair as a wedding photographer have made him one of this country's highest award-winning photographers . With no less than 15 Fellowships across the main Associations
Qualifications
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Honorary Fellow of the British Institute of Professional Photography
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Fellow of The Royal Photographic Society
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Deputy Chairman of Applied Qualifications - The Royal Photographic Society
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Past President of British Institute of Photography
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Past President of Master Photographers Association
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Mentoring :
Kevin has given workshops throughout Europe and many parts of the world. In addition, he has mentored many photographers to all levels, namely, Licentiate, Associateship and Fellowship.
KRISTI VILMUNEN
FINLAND
Kristi is a multi award-winning Pet, Commercial and Portrait international
photographer from Finland. She is best known for her studio portraits of animals, which have her own very strong style. Her animal portraits are full of feelings but at the same time they express simplicity and serenity.
Kristi is punctual, professional and she approaches each opportunity with
enthusiasm and passion and runs studio (KVPHOTO) in commercial, portrait and animal photography in Järvenpää, Finland.
Professional qualifications:
EP 2021
QEP (qualified European photographer) 2021, in Pet Photography 2022
• FEP European Professional Photographer of the Year: 1-st place / Golden
Camera in Domesticated Animals and many honorable mentions
• Finnish Photo Awards: 2-nd place in Commercial, 3-rd place in Creative
Portrait and many honorable mentions
2021
• FEP European Professional Photographer of the Year: 1-st place / Golden
Camera in Domesticated Animals and many honorable mentions
• Finnish Photo Awards: 2-nd place in Domestical Animals and many honorable
mentions 2020
• Finnish Photo Awards: 1-st place in Classical Portrait and other places and
honorable mention 2019
• Finnish Photo Awards: honorable mention in Classical Portrait
Please see below for social media links and website:
www.kvphoto.fi
https://www.facebook.com/kristivphotography/
@kvphoto_by_kristi
kvphoto.fi@gmail.com
KYLIE LIONS
AUSTRALIEN
From the age of 15 – Kylie knew she wanted to be a photographer.
It’s now been 30+ years that Kylie has been operating her small boutique studio
in the South Western Suburbs of Sydney Australia photographing weddings/portraits and commercial assignments.
Kylie graduated from the University of Western Sydney in 1994 with a
Bachelor of Arts in Design - majoring in Photomedia. She began work before
graduating at a North Sydney based Pre-Press Bureau where it was her job
to put together the photography department. The work was purely commercial
based and concentrated on products and packaging, all the while working in
the background on her own wedding photography business.
In the year 2000 Kylie decided to take the plunge and become self employed
as a wedding photographer. With her husband Peter they purchased two old churches on the one block of land.
One built in 1884 which was renamed "The Old St Thomas Chapel" thus creating a
unique niche market with their heritage wedding Chapel - The only one of
its kind in Sydney. The other church building was built in 1839 and became the dedicated studio.
Today Kylie concentrates more on commercial assignments yet enjoying
the freedom of all genres of photography that come through her door. She
is known for her food photography and shoots regularly for local lifestyle
magazines. She also enjoys working on her unique personalised art inspired
portraits when time permits.
Kylie is also the current CEO of the World Photographic Cup. A role she has taken on since March 2023.
LAILA VILLEBECK
SVERIGE
Jag heter Laila Villebeck och är en passionerad nyföddfotograf. Sedan 2011 driver jag min studio i Linköping med inriktning mot nyföddfotografering, baby och barn. Jag brinner för att skapa bilder från de allra första dagarna i en liten människas liv och jobbar konstant med att förbättra mitt sätt att jobba med de nyfödda för att kunna ge familjerna de bästa bilderna med den största varitionen jag kan. Annat som ligger mig varmt om hjärtat är att skapa bilder med stark storytelling och att experimentera med ljussättning för att skapa en vacker stämning i bilderna. Att tävla med bilder har varit en del av min egen utveckling i flera år. Min allra första tävling som professionell fotograf var 2014 och sedan dess har jag fått flera titlar som svensk mästare i många olika kategorier (nyfödd, baby, klassiskt barnporträtt, barn, familj, fine art, digital illustration, kreativt porträtt, reportage).
Internationellt har det också blivit många topp-placeringar och titlar. Några av de som jag är mest stolt över är:
2022 SWPP Pet Photographer of the Year
2022 SWPP Newborn Photographer of the Year
2020 Mästarbrev Fotografyrket, Sveriges Hantverksråd
2019 SWPP Children Photographer of the Year
2019 FEP Portrait Photographer of the Year (Golden Camera)
2018 RISE International Photographer of the Year
2018 RISE Family Photographer of the Year
2018 FEP Portrait Photographer of the Year (Golden Camera)
2016 Master Qualified European Photographer, FEP
Jag har två domarutbildningar i ryggen och har haft äran att ingå i domarjuryn i många tävlingar; SM i fotografi, Norska Landskonkurrensen, IIPVA Awards, FETA (FEP), QEP/MQEP-kvalifikationer, Finnish Photo Awards och Fotofinlandia. Jag har också haft den stora äran att få vara mentor åt fotografer inför deras QEP-kvalifikationer. Det är en ynnest att få gå in och studera så många fantastiska tävlingsbilder. Det finns så många delar som jag "går igång" på! Fantastiskt ljus, stark storytelling, grymt redigeringsjobb, annorlunda kompostion och val av optik för att nämna några delar.
Jag ser fram emot att få se alla deltagande bilder under SM 2023 och välkomnar deltagande fotografer att höra av sig EFTER tävlingen med eventuella frågor kring sina tävlande bilder och/eller för att få mer ingående konstruktiv kritik. Tillsammans lär vi av varandra.
Stort tack till tävlingskommitén för förtroendet att vara domare i SM återigen.
Vill ni se mer av mig finns jag här:
Hemsida: https://fotograflailavillebeck.se/
LARS MÖRCH
DANMARK
Former theatre / circus / concert lighting technician and designer (Det Ny Teater, Nørrebros Teater, The Royal Theatre - all in Copenhagen, Aalborg Teater, Roskilde Festival, Skanderborg Festival), now semi retired. “Autodidact” Photographer - off course with at lot of help from fellow experts. I do a lot of night time photography, live performers, Cityscapes. My photography has been exhibited in Berlin, Copenhagen, Barcelona, Vienna, Singapore and Amsterdam.
“I’ve made pictures most of my professional life - not using cameras but on stages - as a theatre lighting technician and light designer I’ve worked with and controlled the light; this has heavly influenced how I see the real world when I shoot and make images. Taking a picture is just a part of the making“, “Make me say WOW, show me the drama and you’ve got me”
LARS ROED
DANMARK
Lars Roed is an award-winning landscape photographer with a special love for the Wadden Sea National Park. He owns Gallery Wadden Sea in Ribe where he exhibits a deep understanding of nature's tranquility and beauty, with a technique that captures light, shadow, and the mood of the landscape. His images are more than just visual works; they are an invitation to tranquility and reflection. After having experienced stress and its consequences himself, Lars uses photography as a tool to convey peace and calm to others. Each image tells a story about the soothing power of nature and is created with the hope of bringing a sense of healing and peace to viewers.
Lars captures the eternal beauty and variability of nature through his lens. His works, recognized both in Denmark and internationally, explore the dynamics of the landscape and its influence on human perception. Lars shares his expertise through teaching and sells photographic art that inspires and enriches homes and businesses. His work serves as a reminder of nature's fragility and beauty. Lars' passion for photography and nature is evident in his work, where he manages to capture the raw beauty and unique mood of the landscape. His images are characterized by a perfect balance between light and shadow, colors and contrasts, creating a unique and unforgettable experience for viewers. He is always looking for the 'landscape within the landscape.'
Lars Roed has received numerous awards both domestically and internationally, and among these, he can be mentioned as 'Photographer of the Year in nature & animals' twice, and he has been selected for the Danish photography national team for 6 consecutive years. Furthermore, he has published the book 'Wadden Sea Images - nature in eternal change' through Muusmann Publishers.
www.gallerivadehavet.dk
Forlag: https://muusmann-forlag.dk/vadehavsbilleder/
LENA LEE
SVERIGE
Lena Lee was born in South Korea and grew up in the city of Umeå in northern Sweden, where she has been running her own photo studio since 2013.
Lena's passion is photographing portraits in the studio and on location. Her ingenuity and creativity means that she takes on assignments from large to small.
Lena captures the personality of people regardless of age or gender and her energy reflects in her pictures. Her favorite subjects are pregnancy, newborn, baby, families, fine art portraits, pets, weddings and creative portraits.
In her spare time, she likes to spend time in nature and capture outdoor pictures.
She received several awards in various photo competitions, among others bronze medals in the Swedish Photo Championships, silver and bronze in WPE - International Photography. Lena is an awarded newborn and maternity winner and received professional and merit awards in FEP.
Lena holds a journeyman's certificate and a master's certificate. She is a member of the Association of Qualified Photographers as well as member of the Photographers' Professional Council (FYN), which approves the journeyman's certificate and master's certificate in Sweden.
LENE FOSSDAL
NORGE
Lene Fossdal er en anerkjent fotograf med studio i Bergen, Norge, og hun har over 15 års erfaring i bransjen. Hun er spesialisert innen bryllup og nyfødtfotografering, og lidenskapen hennes er å fange ekte øyeblikk og følelser. Lene har oppnådd en rekke utmerkelser for sitt arbeid og innehar den prestisjetunge tittelen Qualified European Photographer i både bryllups- og nyfødtfotografering. Hun ble også den yngste (så langt) til å oppnå Master QEP, en anerkjennelse som bekrefter hennes tekniske ferdigheter og kreative visjon.
LENNY JOHANSSON
SVERIGE
Lenny Johansson är naturfotograf, han fotograferar vilda djur och fåglar samt även stora och små landskap i framförallt Sverige och Norge. Han håller bildföredrag, är publicerad i tidskrifter och böcker.
Har haft utställningar tillsammans med andra fotografer men även egna utställningar.
Bilderna printar han själv.
LISA SIHLBERG
SVERIGE
Lisa Sihlberg är naturskyddsfotograf och filmare med natur och klimat i fokus. Hon har dokumenterat de utrotningshotade elefanterna på Sumatra, orangutanger och de sista regnskogarna på Borneo. Genom sin kamera avslöjar Lisa hoten mot vår natur och våra arter och lär ut vikten av att bevara vår fantastiska planet genom inspirerande story telling.
Hon är också Sveriges första ambassadör för Tamron och är en ”Sony Pro Shooter”.
LUCIA GRIGGI
USA
My journey began as a photographer, driven by a passion for travel and the outdoors. I found my niche in women’s surf photography—a male-dominated industry where I faced challenges, built resilience, and earned recognition from prestigious platforms like National Geographic and Time Inc.
As my career evolved, I discovered a deep passion for film and visual storytelling, collaborating on documentary and broadcast projects with renowned companies such as Warner Brothers and Disney in Los Angeles. These experiences provided me with a strong foundation in large-scale production, cinematography, and crafting narratives that resonate on a global scale. My path eventually led me to New York City, where I honed my ability to deliver engaging content within agency-driven environments and fast-paced deadlines.
This culmination of experiences shaped my role as Director of Content Production for a global travel company, where I built an in-house creative studio focused on delivering authentic brand narratives.
Today, through Lucia Griggi Studio, I lead a talented team of trusted creatives who specialise in film production and storytelling. Together, we partner with brands in the travel, outdoor, adventure, and conservation sectors to produce immersive, high-impact films and content that create lasting connections with audiences.
MADELIEF DE KORTE
NEDERLÄNDERNA
Madelief de Korte (b.2000) is a Dutch professional Fine Art photographer. She studied photography at SintLucas Eindhoven from 2016 to 2020. She then pursued a bachelor's degree in photography at the LUCA School of Arts (Narafi) in Brussels, graduating Magna Cum Laude in 2023.
Madelief’s art is distinguished by its abstraction, minimalism, attention to detail, and storytelling. Much of her work is inspired by her life experiences or dreams. Her work has been exhibited in various places such as Amsterdam, Brussels, Berlin, Paris, London and Africa. Besides exhibitions she also gives inspiring lectures and teaches photography at a high school.
She has already won multiple awards for her fine art photography, including recent recognition from the Federation of European Professional Photographers, where she secured first place and was awarded the title of FEP Young Photographer of the Year 2024.
MAGGIE ROBINSON
STORBRITANNIEN
Meet Maggie Robinson, In-Person Sales Trainer and Family Photographer, UK
With over a decade of experience behind the lens, Maggie has established herself as one of the industry’s most sought-after family photographers and in-person sales trainers.
Maggie's holistic, non-pressurised approach to business, paired with her straightforward, no-nonsense advice, has earned her a loyal following and a dedicated fan base. Photographers are drawn to her relatable style, practical insights, and genuine commitment to helping others succeed without the overwhelm.
Her artistry and commitment to excellence have earned her the prestigious Newborn Photographer of the Year award and The Societies of Professional Photographers' coveted Trainer of the Year accolade, amongst others.
Known for her warm, approachable style and exceptional teaching abilities, Maggie is the go-to mentor for photographers eager to refine their craft and boost their in-person sales strategies.
Her expertise in family posing is reflected in her ability to blend clean, modern photography with heartfelt, client-centered imagery that captures meaningful stories.
Beyond her studio work and international speaking engagements, Maggie runs TogAcademy.com platform and actively manages a string of Facebook groups where photographers can ask questions daily and receive real-time advice—not just from Maggie but also from her network of trusted photography friends. This vibrant online community ensures that photographers always have the support they need to grow their skills and businesses.
MAGNUS WINBJÖRK
SVERIGE
Magnus Winbjörk, professionel fotograf och äventyrsguide från norra Sverige. Brinner för att på bild föreviga allt det vackra som moder natur har att erbjuda, majestätiska landskap och vackra vilda djur. En stor passion för att fotografera med ett tänk kring komposition och landskap och med vilda djur som en viktig huvudingrediens i bilden. Erbjuder privata och individuellt anpassade fototurer i den svenska fjällvärlden.
MARIA LINDBERG
SVERIGE
Maria Lindberg är fotograf och utbildare. Hon skapar sagolika bilder inom gravidfoto, barn- och familjefoto, djurfoto samt fotograferar åt företag och organisationer. Maria är journalist i grunden och älskar att berätta en historia. Hon är mentor åt andra fotografer, håller kurser och workshops och föreläser både för andra fotografer och lär ut mobilfoto och Ai till bland annat småföretagare. Maria är lärare på Moderskeppet, ambassadör för Sigma och har tävlat i SM flera år och vunnit flera medaljer.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fotograf-maria-lindberg/
MARTINA WÄRENFELDT
SVERIGE
Martina Wärenfeldt öppnade sin första studio i Växjö för 27 år sedan och har sedan dess varit en heltidsfotograf inom porträttfotografering. Under dessa år har hon inte bara utvecklat sin fotografiska stil utan även byggt upp en framgångsrik verksamhet, där hon kombinerar konstnärlig vision med starkt entreprenörskap.
Idag driver Martina en solid porträttverksamhet där hon erbjuder professionella Headshots och Personal Branding-sessioner för yrkesfolk och företag, samtidigt som hon är specialiserad på att skapa konstnärliga och glamorösa Fine Art-porträtt för vanliga människor. Hennes signaturstil, som kännetecknas av en målerisk stil, bygger på välplanerad ljussättning, noggrant utvald styling, oftast med en harmonisk färgpalett och tydlig posering, samt en genomarbetad bildbehandling.
Sedan 2021 är Martina ”Canon Nordic Professional”, och 2023 blev hon även ”Europeisk ambassadör för Canon”.
Hon innehar titeln ”Fellow ”med The Societies of Photographers (UK), är ”Double Master” of Icon Awards (tidigare WPPI) och ”Master” inom Sue Bryce's Portrait Masters. Och med flertalet SM Guld i vinstsäcken vann hon även ”Årets Bild” på SM 2024.
Med över 100 internationella utmärkelser i bagaget är Martina idag en eftertraktad internationell domare vid prestigefyllda fototävlingar som SWPP, ICON Awards och flera andra.
Utöver sitt eget konstnärliga arbete är Martina också en engagerad coach och mentor, där hon hjälper andra fotografer att utveckla både sina företag och sina fotografiska färdigheter – alltid med fokus på kvalitet, kreativitet och lönsamhet.
MATT PALMER
AUSTRALIEN
Matt Palmer is an award-winning photographic artist based in Alpine Victoria. Passionate about our natural world, and photographs that tell a story or establish a sense of place, Matt has won over 200 national and international awards across documentary and landscape photography categories and is considered a Master of Photography in Australia and New Zealand. In 2024 Matt released his second book Icelandic Echoes documenting abandoned farms and places in Iceland, and is the current NZIPP Australian Travel Photographer of the Year.
Matt runs the Alpine Light Gallery located in Bright, Australia with his wife, landscape photographer Mieke Boynton, and Photo Kaizen which is a photography critique platform for photographers.
MIEKE BOYNTON
AUSTRALIEN
Australian Landscape Photographer of the Year – NZIPP Iris Awards 2022, 2023, 2024
Nature/Landscape Category Top 10 (Team Australia) – World Photographic Cup 2023
Maitre de la Fédération Internationale de l'Art Photographique (MFIAP) 2021
International Photographer of the Year – NZIPP Iris Awards 2021
Photographer of the Year – Epson International Pano Awards 2019
Mieke Boynton is a full-time landscape photographer based in the picturesque alpine township of Bright in Victoria, Australia, where she and her husband Matt Palmer own and operate their “Alpine Light” fine art photography gallery. Together, they showcase photographs from their stunning local area and their many travels around Australia and overseas.
Mieke’s landscape photographs celebrate the artistry of Nature and its breathtaking beauty, and her distinctive abstract aerials are taken from chartered helicopters and light planes, flying over some of the most remote and fascinating areas of Australia, Iceland, New Zealand and Namibia.
Mieke’s achievements include becoming the first Australian and first woman to win the prestigious Epson International Pano Awards in 2019, and being named NZIPP Australian Professional Landscape Photographer of the Year in 2022, 2023 and 2024. Mieke is a Master with Distinction of the New Zealand Institute of Professional Photography (NZIPP), a Master of the Fédération Internationale de l'Art Photographique (FIAP) and a Grand Master of the Australian Photographic Society (APS).
As a former teacher, Mieke enjoys mentoring other photographers and her educational skills have helped her to become a respected judge and presenter both in Australia and overseas.
MILOS FIC
TJECKIEN
Master qualified European photographer – MQEP
Specialties: Nude, Reportage, Panoramic landscape, Sport, Portrait
Miloš Fic, native of Pardubice, graduate of Czech Technical University in Prague and the Conservatory of the East Bohemian Region, fine art photography, prof. Jan Smok.
Vice-president of the Association of Professional Photographers of the Czech Republic (APF ČR).
2014 – 2018 member of the board of FEP.
Educator, freelance photographer, consultant. Teacher of photography at the University of Pardubice and at the school of graphic design
Member of PANHORAMA, the Free Association of East Bohemian Photographers, the Free Association of Photographers GM10.
Activities in the field of applied photography: virtual tours in the range of 360° x 180°, custom portrait photography, sports photography (races, tennis).
MIRIAM SKEIDE
NORGE
Miriam has been a professional photographer at the north-west coast of Norway since 2012. Her speciality is newborns, babies and family , but she does all kinds of portraits, through all ages, both private and business. She is currently working with photography part time and handles her business without a studio, and does her photography either on location or in clients homes.
In 2016 she won Landskonkurransen in Norway and the title Norwegian Photographer of the Year in the annual national competition for professional photographers held by Norges Fotografforbund, NFF (The Norwegian photography association)
In 2018 and 2019 she won the title local Photographer of the Year in the annual local competitions for professional photographers, held by the local groups of Norges Fotografforbund. (Møre og Romsdal Fotograflaug) and in 2017 she place 2nd.
In 2019 she earned the title Qualified European Photographer of the Federation of European Photographer. (QEP)
In 2021, 2022 and 2023 she placed in the Top100 in the annual WPE Awards
In 2023 she placed 7th in One Eyeland´s competiton, World´s Top 10 Women Photoghraphers 2023.
She has also won several single awards in WPPI, EPOTY (European Photographer of the Year), Portrait Masters, RISE Awards, among others.
Miriam has done two judging courses, one in Oslo by the NFF, the Norwegian photography association and one in Prague by FEP, Federation of European Photographers.
Former judging experience:
2017 Digital jury, Annual National Competition (Landskonkurransen), Norway
2017 Print jury, Annual National Competition (SM i Fotografi), Sweden
2019 Digital jury, Local professional competition, Norway
2020 Digital jury, Local professional competition, Norway
2020 Print jury, Annual National Competition (SM i Fotografi), Sweden
2021 Digital jury, Annual National Competition (Landskonkurransen), Norway
2020 Digital jury, Local professional competition, Norway
2022 Digital jury, European Photographer Of The Year (EPOTY), Federation of European Photographers
2022 Print jury, Finnish Photo Awards, Finland
2022 Print jury, Annual National Competition (SM i Fotografi), Sweden
2023 Digital jury, European Photographer Of The Year (EPOTY), Federation of European Photographers
2023 Digital jury, Annual National Competition (SM i Fotografi), Sweden
2023 Digital jury, Local professional competition, Norway
2024 Digital jury, Annual National Competition (Landskonkurransen), Norway
Instagram: @mittlillestudio
Facebook: facebook.com/mittlillestudio
PANIKOS HAJISTILLY
STORBRITANNIEN
Panikos is a Multi Award winning Photographer across various disciplines including Portraiture, Wildlife, Nature, Fashion, Monochrome & Events. He has Fellowships with the BIPP, SWPP, MPA and a Master Craftsman with the Guild of Photographers as well as a QEP! He also judges digital and print competitions for various organisations including the SWPP, The BIPP, The Guild of Photographers, The FEP as well as many photography clubs around the UK.
Panikos owned a busy Venture Studio from 2002 to 2009 and now runs a successful - and beautifully equipped - studio in North London since 2012. Panikos has an excellent track record with great feedback from his many clients, and has established himself as a photographic trainer with a very relaxed and easy to follow teaching style.
Panikos Hajistilly QEP, FMPA, FBIPP, FSWPP, MCrGPP
MPA President 2020/21
MPA UK Photographer of the Year 2017
PASCAL BAETENS
BELGIEN
Editorial photographer for lifestyle magazines since 1994 such as Elle, Men's Health, FHM. Author of photography books including 'The Fragile Touch', 'Allegro Sensibile' ('The Art of Nude Photography' USA-edition), 'Heavenly Girls' ('Heavenly Beauties' USA-edition) and 'A Pocketful of Nudes'.
Author of 'A Moment of Death', a photographic essay about sexual abuse. Issued a guide for photographers 'Nude Photography, the Art and the Craft', published in 10 languages, winner of the Orvieto Book Prize.
His work has also been featured in various books on modern photography and exhibited throughout Asia, Europe and North America. Pascal has interviewed photographers such as Avedon, Bitesnich, Dunas, Lindbergh, Maroon and Witkin and has curated various exhibitions. Pascal Baetens has an extensive program of lectures and workshops.
Awarded Master Qualified European Photographer (MQEP), the highest recognition by the Federation of European Professional Photographers (FEP).
PAUL WILKINSON
STORBRITANNIEN
Paul Wilkinson runs an exclusive boutique photography studio between Oxford & London and is hugely in demand for his distinctive images (and the laughter that goes into creating them!) With a life-long love of photography and a passion for creating beautiful, timeless images, Paul has established himself at the very top of the profession as a portrait photographer. Paul is a Fellow of the SWPP and the BIPP and has won an array of national and international awards for his work.
Paul is a Brand Ambassador with Elinchrom, GraphiStudio & Pixellu, international judge as well as a trainer, speaker and author in the photography industry. He has a regular column in Professional Photo and the Nikon magazine NPhoto, where he shares his experiences about the trials and tribulations of becoming a pro photographer. Many of you may know him best for his popular light hearted but straight talking podcast, Mastering Portrait Photography, where he chats about life, the universe and all things portrait photography.
SANJAY YOGIA
UK
Sanjay Jogia is an Internationally acclaimed, award-winning photographer who has been featured as one of the 6 Best Wedding Photographers in the World by Professional Photographer Magazine. He has photographed some of the most luxurious weddings all across Europe, India, Africa and the United States over the past 15 years making him one of the most sought-after luxury wedding photographers in the world.
Known for his unusual creativity, Sanjay travels the world as a photographer, educator, mentor, judge and brand ambassador. He has the honour of being the only Canon UK Ambassador in the wedding genre whilst also representing the EMEA region since 2018.
Sanjay is also a Brand Ambassador for 7 other brands including Eizo Global, Canson Infintiy, Fundy Software, Tether Tools, Light & Motion, Dream Books Pro and Calibrite (formerly X-Rite), all complimentary brands that value his expertise and insights.
His wedding portrait images are a blend of a fashion and movie inspired approach. He uses beauty lighting and posing techniques which are balanced with a sensitive, observant and almost portrait-like documentary approach for the majority of wedding images giving his wedding couples the best of both worlds which he calls Reality and Fantasy.
Sanjay is backed by his wife Roshni who both own ‘Eye Jogia Photo & Cinema’. His work has evolved from Wedding Photography initially to Photography & Cinematography. His genres of speciality has also expanded from Weddings to Portraits, Fashion & Automotive.
Fellowship and Awards
Sanjay has earned a Fellowship with British Institute of Professional Photography (BIPP) & Society of Wedding & Portrait Photographers (SWPP) which involves a rigorous judging process of Sanjay’s printed images by a panel of existing fellows.
He has earned over 100 awards in the SWPP Annual 20x16 Print Competitions. He is also a Master for Wedding and Portraits Photographers International (WPPI) based in Las Vegas, with over 100 WPPI awards in this popular and highly competitive forum since 2016, with numerous 1st, 2nd & 3rd placements for overall categories, including the last round of print competitions in 2022.
Sanjay has also won numerous awards at the annual British Photography Awards, and Photography World Cup competitions proudly representing Team GB.
Chairperson at the largest Print Competitions in the World
He has been elevated from Judge to Chairperson for the SWPP & WPPI Annual print competitions with his discerning eye and ability to assimilate and translate every aspect of an image from concept, narrative, technical to print. This has also established Sanjay as an industry expert in high end printing from small to large format, to the extent that he is approached by peers to print their images for clients and competitions.
Teaching and Presenting to a global audience
Sanjay has been invited to teach and present globally – he loves to teach and inspire that ‘Eureka’ moment with people whether it’s at one of his own workshops, one-on-one training, or at the various seminars and conventions that he is invited to speak globally. He was invited to speak for Canon CEE in Bucharest, Romania for 500 photographers which was also on National TV and Radio. He has been presenting for Canon since he became Ambassador in 2018.
Sanjay has also been as well as numerous other publications to share inspiration, technical expertise, and his extensive experience.
He feels a duty to help protect, shape and guide the future of our industry across all age groups. This passion to guide and serve has been exhibited at his many seminars for Canon for example since 2017, and more recently with the Canon Young Peoples Programme (YPP) which has led him to initiate conversations with the Change Foundation to explore ways to reach young people all over the country to affect positive change.
Sanjay actively also represented the British Wedding and Events Industry with his participation in the UK Government Taskforce for Weddings during the 2020 & 2021 lockdowns in two of the 8 Working Groups to gain government support in the wake of the Global Pandemic following a year of industry wide neglect.
Formative Years
Sanjay’s love of photography started at school with his father’s Canon AE-1 35mm film SLR camera and grew up within a culture of photography while his dad worked at the local Kodak factory for 35 years (where Sanjay also worked as a student actually manufacturing 35mm film).
A combination of this constant photocentric environment and his own creative curiosity meant that he is self-taught and began developing his own style and approach from a young age.
He studied Architecture at the University of Bath in England all the while combining his love of photography with his architectural presentation techniques. Having qualified as an Architect, Sanjay believes strongly that there are many parallels between his Photography his Architectural training - for example: Light, composition, conceptualisation, space, aesthetics, surface, texture creativity are all common elements to both.
SCOTT JOHNSON
STORBRITANNIEN
Scott Johnson, FBIPP FSWPP Master of The Societies, is an Internationally recognised, award-winning photographer based in Essex, UK, and has photographed weddings worldwide. Known for being fun and energetic, Scott travels the world as a judge, educator and mentor. He has judged for SWPP, WPPI, and numerous international competitions, including being the only British judge for the 2020, 2021 and 2023 World Photographic Cup.
He holds two Fellowships with the Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers (SWPP) in Wedding and Documentary Photography. His documentary Fellowship in 2017 on the Auschwitz camp in Poland, taken entirely on film, has received plaudits from across the world.
In 2018, he was awarded ‘Master Photographer’ with the SWPP. In 2019, he won the Open & Natural World category in the SWPP 20x16 print competition, as well as finishing runner-up in the Wedding Classical category, having won that category in 2016. He was the only British winner at WPPI in Las Vegas in the 2019 annual awards with first place in the Wedding Contemporary category (Gold distinction), and in 2022, he was awarded three Gold and one Gold Distinction at the WPPI Annual 20x16 competition. His SWPP awards journey was completed in 2021 when he won Architectural Photographer of the Year. In 2023, he won the ‘Wedding Day’ category in the SWPP 20x16 print competition.
He is a global ambassador for Fundy Software, as well as at Studio Ninja and Graphistudio.
SERKAN GÜNES
SVERIGE
Serkan Günes (b. 1980, Istanbul) lives in Swedish Lapland. He started photography at the age of 22. Through his camera, he discovered the Swedish nature and the Nordic light. Serkan captures the variety in intimate as well as grand landscape. His keen sense for light has become Serkan's trademark.
Serkan Günes has published four books. Beside working full time with Fine Art Landscape Photography, Serkan is highly appreciated keynote speaker and workshop leader.
2024
Exhibiton “WITHIN” Fujifilm Square Gallery, Tokyo, Japan
2023
Release 4th book “Kokkaffe Landscapes”
Exhibition “WITHIN” Norrbotten museum, Luleå, Sweden
2022
Exhibition “WITHIN” Lydmar Hotel, Stockholm, Sweden
2021
“WITHIN” Galleri Y, Sunderbyn, Luleå, Sweden
Exhibition “Konst I farten”, Galleri Lindberg, Luleå, Sweden
2020
Exhibition “Tre konstnärer, tre utryck”, Kiruna Konsthall, Kiruna, Sweden
Exhibition “Från naturen, Galleri Foajén, Luleå, Sweden
Stipend for artistic development by County Council of Norrbotten
2019
Exhibition "The Land of Eight Seasons" at Gällivare Museum, Sweden
Exhibition "The light of Lapland" at Fujikina 2019 in Tokyo, Japan.
2017
The 3rd book, The Land of Eight Seasons
Promotion Video for Fujifilm GFX System
The Land of Eight Seasons Exhibition at Naturum Laponia Visitor Center (Swedish Lapland)
2016
Featuring in the magazine Camera NATURA no: 4/2016 (Scandinavia)
The Land of Eight Seasons Exhibition at Photokina Photo Fair (Germany)
Exhibition in Tyresta National Park Information Centre
2015
Exhibition at Wilderness Fair in Stockholm
Stipend by Olofström Municipality and Harry Martinson Society
Chronicles for the Swedish magazine “Tidningen FOTO” (Sweden)
Featuring in the Swedish magazine “Kamera & Bild” (Sweden)
2014
Chronicles for utsidan.se (Sweden)
Exhibition at Stockholm Outdoor Festival
Exhibition at Wilderness Fair in Stockholm
2013
The second book, I huvudet på fotografen Serkan Günes
Featuring in the magazine Teknikföretagen (Sweden)
Short interview for the newspaper of Bärgslagsbladet (Sweden)
Featuring in the magazine FOTO (Sweden)
Group exhibition at Waldemarsudde in Stockholm
Featuring in the magazine Proffsfoto (Sweden)
2012
Exhibition with The Church of Sweden, at Bollmoradalens kyrka in Tyresö
Featuring in the magazine Camera NATURA (Scandinavia)
Appearing in the local newspaper Västerås Tidning (Sweden)
2011
Abisko Stipend by Prince Carl Gustaf Foundation
“Chasing the Light” Exhibition at Natural History Museum in Stockholm
Featuring in the magazine PhotoWorld (Turkey)
Featuring in the daily newspaper SvD (Sweden)
Stipend for the book Stockholm by The Swedish Authors’ Fund
2010
The first book, Stockholm - Sjön, Skogen & Skärgården
Featuring in the magazine Camera NATURA (Scandinavia)
Elected Nature Photographer of the Year 2009 by Swedish EPA
2009
Featuring in the magazine Terre Sauvage (France)
Featuring in the magazine NaturFoto (Germany)
Featuring in the magazine Özel Kalemler Dergisi (Turkey)
Featuring at CNNTurk.com
2008
Featuring in the magazine Camera NATURA (Scandinavia)
Featuring in the magazine Kamera & Bild (Sweden)
Featuring in the magazine Digital FOTO (Sweden)
Exhibition at Wilderness Fair in Stockholm
Exhibition at Stockholm Photo Fair
2007
Featuring in the magazine Yasa (Turkey)
2006
Back cover of Wildlife Photographer of the Year book
Cover photo of the Digital Technology brochure by Microsoft
Group exhibition at Natural History Museum in London
Winner of Wildlife Photographer of the Year, Eric Hosking Award
2005
Publication in the magazine Camera NATURA (Scandinavia)
2004
Founded Serkan Günes Photography
2002
Started photographing
2000
Moved to Stockholm, Sweden
1980
Born in Istanbul, Turkey
TATENDA CHIDORA
SYDAFRIKA
Born in Zimbabwe and based in South Africa, Tatenda Chidora is a commercial, fine art and fashion photographer whose contemporary style is representative of the global movement hailed as ‘new African photography’. He’s driven by creating a more diverse picture and inspired by the stories and faces of the African metropolis. His striking visuals, often shot from new and unexpected angles make heroes of his subjects. At the core of his practice is light; a marathon runner, he studies light from the road in the early mornings and evenings and is moved by the way it cuts curves into a face or a landscape. In turn he commands natural light or studio lighting to paint black skin luminous.
There’s a richness of tone in his work whether it’s shot in colour or his beloved black and white. Tatenda studied photography at the Tshwane University of Technology completing his BTech in 2015, but he remains a humble student of the medium through shooting in various genres of photography while carving out a style of his own. Working between genres keeps him nimble and versatile; he brings a fine art sensibility to his fashion photography and an editorial edge to his portraiture which champions unconventional beauty. His subjects are often people he discovers on the street and finds interesting. Tatenda has a
deep love for making portraits for its opportunity to engage with a subject. “I try not to just photograph people,” he says. “I try to connect with them.” His muse is the everyday which he endeavours to translate and elevate through his lens.
www.instagram.com/tatendachidora
https://www.lampost.co.za/johannesburg/photographers/1225597/tatenda-chidora/selected-work
TRACEY LUND
Tracey is an International award-winning photographer from England who specialises in Wildlife. Her passion for wildlife has taken her to magical places and this passion is easy to see in her images.
She’s had exceptional international success too, including:
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World Nature Photographer of the Year 2024
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Sony World Photography Awards Natural World & Wildlife Winner
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FEP Wildlife Photographer of the Year
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World Photographic Cup – ‘Silver’ & ‘Best in Nation’
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SINWP Wildlife Photographer of the Year
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MPA Wildlife Photographer of the Year
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Cosmos Awards Wildlife & Animal Photographer of the Year
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9th in the ‘World’s Top Wildlife Photographers’ One Eyeland Awards
and many more too!
Tracey regularly hosts talks within the photography community, either in-person or via zoom, around her vast experience with Wildlife Photography. Tracey turned professional 3 years ago where she now hosts photography tours around the world taking like minded photographers to the places she loves.
“Photographing wildlife is an adventure but most of all a privilege”
“I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list”
Tracey Lund - FBIPP, FSINWP, FMPA, ARPS, QEP, ANPS, AFIAP
WOLFGANG MAYERHOFFER
ÖSTERRIKE
Wolfgang Mayerhoffer is Austrian, presently living in Bad Ischl, where he retired in 2020, finally working as the head of the local hospital‘s surgical department.
Being a student of the United World College of the Atlantic in Wales for two years, he luckily gets an excellent education in analogue black and white photography. He takes his chance to gain profound knowledge in handling the photographic basics including darkroom work, framing, and presenting exhibitions. Very soon, by roaming the Welsh countryside, he discovers
landscape photography as his favorite genre.
Over the years, apart from his demanding profession as a medical doctor, Wolfgang makes use of every spare minute to grab his camera and to walk out in the fields. He completes a two years ́ training course at the „Prager Fotoschule Österreich“, and attends several workshops with professional landscape photographers in Great Britain and the USA, where he gets to know the fascinating working method of a view camera. Henceforth, this „old-fashioned“ camera operating in tilt/shift technique, combined with a modern digital back, both requiring a great deal of effort and time, becomes his exclusive photographic tool. In addition to
his cumbersome procedure of taking pictures, Wolfgang is passionate about printing his images himself, as well as laminating and framing them, of course in museum quality.
„Photographing is painting with light. As a matter of fact, Wolfgang‘s images appear as large size paintings. Their stunning sharpness and intensive, yet subtle colorfulness are exceptional characteristic features. This holds true for grand vista images, as well as detailed, intimate landscape studies, which tend to present a unique - sometimes abstract - microcosm. In fast-paced times like these, characterized by mobile photography via Instagram, Snapchat & Co, Wolfgang Mayerhoffer has created a pictorial world of his own, for us a spiritual benefit, providing deceleration and inner calmness.“
Andreas Strohhammer
Kurator Wissenschaft und Kunst, Lentos Museum, Linz
Wolfgang is regularly invited to present his photographs to the public. In addition to his exhibitions he has acquired a liking for illustrating books.It was only last year, that Wolfgang took part in a photographic competition.He did not expect that: at his first go he won the FEP Awards 2024 – category landscape.