Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Best of Western Washington

I was quite honored last month to be named "Best Photographer" in the wedding category in King5's Evening Magazine Best of Western Washington contest. There were almost 600 nominees in the contest and because of the wonderful support of past clients and hundreds of other people who had become familiar with my work over the years, I won. In fact, I garnered more votes than any other vendor in the overall wedding category.


Unlike many other photographers, I didn't offer free stuff in exchange for votes. I noticed other nominees offering potential movie tickets, Starbuck's cards, Target gift cards etc. I instead relied on people voting for me that believed in my work and believed in me personally. I was truly humbled by how many people were supporting me and saying nice things about my photography as well as the positive experience of working with me. The only teensy (tongue in cheek) incentive that I offered was something I promised I'd give everyone if I wound up winning the contest. It was nothing much...just a FREE PONY! And I made good on that promise by uploading a small gallery of my favorite pony pictures available for download in high resolution to my supporters. Here's a few portraits of my friend Pierre who lives at the farm across the street from my studio. :)



"Word of mouth" has been how I have allowed my business to marketed forever. My passion lies in the photography, not the marketing, and word of mouth, via social networking, is how I won this contest. I had to supply a little description of my work for the contest page and it really does illustrate how I truly feel and the reason why I do what I do.


"Life zooms by...but a photograph can slow it down. I first realized that when I begged my parents for a camera in 6th grade and I've had one in my hand ever since. It's truly an honor to be invited into someone's life to capture a moment, or a celebration, or just a memory. My goal is to capture what my heart sees. Sharing that is one of my greatest joys."


Thanks to all of you who voted for me. If you're stopping by for the first time and looking for a photographer for your wedding next year, perhaps I'll be offering YOU a free pony (or some other cute animal) if you support me in the 2013 contest. Until then, in the now immortal words of Carly Rae Jepsen, "Here's my number (studio 360-779-7663), so call me maybe!"