Imaging USA 2017 | Awards and Degrees
Cristie Reddehase
Imaging USA 2017
January 8-10, 2017 in San Antonio, TX
As some of you may know, I LOVE to compete in the annual print competition held by PPA. This year was an extraordinary year for me. I was so glad that my friends and family were there to celebrate with me!
My amazing group of friends surprised me with a pair of diamond earrings right before the award ceremony so I could always remember this wonderful accomplishment.
- I received Double Diamond Photographer of the Year. This means that during IPC, all 8 of my images were worthy of a merit and that all 8 of them were accepted into PPA's Loan collection. I'm the first female to ever accomplish this and also 1 of only 5 other photographers to ever receive this distinction.
- I earned my Master Artist degree from PPA. This is third degree I've earned through PPA. This is awarded for superior photographic skills—demonstrated through the Artist Exhibition category of the PPA International Photographic Competition (with images evaluated for computer-applied techniques and proficiency), advanced education and service to the industry.
- I received my Imaging Excellence award as well. I was one of only 20 recipients this year to receive this award. This award provides recognition for those rare photographers who have earned their PPA master’s degrees in the field of imaging and have continued to submit images worthy of acceptance into the PPA General and Loan Collections—the best images of PPA’s annual International Photographic Competition.
“To receive the Imaging Excellence Award says two things about the photographer,” explains Randy McNeilly, Chairman of PPA’s Photographic Exhibitions Committee.
“First, they know how to create beautiful images. Many people wait years to get one image in PPA's Loan Collection, but the Imaging Excellence Award requires 13 of those Loan images! “Second, it shows dedication to a goal. You don't earn this in one competition year and some wait their entire life to receive this award. This is one of PPA's hardest awards to earn, and those who have should be proud of the accomplishment.”
2017 Grand Imaging Awards
This year I was astonished to have 4 of my images (pictured below) selected to be in the running for this year's Grand Imaging Awards. The GIAs are awarded yearly at Imaging USA based on the results of the International Photographic Competition. The top 10 images in six categories as selected by International Photographic Competition jurors and are announced at the GIAs along with the top 3 winners from each category. This is kinda like the Super Bowl for photographers!
I'm so happy to announce that I placed 1st in the High School Senior category and 2nd in the General Portraits category. Just to be nominated for the GIAs is a HUGE honor! The competition is definitely some of the best photographic work in the country.
You can watch the entire awards ceremony (below) to see the other nominees and the winners of the GIAs and the medalist for this year's International Print Competition!
