ImagingUSA 2019
ImagingUSA is an amazing time and opportunity for all photographers. It’s the time to connect with other like-minded professionals, to meet new friends, to visit vendors and check on the current trends and new products, to learn a variety of photography and business workshops, to get inspired by leading photography educators and to celebrate each other successes. It is very fast-paced for 3 days and your schedule is filled from the early morning to the late night. It has been my favorite photography event for years and the perfect way to start every new year but this year has been very special to me.
As John C. Maxwell said… “Dreams Won’t Work Unless You Do”.
Just 4 years ago, a Master of Photography degree from PPA was a distant dream ☺️ But I was committed, made the first step, and continued to put one foot in front of another, spent endless hours honing my skills, and challenged myself in print competition world. Last summer, during the International Print Competition I finally received enough merits to make this dream come true. Carol Scott, my friend from Kodiak, Alaska, who walked with me on the stage and gave me a Master Photography medal is the one who inspired and encouraged me to follow the print competition path. I’m forever grateful for her being my sponsor and her friendship.
While getting my Master of Photography degree and being a Gold Medalist was something I could prepare for a few months, the Grand Imaging Award took me a little by surprise. Even though I was 1 of 10 finalists in Children category with the image “Softly Sleeping”, I was amongst the best in my category and those 10 portraits were all simply amazing. I was completely speechless when during the GIA ceremony my image received 2nd place in my category! Unbelievable!
The whole experience of receiving a degree and a 2nd place award was unforgettable and I can’t thank enough to all my family and friends for their support and comments that were flooding my FB feed. I wish my hubby and Sophie, and my family was with me that night but I am very thankful for technology as they could stream both events live.
Here is the link to full degree ceremony from FB feed – my little part is around 1:22:09
https://www.facebook.com/OurPPA/videos/312830416014226/
And here is the link to Grand Imaging Awards ceremony from FB feed – my category is presented starting 0:44:56
An official photo of a new degree recipient, Sylwia Ok, M.Photog., CPP with PPA president Stephen Thetford, M.Photog.Cr., CPP, and the sponsor, Carol Scott, M.Photog., M.Artist, CPP. Photo courtesy of PPA
Photo credit: Alex The Photo Guy
Photo credit: Carol Davis
Photo credit: Carol Davis
Photo credit: Carol Scott
Sylwia Ok, M.Photog., CPP receives 2nd place in Children Category during the GIA ceremony at ImagingUSA in Atlanta. Photo credit: Alex the Photo Guy
“Softly Sleeping” by Sylwia Ok, M.Photog., CPP placed 2nd in Children Category during Grand Imaging Awards in Atlanta on January 21, 2019. An image scored a perfect score of 100 at International Print Competition
OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE
Sylwia Ok recognized for superior image making and photographic service with a degree from Professional Photographers of America and received a 2nd place in Grand Imaging Awards in Children category.
Pasadena, MD, January 22, 2019—Sylwia Ok of Sylwia Ok Photography in Pasadena, MD has earned the Master of Photography degree from Professional Photographers of America (PPA). The degree was presented to Ok by PPA president Stephen Thetford, M.Photog.Cr., CPP, at the association’s annual convention, Imaging USA, held January 20-22, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia.
The Master of Photography degree is not merely a piece of paper. It means that Ok has met the standards of excellence set by PPA. She has been awarded this degree in recognition of her superior photographic competence demonstrated through photographic competition, advanced education, and service to the profession. In 2019, she was one of only 95 recipients.
Ok’s degrees—and all the expertise they require—illustrate her accomplishments and talent as one of a select few.
The Grand Imaging Award finalists, 10 each in 10 categories, were selected from 5,200 entries judged by a panel of 32 jurors and represents the best of the 2018 PPA International Photographic Competition. Ok was 1 of 10 finalists in Children category with her image “Softly Sleeping”. At Imaging USA 2019, Ok received an award for 2nd place in her category.
An award-winning Portrait Artist, Master Photographer and Certified Professional Photographer, Sylwia Ok, M.Photog, CPP, specializes in maternity, newborn, and baby custom portraiture. Ok is currently working from her home-based boutique studio in Pasadena, MD where she consistently delivers dazzling images of the babies to gleeful parents.
Professional Photographers of America (PPA) is the largest and longest-standing nonprofit photography trade association with a 150-year history. It currently helps 30,000+ pros elevate their craft and grow their business with resources, protection, and education, all under PPA’s core guiding principle of bridging the gap between photographers and consumers.
