Colorado Springs Professional Photographer | Award Winning Photographer

Over the years I have occasionally gotten up the nerve to enter my prints in the International Photographic Competition run by the Professional Photographers of America (PPA). Photographers are allowed to enter 4 prints each year, and they are subjected to a panel of certified judges, where the images are determined to be "merit-worthy" or not. The incentive to enter is to earn PPA "merits," or the "Seal of Approval," and when a photographer earns enough merits they can apply to receive a "Master of Photography degree" from PPA. Sitting in on the judging is fun when it's not your print, and stressful as heck when it is. 

Last week I was happy to learn that 3 of my 4 prints earned merits, and that one was even selected for PPA's International Loan Collection! The Loan Collection travels to different exhibits and is published in a book. This is my first Loan Collection print, so it's pretty fun to finally achieve that distinction. So here are the images, and thanks to Raf Alvarado and Keith Ashley for helping me come up with the titles of the first two:

The Outsiders, International Loan Collection, PPA Seal of Approval, Kodak Gallery Award:

Still Sacrificing, PPA Seal of Approval:

Drink Decaf and Sleep Like a Baby, PPA Seal of Approval:

www.ashleyphotography.com

International Photographic Competition run by the Professional Photographers of America (PPA)
PPA

Best of 2008 Photographs

Here are just a few of my favorite studio images from the year. I almost hesitate to do this because I'm worried I'll leave out something extra special! Most of my sessions this year were special short sessions because I kept thinking someone was going to be taking over my studio space any day. But in-between those specials I was still creating maternity and newborn photographs, as well as having some other sessions. With less ambiguity about my space at the moment (it's mine for now!), I plan to do lots of full-length sessions at the studio in the coming months.

Ashley Photography, Colorado Springs

www.ashleyphotography.com

Some Favorites from my March Special

www.ashleyphotography.com

Jill's Portrait Party in Colorado Springs

Elizabeth's Portrait Party in Highlands Ranch

About half of my home portrait parties are held in the Denver-metro area. This arrangement actually works out well for me since my parents recently moved to Highlands Ranch.

At this party we set up in the living room and blasted music from High School Musical and Hannah Montana. The kids loved it, and it helped get some great expressions.

www.ashleyphotography.com

Photos From My November Event at School Crossing

Take a look at the beautiful children I had the opportunity to photograph during my free mini-sessions at School Crossing in Colorado Springs this month. (If you click on the image you'll see a larger version with more detail.) It was so fun to catch up with friends I haven't seen in a while and to meet some new people as well.

If you have never been to School Crossing, or haven't been there lately, it is a great place to pick up gifts for kids. The store includes teacher supplies, a large toy store, and even a Pikes Perk Coffee. I found lots of things suitable for my kids in the $10 - $15 range while I was there.

http://www.ashleyphotography.com/

Images from Raven's Nest Portrait Party

Heather's portrait party at the Raven's Nest coffee house brought out lots of gorgeous babies and kiddos. We had two afternoons of mini sessions after they had closed for the day on a recent Saturday and Sunday. Lots of cute and fun photos -- here are a handful of my favorites.

How about this first one? As hard as I tried, she was so totally NOT impressed. "Just try to get me to smile, lady."

The Raven's Nest is located in Colorado Springs at the corner of Boulder and Institute.

http://www.ashleyphotography.com/

A Few Favorites from our New Studio

We've had such fun this year working out of our new studio, and here are just a few of my favorites. I photograph so many cute kids that it's pretty much impossible to pick my favorites, but here is a little sampling from the year. Enjoy!

Get Your Own! | View Slideshow