Last weekend marked a significant milestone in my journey as a photographer and a testament to the passion that drives my work. I had the distinct honor of participating in the Appimagem 2024 Qualifications, a prestigious event that gathers professional photographers from all over Portugal. This year was particularly special for me, as I was not only a finalist for the fifth consecutive year but also took on the role of a judge in the live video competition.
The entire experience was electrifying and profoundly rewarding. The recognition my work received this year was beyond anything I could have anticipated. Two of my images were distinguished by being selected for the Honor Collection, while another seven earned distinctions. In total, my work was recognized with nine awards and twelve distinctions, including accolades for the best image in both the art and commercial categories. I am overwhelmed with gratitude and feel truly blessed for this recognition.
Being nominated for Photographer of the Year for the fourth consecutive year is an honor that words can hardly describe. This achievement is not mine alone; it’s a reflection of the unwavering support from my family, whose belief in my vision has been the cornerstone of my success.
I owe a debt of gratitude to everyone involved in my projects. To my clients, models, makeup artists, hairdressers, and stylists – your trust in my work is the foundation of our shared success. A special shoutout to my assistant, @poetkov, for his relentless support and the @koylab team, whose expertise makes my work shine brighter.
My heartfelt thanks extend to our partners @fujifilmxpt, @sandiskextremeteam, @gtechnology, @realoutex, @Westcottlighting, @blackrapid, and @profotospainofficial. Your support is indispensable to our achievements.
A huge congratulations to Paulo Correia, who was elected Photographer of the Year 2024. Your dedication and talent are an inspiration to us all.
I also want to extend my sincere appreciation to @appimagem and all the judges for their dedication and hard work. Best wishes to all the finalists, in both the photography and video categories. Let’s continue to push boundaries, inspire one another, and elevate the art of photography to new heights.
Lastly, a very special thank you to Kake for capturing the event with exceptional photographs. Your artistry in capturing unique moments creates memories that will last a lifetime.
As we reflect on this year’s qualifications, it’s clear that the journey of photography is about much more than capturing images. It’s about storytelling, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Here’s to another year of creating, inspiring, and achieving together.
#photographeroftheyear #appimagem2024
