Twenty years ago when I began my business I never dreamed that this night would EVER occur.  Since Saturday, DeWayne and I have been shuttling back and two between Statesboro and Augusta where the Annual Georgia Professional Photographers Association convention has been in full swing.  Tonight was the annual awards banquet.  I still can not believe it.  Two years ago when I was named International Photographer of the Year by the Professional Photographers of America - I had a little advance notice.  That was a huge honor - but in no way compares with being selected by my peers as their photographer of the year.

I will have more on this tomorrow - there are lots and lots of people I need to recognize.  I want to share this journey more completely - but while I am still in a state of shock I wanted to share this tremendous news with each of you first.

In addition to winning Photographer of the Year, I also won a few other amazing awards including, Best of Show, First Place, Distinguished, the Kodak Gallery Award and the American Society of Photography award.  Below are two of the prints that pulled my scores up to the exceptional level - which positioned me to win these awards.

Tomorrow, and in future blogs, I will tell you about these images and other award winning images juried this week in Augusta.

I must say, however, NO award is GREATER than the one you give me every day by entrusting me and commissioning me to be your portrait artist!  Thanks for allowing me that opportunity!  Above all, I thank God for giving me the gift and artistry to master my trade of photography.