Cville Photographer Wins High Honor for His Work - NBC29 WVIR Charlottesville, VA News, Sports and Weather

Gitchell's Studio
Press Release

Jim Carpenter, owner of Gitchell's Studio, has won the title of "Photographer of the  Year"  from the Virginia Professional Photographers Association (VPPA) during their  annual convention in Roanoke, Virginia February 22-26, 2013. Jim, a PPA Master Photographer, was honored with the title after earning six blue ribbons along with three  first place awards, one second place, highest score for a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP), highest score for an American Society of Photographers (ASP), and  a first ever awarded from Polaroid the "Prestige Award for Best Wedding Portrait".

 Jim's evening was topped with being awarded with the National Award from  Professional Photographers of America for "Meritorious Contributions to Professional Photography". Carpenter, a native of Charlottesville, and a professional photographer in  the area for 45 years, was also Convention Chairman. 150 professional photographers in  Virginia attended with speakers and judges from Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina,  Kentucky, Florida, and West Virginia participating in the event.

All 6 images received Blue Ribbons

1. Best Social Event Portrait for Wedding "Pillars of Love" image of a wedding couple
2. Best Photojournalism Photograph "Happy Feet" image of the shoe maker in  Williamsburg
3. Best Illustrative Photograph "Parallel Portals" image from Williamsburg
4. Court of Honor-Portrait of a Man "Smokin' Joe" a portrait of Kenny Staples (A Cville  native Barber)
5. "Luscious Lily"-Blue Ribbon-A beautiful water lily from Jim's pond
6. "So God Made A Farmer"-Blue Ribbon-a beautiful farm scene (with local Irvin White on his tractor working the land)

Highest Score for a Certiñed Professional Photographer-CPP Award

Highest Score for an American Society of Photographers member-ASP State Elite Award 

The very prominent "PPA National Award" for "Meritorious Contributions to  Professional Photography"

Polaroid Prestige Award for Best Wedding Portrait-(first time ever presented)

To achieve this status and this many awards is very unusual and would be worthy of an  interview or announcement. Please Contact Jim or Joan Carpenter, Gitchell's Studio, Inc., 618-A Forest Street, Charlottesville, VA 22903, 434-296-7558, www.jim@gitchellsstudio.com.