As summer turns toward fall, people in the United States get up for the last big rumble of summer- our local State Fairs. Utah’s Fair is no slouch, and has a tremendous competition, and a great variety of highly talented photographers contributing. This year, I was able to win a First Place for my architecture photography, in this case a condominium tower downtown I shot for PMI Property Management in Lehi, and Chelsie Blackledge.

Just after returning from the Oregon Coast shoots last week, I was notified that the winners of Best of State had been announced, and my personal and landscape work won Best of State for Nature Photography. Just being nominated is incredible, but to win Best of State has my head spinning. The Best of State Awards were created to recognize outstanding individuals, organizations and businesses in Utah. They judge the body of work of an artist, not just a single image. They also looks at one’s contributions to the state of Utah, and whether your work adds to making Utah a better place. To me, this award is so much more than winning something for taking one good picture; this is about a continued high standard for quality and creativity, and for giving back to the community. And while this was won for my personal work, I think it is definitely worth posting here at R/E Photography so you know exactly who and what kind of photographer I am.