News

Kickstart Scholarship Winners for 2024 Announced

Published: December 06, 2023

Four photographers are the winners of this year’s Kickstart Scholarships. The winners will each receive a complimentary 3-day All-Access Pass to Imaging USA 2024, as well as admission to a free pre-convention class.

Eligibility for the scholarship required applicants to be a full- or part-time photographer, an active member of PPA, and have not previously received a Kickstart Scholarship. Click here to learn more.

Congratulations to this year’s winners! Keep scrolling to learn more about these dynamic photographers.
 

Gabby Jockers 

Gabby Jockers is the Mindful Boudoir Photographer and owner of Embodied Art Boudoir, a body positive boudoir studio in Golden, CO just outside Denver. She uses embodiment practices like meditation & breathwork to help her clients get out of their headsand into their bodies. 

She is profoundly passionate about creating an experience for her clients that goes beyond just a 'sexy photoshoot' and serves as a stepping stone to the next step of their self love journey. She is also the co-creator of The Body Deck, a body image-focused affirmation card deck.

 

Tyler Swartz

Ty Swartz, M.Photog.Cr., CPP, is a retired U.S. Navy Photojournalist who designed and teaches the STEMarketing & Communications program for Landstown Governor's STEM Academy in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Swartz's academy program focuses on creating storytelling visual designs through photography, videography, and graphic design with a strong emphasis on students becoming Adobe Certified Professionals in Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, After Effects, and InDesign and ready to enter the workforce as an entrepreneur. Ty is a Ph.D. candidate in K-12 Educational Leadership at Regent University and holds MBAs in Marketing and Project Management and a Bachelor of Science in Workforce, Education, and Development with a specialization in Training.

 

Barry Salmons 

Barry Salmons, a seasoned professional with a 30-year background in Corporate Marketing and a lifelong passion for photography, boldly transitioned into the field just as the Covid pandemic emerged in late 2019. Navigating the challenges of the pandemic, Barry not only dedicated himself to growing his photography business but also provided unwavering care for his mother in her courageous battle against Alzheimer's Disease. Based in the Columbus, Ohio area, Barry specializes in crafting unique Senior Portraits and Family photography, drawing inspiration from his deep love for family and his passion for travel.

 

Erin Didier

Erin Didier is a portrait photographer & videographer based in Louisville, Kentucky. She began her professional photography career three years ago as a fun "temporary" wait-out-the-pandemic-job and got hooked. She loves cultures, music, and learning about others.