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PPA Celebrates Incredible Achievements in the Photography Industry

Published: January 13, 2026
PPA Celebrates Incredible Achievements in the Photography Industry

Congratulations to our Grand Imaging Award Winner!

This year at Imaging USA in Nashville, Tennessee, preliminary judging rounds for the International Photographic Competition (IPC) began on Saturday, drawing in new photographers at every hour. The image competition was a major hit among attendees and the first of it's kind. Images competed in head-to-head judging rounds while our emcee, Booray Perry kept us laughing with his hilarious monologue. 


The final rounds of judging took place Monday night, drawing in a huge crowd of expectant photographers. As images were eliminated and voted forward into the next rounds of judging, shouts and joyous screams filled the room. Sveta Butko took home the Grand Imaging Award and a check for $10,000! 


All in all, the IPC was everything we could have hoped for. We were entertained, thrilled, and so joyous to see the award go to such a deserving winner. Stay tuned and plan on participating in the forthcoming IPC to be judged at Imaging USA 2027 in Charlotte, North Carolina, from January 31-February 2.

 

Congratulations Diamond Photographers!

These 16 diamond photographers won best in their category and a check for $1,000. The photographers are as follows:

Joseph Giitter | Yearly Theme Wild Birds
Emmalee Rathsam | Illustrative Portrait
Richard Cox | Reportage
Sveta Butko | Portrait, Child and Teens
Megan Drane | High School Seniors
Lisa Cory | Newborn & Maternity
Michelle Caudle | Natural Portrait
Stephen Stookey | Sports
John Bumgardner | Wildlife
Dana Rose | Portrait Groups/Families
Duane Miller | Commercial
Judy Reinford | Pets & Domestic Animals
Kimberly Olker | Landscape
Cindy Strupp | Illustrative/Digital Art
Andrew Hiorth | Boudoir
Dan McClanahan | Day of Wedding

 

If you weren’t able to attend the IPC Finale, watch our livestream from the event below:


Congratulations to Our PPA Award Winners and Newest Degree Recipients!

On Tuesday evening, we celebrated incredible photographers who have made an impact in our industry and deserve the highest praise. We also witnessed a huge group of photographers walk the stage with their sponsor to accept their degree. We loved seeing your smiles and creative outfits as you proudly walked the stage. Congratulations on this huge achievement! If you missed the ceremony you can watch our livestream below.