Byron receives photography award

Staff report
Jim Byron of La’ Portrait Gallery Photography, located near Patterson, was lauded during the Professional Photographers of America’s Imaging USA Conference held in Nashville, Tennesse, Feb. 3. He achieved two distinctions during the event.
The Professional Photographers of America’s Imaging Excellence Award was presented to Byron for his years of dedication to expanding his photogenic education and creating work of the highest quality. He was one of only 21 recipients out of the 27,000 members in PPA.
This award provides recognition for photographers who have earned their PPA master’s degrees in the field of imaging and have continued to submit images worthy of acceptance into the PPA General Loan Collections, the best images of PPA’s annual International Photographic Competition.
“To receive the Imaging Excellence Award says two things about the photographer,” said Randy McNeilly, PPA’s Photographic Exhibitions Committee chairman. “First, they know how to create beautiful images. Many people wait years to get one image in PPA’s Loan Collection, but the Imaging Excellence Award requires 13 of those Loan images. Second, it shows dedication to a goal. You don’t earn this in one competition year and some wait their entire life to receive this award. This is one of PPA’s hardest awards to earn, and those who have should be proud of the accomplishment.”
Byron also received an Elite Plus membership during a special ceremony held during conference. He is one of few to earn the prestigious designation.
“We are encouraging photographers to be more and grow sustainable business,” said Kristen Hartman, PPA director of member value and experience. “Mr. Byron continues to raise the bar in our industry and has certainly earned his place among the elite.”
Byron qualified for Elite Plus membership through continued education, image competition and a continued quest for excellence.
“I can see changes in my work as I improve and push myself to capture images that have meaning and capture the moment which gives my customers a higher level of value in the finished portraits,” Byron said.
The new membership level comes with special benefits, including significant savings.
PPA is the largest international nonprofit association created by professional photographers, for professional photographers. For more information visit www.ppa.com.

Jim Byron