Popular Photography's 2007 Photographer of the Year contest

My family and friends who often act as my gracious models know that I recently competed in Popular Photography & Imaging magazine's 2007 Photographer of the Year contest. Approximately 633 people entered the competition from around the world, submitting a total of almost 5,900 photos.

To qualify to be part of the contest I had to submit four photographs. Then during the competition, Pop Photo published a new assignment in the morning which the contestants had to complete and upload by the next morning. This went on for three days.

After the whole contest was completed I had to wait for a couple weeks before I found out who won. I didn't have high hopes since my pics didn't make it into their running "favorites" slideshow.

Sure enough, a great photographer from the Phillippines won the $5,000 prize and the prestigious title of "best shooter on the planet". But imagine my suprise and delight when I discovered I was one of about 35 finalists! Three of my photos were in the finalists' gallery, which works out to being among the top 2% of all the photos! I was so surprised, honored, and humbled by ranking at all since I had entered it for the experience and didn't expect anything!

To see Popular Photography's article on the results (and my name in the finalists list -- woo hoo!!), click this link: http://www.popphoto.com/popularphotographyfeatures/4360/2007-photographer-of-the-year-marc-aviles.html

I will try to get all my competition submissions uploaded soon. For now, here are the photographs I submitted for to qualify -- a landscape, action shot, product shot and a portrait.

A huge thank you to my friends and family who helped me during those hectic 3 days. Martins, you were awesome - so helpful and flexible. Shanna, you have gorgeous eyes. Ricky, your encouragement and believing in me really keeps me going. And as always:

Soli Deo Gloria