You know how you are blazing through life and things just seem mundane and almost boring at times? There have been a couple years of my life that have fallen into that category…certainly not bad but just not overly exciting. In contrast, my life has taken a different path most notably in the last year. The timing could not have been better for my personal spirit. I am a realist and in no way do I allow myself to become caught up in any unrealistic expectations or fleeting notoriety. It’s almost like the lottery…I have played since I was eighteen and I truly believe that one day I will hold a winning ticket in my hand but at the same time I don’t let that dream (or better stated that fantasy) get in the way of me accomplishing my everyday responsibilities. That same commitment stands true for my business. I whole heartedly dedicate every ounce of myself into my work and my clients and hold on to that aspiration of one day being recognized for my contribution to the industry.
Yesterday as the June issue of PPA magazine (Professional Photographers of America) was released I felt myself inhale a single deep breath of accomplishment. My heart was pounding as I flipped through the pages and came upon the ad. I was chosen as the June Face of PPA Photographer and I must say that the honor feels quite substantial. I know that the recognition is fleeting but at the same time it is powerful. A genuine sense of pride showered my spirit. For this month I feel like I have that winning lottery ticket in my hand. I am so appreciative to PPA for all that they do for our industry as a whole and I am excited and proud to be an active member.
I hope to see everyone at next years Imaging USA hosted by PPA in San Antonio Texas! I can feel the buzz of the event already! If you have never been to Imaging I truly encourage you to clear the 2011 dates on your calendar and attend. You will not be sorry. Put yourself out there in an effort to grow your business and market yourself. Who knows…maybe I will be seeing you as the new Fresh Face of PPA.
Much love and many thanks to PPA (especially Therese, Angela and Mark) and to all of you loyal Blog readers!!! Also, to my friend Ron Wilson for the awesome photo below. My gratitude abounds!!!
Look at you… Whoot! :) Congrats and what a beautiful image.
Dawn thats so awesome! Your photo is so pretty!! :) You look great! Can’t wait to get the copy in the mail!
I have tears in my eyes, I am so stinkin’ proud of you, I feel like a Momma who’s bebe has just gotten a huge award!! <3 You look amazing and the article is fantastic! AND Yes I WILL see you next year at Imaging USA!! <3 Congratulations Dawn!! You deserve every bit of the blessings you are getting! x0x0x0
You go girl! That is fantastic, so proud of you my friend!
Wahoo!!! You are like a beautiful butterfly that others are just beginning to see emerging from her cocoon. Your talent and pure love of people and life just shine. So, so proud of you. Enjoy every moment because you completely deserve it.
I am so happy for you this is AWESOME!!!!! I can’t wait to receive my copy. Thank you for sharing yourself with those of us in the JAX SMUG group so we too can become better photographers and learn from those who have gone before us. This is an absolute honor! I can’t wait to show my friends!!!!!
Congratulations!
YAY!!! Way to go! AND you match the imaging usa branding!! :D
Way to go Dawn! I am a fan of your work – can’t wait to get my copy of PPA Mag!
Good for you! You deserve it!
Congratulations! You go girl!!!
That’s awesome, Dawn!!
DAWN!!!! This is wonderful!!!! You look amazing! Good for you!!!
You look gorgeous Dawn! Can’t wait for my copy to arrive!!!! :)
Dawn, your photo an your philosophy are both stunning. So happy for you. This is better than winning the lottery because you earned this one.
Rock on Dawn!!!! So nice to see you yesterday ..had fun shooting with you :-)
Dawn! I am so proud of you. This couldn’t happen to a better person. I’m proud to have you as a colleague and friend. :o)
Dawn, This is great! And I may say, you look BEAUTIFUL! And it was nice shooting with you yesterday.
omgosh Dawn this is HUGE! Enjoy your time in the spotlight, fleeting though it may be, you have worked your tiny hiney off and deserve every bit of notoriety. You have a beauty in you that shines in all you do and it is a joy to see you recognized in this way.
Congrats Dawn- That is awesome!!!!
You are all so good to me and I am forever grateful for such an amazing team of friends, colleagues and supporters. Wow. I’m touched. Truly. Thank y’all so much!!!
Completely and fantastically AMAZING!! I am so proud of you and what you have accomplished!! I know that there is so much more in store for you. You are an amazingly talented person and I am very proud to say that you are my friend and “my photographer!” Much love to you Dawn : )
congratulations beautiful lady!
Girl,
I am so proud of you! You are amazing…period!
XOXO
Congrats Dawn.. this IS huge, and I’m proud to be just a little part of it!
And I remember a day when you felt that it just wasn’t going right, or fast enough, …”what am I doing wrong, mom???”
What are you doing right, daughter? ;.)
Oh Dawn!!!!!! THAT’S MY GIRL!!! You are so incredibly deserving of this honor! I can say that I know someone FAMOUS now!!!! ;) Congrats on this huge recognition! You are amazing and beautiful inside and out, And talented beyond belief! Way to go!!! I hope you have given yourself a big pat on the back!
Congratulations Dawn, you truly deserve this! Just please don’t ever forget last year’s Imaging roomie :)
You look gorgeous as usual :) Congratulations Dawn, you deserve all of the good that comes your way, you are such a beautiful person inside and out!
Congratulations Dawn! You’re a wonderful and beautiful person, you work so hard and you have an amazing talent. You so deserve this, You go girl!!!