Rochester, MN Portrait Photographer | Portrait Master Awards
Rochester, MN Photography Competition | Nicole Mills Photography
I'm just starting to get my feet wet in the world of photography competition, and it's been confidence building so far! I'm a member of several photography organizations that offer image competitions, awards, and certification. Through the Professional Photographer's Association, I'm working towards my CPP (Certified Professional Photographer) and my Master of Photographer degree. Both will most likely take me a handful of years to accomplish...but, that's OK. Both are goals that I'm anxious to achieve and I'll keep working diligently to improve my work and meet the required criteria.
Through the PPA you can earn merits towards your degree through photography competition, but you're also required to earn merits through education and attending events. I went to PPA's annual conference, Imaging USA, for the first time in January. It was an eye opening experience! Seeing all the great photography work displayed was both encouraging, and to be honest, a little intimidating. There are some completely AMAZING photographers in this world! I hope someday to see some of my work hanging with theirs, so I'll keep plugging away at my craft.
The image below was entered in to the 2018 Portrait Master's competition. I was very pleasantly surprised to find out that not only did my image receive a bronze award, it was chosen as one of the top 20 children's portraits, which I DID NOT expect. Almost 7,000 images were submitted over 7 different categories, so the competition was steep. Now that I've seen my name "up in lights," there's no stopping me! ;) Next, I want to be a category winner! I'm also super happy that I gained entry into the top 20 with an image of my favorite little model...she may not enjoy being in front of my camera much anymore, but she'll always be my #1 subject. She is THE reason I invested blood, sweat and tears (& a substantial amount of $$$) into photography.
Thanks to all that continue to support my little photography business! I LOVE what I'm doing, and am so happy when people put their trust in me to photograph them.
Here are the other images I've submitted to both The Portrait Masters and those I've just entered into Districts for the PPA....I can't wait to see how they do! Hopefully, I will have earned a few merits towards my degree.
The following images received the bronze award in the Portrait Masters accreditation program.
And here are the four images I've entered in to Districts for the PPA. I don't know yet if they will merit, but fingers crossed one or more will!
Nicole Mills Photography specializes in photographing girls and women of all ages. If you live in SE Minnesota and are looking for a photographer that is dedicated to her craft and will provide you the most amazing portraits you've ever seen of yourself, then please get in touch with Nicole Mills Photography to schedule your complimentary consultation.
Located in downtown Pine Island, the Nicole Mills Photography studio offers everything you need to make your portrait experience one to remember forever. You'll find a full studio wardrobe to choose from, including beautiful gowns, casual separates, and even unique, custom designs created by Nicole for a one-of-a-kind portrait you and your family will treasure forever.
Nicole Mills Photography offers fully stylized sessions both in her Pine Island studio and outdoors in Rochester, MN and surrounding areas. Whether you're looking for senior photographs, maternity, business head shots, or simply some beautiful images of you and/or your family, Nicole Mills Photography provides unparalleled service, quality of work, and unique artwork you'll want to hand down for generations to come.
Now serving: Rochester, Pine Island, Byron, Kasson, Mantorville, Oronoco, Stewartville, Zumbrota, Wanamingo, Eyota, St. Charles, Elgin, Plainview, and more.