Queenstown photographer Jackie Gay wins “emotional gold”

Queenstown photographer Jackie Gay wins “emotional gold” at national awards for excellence

Local Queenstown photographer Jackie Gay has taken out silver and two bronze awards at her inaugural showing at the Epson/NZIPP Iris Professional Photography Awards held last week.

Ms Gay, who owns Still Vision Photography, only “plucked up the courage” to enter the awards two days out and is “very honoured and humbled” with the recognition.

“I just thought why not, what do I have to lose. There were a couple of images that I personally loved and felt proud of, so I entered those,” said Ms Gay.

Ms Gay entered three images into the awards. Her entry entitled ‘The Boys’ won silver in the wedding classic category, while her other wedding classic image ‘Ronnie and Mel’s Mountain Kiss’ took bronze.

Ms Gay also won bronze in the commercial category for her image from Queenstown salon Collective’s Hair and Make-up Professionals Autumn Collection for Images Magazine.

“Winning the awards is a great reflection of where I am heading and where I want to continue to grow as an artist. Even though it’s bronze, if I hang it right in my studio and the light hits it, it will look like gold,” laughed Ms Gay.

“It’s not quite sunk in that for the first time I can call myself an award-winning photographer.”

Owners of the now famous ‘Alfie the Dog’ – the star of the winning image entitled ‘The Boys’ - said they were “so pleased” for Jackie.

“Alfie was a key part of our big day and to have him now play such a big part for Jackie is just wonderful karma. Jackie did a wonderful job for our wedding day and we’re over the moon with the images. This one with Alfie is one of our favourites. It’s great to see Alfie become famous,” said Sarah and Martin Douglas.

Ms Gay credits her success to a number of factors. She has invested in photography workshops held by leading photographers in the NZIPP to grow her technical knowledge, expanded her portfolio of location venues and taken an active role within NZIPP.

“I simply would not have made it this far without my fellow professional photographers within the NZIPP who have supported and encouraged me to grow and become a better photographer. They’ve all been amazing. Especially Jackie Ranken who took the award for Landscape Photographer of the Year,” she said.

“I’ve also upgraded and invested a lot recently in a high-end camera, lens and lighting equipment which enhances image quality and produces higher quality product for clients.”

“With the support and involvement of the NZIPP I‘ve been encouraged to grow technically to an award level by understanding how to capture an award-winning image and introducing that style into my daily photography.”

“My business has grown and continues to grow which is extremely exciting and I have a wonderful local clientele with a mix of commercial, wedding and portrait projects.”

“Having the only central photography studio in Queenstown is great as it gives me a nice balance of studio work and on location shoots in the commercial and fashion industry. This enables me to take on projects I wouldn’t otherwise be able to, so diversifying has helped me grow.”

“I am still blown away by the constant support from the community. I feel that’s one of the special things about this town, that if you’re a good person and a hard worker that fellow business members and the local community respect and support you. Without my clients I wouldn’t have had such great images to present,” said Ms Gay.

“Led my Mike Langford (President for the past three years of the NZIPP and Jackie Ranken -Chairman of the Otago Region), the strength of photographers in this region is amazing.”

“It might be two bronze and one silver but for me it’s an emotional gold,” said Ms Gay.

Please see below for all awards gained in the Queenstown area;

Our Otago/Southland Region has achieved outstanding results, the best results ever and the most Awards ever.

Jackie Ranken- Won Landscape Photographer of the year- Total tally 1 gold, 1 gold distinction, 1 silver distinction, 6 silver, 1 bronze (press release to follow).

Mike Langford was a finalist for the Travel Category- Total tally- 2 gold, 4 silver.

Each Category has three finalists with the winner being announced at the Gala Awards Dinner in Rotorua.

Emily Adamson 3 x silver, 2 x bronze and gained Associate level

Ben Arthur 3 silvers and 2 bronze and gained Associate level

Fredrik Larsson 4 bronze

Dan Childs 2 silver and 3 bronze

ENDS

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