2007 Virginia Press Association Award Announcements!!!

At the VPA's annual convention and awards ceremony, held in Norfolk this year, for my contributions to the Hanover Herald-Progress, I received individual recognitions:

Group recognitions:

and one very special recognition...

VPA - Best in Show - Non-Daily Photography

Erin Ewalt

Erin Ewalt

This was shot January, 2006, to accompany a story about Erin Ewalt, Randolph-Macon College's 4-time ODAC Swimmer of the Year. You can read all about the shoot here.

I can honestly say I am totally blown away by this. After going through the exhibits and seeing all of the amazing photography produced by so many talented photographers from all across the state, I am at once thrilled, humbled, inspired, and motivated by this recognition. I knew the image was special when I took it, but I had no idea it would be so far reaching.

From the bottom of my heart, I thank all of you who have helped make this possible. Thanks to Greg Glassner at the Herald-Progress for giving me a start, thanks to Tom Dozier, whose vision and drive were really atypical for a weekly paper, thanks to the CV Corporation for their support and hospitality. Thanks to all the editors, photo directors, and art directors that have taken a chance on me as a relative new-comer--your support and guidance have really helped me along. Special thanks to Bob Brown and Dan Beatty--it's hard to put in words just how critical your confidence in me has been to my success. Thanks also to all the people at Media General and their publications for their continued encouragement and support. As a freelancer, I can't help but feel like the luckiest guy in the world.

I thank God that I am able to do this thing, to make the most of these talents I've been given, and I am everso thankful for the support of my wife and family. Nina, without you, none of this would be possible.

And now, I can't wait to see what I shoot next...