Ok, I admit it.  2014 has raced by and I have been chewed up by both busyness and business. Here I am, hat in hand to bear soul.  In spite of capturing 7 awards this Spring including 'Best of Show' and a Seventh 'Commercial Photographer of the Year' title I broke one of my golden rules and did not share out my fortune to the various business rags, pubs nor other B2B channels.  Alas….whether it is a jantelagen attack again, humility, or just plain old laziness ...what is done is done.  Stale news is just so…..well, stale.  So as I clean out my refrigerator of business…..I feel compelled to cap it with an interesting twist to this years awards.  

On the heels of my 2013 fine fortune I had 2014 squarely in my sights. I wanted to push four solid images to the judges.  As I grew close to competition I realized one was a 'borderline' entry with regards to impact, the great hallmark of a stunning image.  It was a solid clean highly received image with gorgeous models that the client was thrilled with but it just fell short for competition. Simply no showstopper.

So, with little more than a week to go til print entry deadline - serendipity!  I found myself in a dusty machine shop and I pre visualized the opportunity…there in front of me.  In a creative  flash I jumped at the chance.  There in that dusty grey drab machine shop my last image for my case took shape and 'American Made' was born.  Finally, I had my hopeful showstopper.  My last print entry.

Well as fate would have it my expectations were exceeded as the image ended up clawing its way to 'Best of Show'….and was the anchor lap of my 4 image relay which helped me eek out my seventh ‘Commercial Photographer of the Year’ title from the Professional Photographers of Washington.  Ok, so I have to admit it was indeed humbling.  I am very thankful.   So I now set my sights on 2015 which hosts the Professional Photographers of America Western District Photographic Competition.  Time to get my game face on and start creating!

Doug Walker – 2014 PPW ‘Commercial Photographer of the Year’ Professional Photographers of Washington.