FEP Awards 2025 Judges
The FEP Awards is a competition with thousands of images, therefore we do need a whole team of judges to evaluate them. For each edition of the competition, our Chairman Johan Brouwers consults his list of judges nominated by the FEP member associations in order to find the best possible mixture or expertise and also geographical locations.
This year, the pool of judges consisted of 32 international judges, whom we would like to introduce here. The judges are introduced in alphabetical order.
To our esteemed panel of judges, we express our sincerest thanks for their dedication and expertise in evaluating the submissions. Your commitment to maintaining the integrity and prestige of the FEP Awards is truly commendable.
Johan Brouwers, Chairman, Belgium
Qualified European Photographer – QEP
After a career as a professional photographer, Johan Brouwers turned his passion back into his hobby.
After studying photography/film at the Hoger Sint-Lukasinstituut in Brussels, he worked for more than 40 years as a professional photographer, specialising in portrait and reportage photography.
The passion for photography has remained and is now mainly expressed during his international travels and trips with his motorhome.
He has been closely involved in the workings of the FEP for many years. He was a board member from 2010 to 2018.
He’s chairman of the EP qualification since its inception in 2013.
In 2019, he succeeded Jørgen Brandt as chairman of the FEP Awards competition.
At the bi-annual Lens op de Mens – Pelt Photo Festival in Belgium, he’s a board member and chairman of the competition jury.
Photo © Caroline Tanghe
Jørgen Brandt, Denmark
Master Qualified European Photographer – MQEP
Specialities: Portrait, Commercial, Illustrative & Fine Art
For me, photography is a way of life, a job and a hobby – and the boundaries are often fluid or non-existent.
The light and form must always be there and must support the image. As a photographer, in my personal images, I work more and more with the abstract, perhaps closer to abstraction, where things become “more” and often “other” than they are.
I’ve been a mentor for photographers from, among others, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, UK, Netherlands, Belgium, Slovakia, France, etc.
I’ve taught and lectured on photography in Denmark, the Faroe Islands, Japan, Latvia, France, UK, Sweden and more.
President of the Federation of European Professional Photographers (FEP) 2012-14
Chairman of the Jury, FEP Photographer of the Year 2011-18
Chairman of the Jury, World Photographic Cub 2016-18
Co-founder & Governor 2013-17 World Photographic Cup
Qualification Judge FEP 2008-
Chairman of the Board, Museum of Photographic Art, Odense, Denmark, 2006-13
Acted as a judge/chief judge in image competitions in Denmark, Sweden, Europe (FEP), for the EU, Spain, France, Australia, China as well as in a Nordic Competition, etc.
Awards (selection):
- Master QEP – Master Qualified European Photographer (http://www.europeanphotographers.eu)
- Supreme Qualified Master > photo-dk (https://dff-photo.dk/)
- Fellow British Institute of Professional Photography (bipp.com)
- FEP Fine Art Nude Book Prize 2020 for the book 3 x 3 x 3 SENSUALITY, EMOTIONS, TRANSFORMATION (Photographers Jørgen Brandt, Pascal Baetens, Martin Vrabko)
- FEP Merit Award 2018 in recognition of meritorious service rendered in his position as Chairman of the FEP Photographer of the Year Competition 2011-18
- Warren Motts International Service Award 2015 (Professional Photographers of America – ppa.com)
Photo © Libby
Ivan Čaniga, Slovakia
Master Qualified European Photographer – MQEP
Specialities: Portrait, Commercial, Illustrative, Fine Art
Ivan Čaniga is a Slovak professional photographer and artist. His main focus is Portrait, Commercial and Fine Art Photography.
Ivan Čaniga is freelance photographer who lives and works in Bratislava, Slovakia. He graduated at the School of Art Industry in Bratislava, specialized in Photography. Ivan is member of the Association of Artists of Western Slovakia and also co-founder and member of the Association of Professional Photographers of the Slovak Republic. Later on, he decided to pass on his experience and from 2008 to 2015 he worked as a lecturer of photography at the Pan-European University at the Faculty of Mass Media in Bratislava and then for three years he worked as a lecturer of photography at the St. Cyril and Methodius University in Trnava. Ivan has completed dozens of individual and collective exhibitions in Slovakia and abroad, from which he has won several remarkable prices. Ivan is the holder of prestigious QEP Certificates in Portrait and Illustrative photography and since 2013 Ivan holds the prestigious Master QEP Certificate which is the most distinguished award for outstanding photographers in Europe. His work is part of public and private collections in Slovakia as well as all around the world, mainly in Austria, Hungary, Italy, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, France and the USA.
Thibault Chappe, France
Master Qualified European Photographer – MQEP
Specialities: Wedding, Portrait, Illustrative & Fine Art
Thibault Chappe is a French photographer known for his refined use of light and his emotionally-driven, artistic approach to image-making. Based in Aix-en-Provence, he runs a high-end portrait studio where he creates timeless family, maternity, professional and fine art photographs.
A Nikon Europe Ambassador and one of the photographers to hold the prestigious MasterQEP title, Thibault has also proudly represented France multiple times in the World Photographic Cup. His wedding work blends authentic storytelling with carefully crafted couple portraits, always with great attention to light and composition.
Alongside his commissioned work, Thibault has developed a personal artistic body of work, mainly in black and white, exploring the human form through minimalist, graphic nude photography — a series that has been widely exhibited and awarded.
As a dedicated educator and speaker, Thibault regularly teaches workshops across Europe, focusing on portrait, wedding photography, creativity, and business strategy for professional photographers. His teaching is praised for being clear, inspiring, and rooted in both technique and emotion.
His work and philosophy are driven by a deep belief: that photographs are the emotional treasures of our lives.”
Eva Helene Storm Hanssen, Norway
Qualified European Photographer – QEP
Specialities: Wedding
Eva studied photography at Strømmen upper secondary school, was an apprentice with Michal Tomaszewicz and graduated in 2000. After a few years in a permanent job, she took over Moment Studio and has run this since 2003. She has won several awards for her photos, and has been elected Photographer of the Year by both the Norwegian Photographers’ Association and the magazine Ditt Bryllup.
Eva thinks it’s as much fun to photograph now as when she started 20 years ago. She always photographs with a smile on her face, and with infectious enthusiasm and mood.
Marie de Verdier, Sweden
Qualified European Photographer – QEP
Specialities: Portraits of children, families and domesticated animals
Marie de Verdier is an experienced and passionate professional photographer, dedicated to telling people’s unique stories through powerful, heartfelt imagery.
With a solid foundation in photography — including her QEP (Qualified European Photographer) certification and a Master’s Degree in Photography from the Swedish Handicraft Council — Marie combines technical expertise with a deep emotional connection to her work. She has been a full-time professional since 2009 and has run her own studio since 2014.
Marie’s artistic focus lies in portrait photography, particularly of children, families, and beloved pets. Her talent for capturing authentic emotion and personality is especially evident in her 2017 QEP panel of expressive dog portraits.
Though primarily self-taught, Marie has continued to grow her skills through university courses, workshops, and ongoing exchanges with fellow photographers. Her passion for lifelong learning keeps her creative vision sharp and ever-evolving.
Beyond the camera, Marie is deeply involved in the photography community. Since 2016, she has served as a board member and treasurer of the Swedish Portrait Photographers Association, where she works to elevate standards of professionalism across the industry. She is also part of the organizing committee for the Swedish National Championships in Photography.
In 2020, Marie joined the board of the Federation of European Photographers (FEP), contributing to the development and advancement of photographers across Europe.
A certified and trained judge since 2018, Marie has evaluated numerous prestigious competitions, including:
- World Photographic Cup (WPC), 2020
- FEP Awards, 2022, 2024, 2025
- Danish National Photography Competition, 2022
- Bundespreis Berufsfotografie, 2023
- IPPVA Awards, 2024
Marie’s work has received widespread recognition. Highlights include:
- Two first prizes (Fine Art and Judges’ Most Appreciated) in the 2011 Swedish Competition
- Judges’ Special Mention in the 2016 Dog Photographer of the Year by the British Kennel Club
- First place in the Corona Self-Portrait category at the 2021 Portrait Photographer of the Year in Sweden
Today, Marie continues to be a vibrant and dedicated presence in the photography world — constantly seeking new ways to express, connect, and inspire through her craft.
Siw Edvardsen, Norway
Specialities: Classic, and genre-crossing Portrait, Documentary, Fashion, Fine Art.
Siw Edvardsen has for the last 14 years been an active board member, both locally and nationally, of the Norwegian Photographer Association. She was the chairman of the Bergen Guild of Photographers, a position she has held for the last eleven years, until March 2025. In 2021, 2023 and 2025 she was elected as board member for the Norwegian Photographers Association, where she represents all the ten local guilds of Norway on behalf of their chairmen.
After she finished her photography education, which included both formal education, practice, and apprenticeship, she frequently participates in courses, workshops and lectures to stay current. Participation in local, national and international competitions have led to several awards over the years. She was appointed jury member, and later jury leader, in the local photography guild in 2014. Both in 2015 and in 2021 she was certified as a qualified judge by the National Photographers Association. She has great respect for the craft, having the same passion for photography now, as when she started taking photos for her student newspaper more than 30 years ago.
Photo: © Veronika Stuksrud/Bergen Guild of Photographers
Erlend B. Enger, Norway
Qualified European Photographer – QEP
Specialities: Portrait, Commercial, fine Art and personal projects.
Erlend has been a photographer for over 30 years. Mostly different kind of portraits and personal projects.
He is one of the most awarded photographers in Norway and has for the last 15 years been an active member, both locally and nationally, of the Norwegian Photographers Association.
He was a member of the Norwegian Photographers Association competition commitee for 10 years.
He has been a jurymember for the FEP Awards and for the Norwegian annual competition for several times.
He’s also jury leader in the local photography guild.
Leo Fellner, Austria
Qualified European Photographer – QEP
Specification: Portrait, Fine Art, Commercial, Landscape
Leo Fellner lives and works near Melk, Lower Austria. He began his professional career as a freelance photographer 13 years ago alongside his main job as an Anesthesia and intensive care male nurse.
His enthusiasm for the medium of photography was awakened in his early youth, when he held his first 35 mm camera in his hands at the age of 12.
As a self-taught photographer, he took his first pictures with various camera systems, including a large-format camera, which he developed in his own laboratory.
It was not until many years later that he was able to deepen his passion by studying applied and artistic photography at the Prague School of Photography in Austria, which he completed with a diploma. He passed his master’s examination in photography in Salzburg.
Since 2016, he has held the prestigious QEP certificate for portrait photography, one of the most important awards for outstanding photographers in Europe.
His images have received international recognition and have been honoured with various awards. (FEP, Tifa, Bifa, Mifa, Px3, IPA, Black & White Spider Awards, etc.)
In various exhibitions and in book publications, he shows his pictures produced in his own fine art print studio to the public.
European Photographer, Qualified European Photographer, Qualified Austrian Photographer, Master of Photography, Diploma Prague School of Photography
Image © by Markus Hofstätter
Lucille Feremans, Belgium
Master Qualified European Photographer – MQEP
Specialities: Portrait, Fine Art, Nude
Lucille Feremans lives and works in Flanders, Belgium. She has practiced general photography since a very young age. After a career of five decades, she has garnered many awards and important achievements.
Today, Feremans has emerged as one of the elite fine-art photographers in Europe. Now best known for her arresting, brilliantly colored fine art photographs, she seems to reinvestigate the heart and soul of life, as well as the basic materials of photography.
She, more than anyone else, is able to define her conceptual images. Her gentle but determined approach to visual arts makes Lucille stand out from the crowd of ordinary photographers. Her images reflect autobiographical, figural, psychodramas and involve public narratives. We see a sensitive approach to portraits of the human nude in powerful colors and in intense, chiaroscuro, following the best Flemish pictorial tradition.
Final prints are produced as conventional C-Prints, Baryte Silver Prints, Polaroid transfers & liftings and digitally enhanced photographs.
Lucille Feremans adds her own, personal approach to image making; her creative moment coincides with the intuitive, impulsive urge of the artist.
Her photo book WATCH ME was published in 2014.
Miloš Fic, Czech Republic
Master Qualified European Photographer – MQEP
Specialities: Nude, Reportage, Panoramic Landscapes, Sports, Portrait
Miloš Fic a native of Pardubice, a graduate of the Czech Technical University in Prague and Conservatory of the East Bohemian Region, fine art photography, prof. Ján Šmok.
Vice-President of the Association of Professional Photographers of the Czech Republic (APF CR).
2014 – 2018 member of Board of Directors of the FEP.
Educator, freelance photographer, consultant. Teacher of photography at the University in Pardubice and at the School of Graphics design
Member of PANHORAMA, Free Association of East Bohemian Photographers, Free Association of Photographers GM10.
Activities in the field of applied photography: virtual tours in the range of 360 ° x 180 °, custom portrait photography, sports photography (racing, tennis).
Bernd Gassner, Germany
Master Qualified European Photographer – MQEP
Specialities: Commercial, Illustrative & Fine-Art, Social
President of the Westfalian Professional Photographers Association Fotografeninnung Westfalen.
Vice President of the Central Association of German Professional Photographers CV.
Board member and representative German Professional Photographers in the Federation of European Professional Photographers FEP.
Board Member of the International Photographic Council (IPC), a non-governmental organization of the United Nations.
2x Master Qualified European Photographer – MQEP
Qualified European Videographer – QEV
Panikos Hajistilly, United Kingdom
Qualified European Photographer – QEP
Specialities: Portrait, Fashion, General
I’ve been in the photographic business all my working life and opened my first portrait studio in 2002 building a successful business with 18 staff at the peak. After several busy years of continuous expansion, I realised I had become a studio manager rather than a photographer. I missed taking photos and getting the chance to capture peoples love & relationships with my camera. So, in 2009 I set up on my own and I’ve been doing exactly that ever since. Going it alone was the best decision I’ve ever made. Since 2009 I’m proud to say that I have won several National Awards. The first were with portraiture, then fashion, beauty, wildlife and lots more categories. I love the variety of the work I do. I earned the Master Photographers Association Photographer of the Year in 2017 and made President of the MPA in 2020 – two of my proudest achievements to date, as well as gaining Fellowships with all the major professional photographers associations in the UK.
Vanessa Hermann, Germany
Specialities: Domesticated Animals, Fashion, Portrait, Reportage, Wedding
Vanessa Hermann (born Heller) comes from a family of photographers in the third tradition.
She has completed a classical photographer`s training followed by a masters training.
She has been self-employed with her siblings Tanja und Markus Heller since 2004.
Vanessa works for 4 years in the vocational training committee and she has worked for 23 years in the examination board of the professional photographers.
She has 2 wonderful children and a stubborn, lovable studio dachshund.
Vanessa specializes in social photography and she loves photographing people.
Filip Hrebenda, Slovakia
Qualified European Photographer – QEP
Specialities: Landscape
Filip Hrebenda is a world-renowned professional landscape photographer who is known for his interesting renditions of the most beautiful, but often harshest, things nature has to offer. Ever since he was young, he has been fascinated by mountains and wildlife. He grew up in a small town in the middle of Slovakia, from where he was close to the smallest mountains in the world – the High Tatras. And it was here that his passion for hiking and photography began. Already at a young age, he sought out views that are not common. That is why he often went to the mountains in extreme conditions. It was his passion for mountains and nature that finally led him to photography.
The message of his work is to convey the atmosphere of the photographed place and the feelings he had while shooting in difficult conditions to the viewers and thus to allow them to perceive the beauty of the wildest places in the world, which are becoming fewer and fewer on earth. Filip has received many prestigious awards for his work. His work has been featured in some of the world’s biggest media platforms such as CNN, BBC, National Geographic, Forbes, The Guardian, Daily Mail and others. His photographs have also been exhibited around the world. Since 2018, he has been organizing photography expeditions and workshops where he tries to pass on his knowledge to other photographers.
Friedrich Jansenberger, Austria
Qualified European Photographer – QEP
Specialities: Commercial, Advertising
Friedrich Michael Jansenberger is an advertising photographer in Vienna with a passion. On the second educational path, the meanwhile internationally awarded product photographer opted for the classical apprenticeship with a final master craftsman’s examination. And with 25 years of experience as a conceptual image designer in the field of product photography and advertising, he is an absolute professional and counts among the “old hands”.
Jansenberger’s image worlds stand for creativity, flexibility and commitment to the customer. Adherence to deadlines and first-class image quality are a matter of course. Studio equipment is state-of-the-art and allows for modern photography of unsurpassed precision and quality. Friedrich Jansenberger not only works in his photo studio in Vienna, but is also on the road for his clients throughout Austria and abroad.
Martin Krystýnek, Slovakia
Master Qualified European Photographer – MQEP
Specialities: Portrait, Wedding, Commercial
President of the Association of Professional Photographers of Slovak Republic APFSR.
Board member of FEP – Federation of European Photographers.
Committee member of WPC – World Photographic Cup
Martin Krystýnek, a prodigious talent hailing from Poprad, Slovakia, has firmly established himself as a luminary in the realm of professional photography. His journey into the world of photography began in 2010, and it was in the vibrant landscapes of South America, particularly Paraguay, where he honed his exceptional skills. Martin’s prowess with the camera quickly garnered international attention, leading him to become the youngest recipient of the prestigious Master Qualified European Photographer (MQEP) award. This accolade is a testament to his extraordinary talent and dedication, as only a select few, around eighty professionals globally, have achieved this distinction.
With a staggering collection of over 470 international awards, Martin’s work in the field of photography is nothing short of remarkable. His passion for capturing the essence of his subjects is evident in his preferred genres: portrait and sensual nudes. His approach to photography is one of reverence for natural beauty, preferring minimal editing and retouching, which allows the authentic charm of his subjects to shine through. This philosophy has earned him widespread acclaim and a reputation as one of Europe’s most celebrated photographers.
Martin’s skill set extends beyond the lens; he is an influential figure in the photography community. His roles as the president of the Association of Professional Photographers of Slovak Republic, a board member of the Federation of European Professional Photographers (FEP), and a committee member of the World Photographic Cup (WPC) highlight his commitment to advancing the art and profession of photography.
A Leica shooter by choice, Martin’s preference for black and white photography adds a timeless quality to his work, emphasizing the play of light and shadow, and bringing a unique depth to his images. His ability to capture the innate beauty of his subjects has made him a sought-after photographer for portraits of significant figures in politics, modeling, business, and management.
Martin’s photographs are not just images; they are stories told through the lens, documenting emotions and moments in time with an emphasis on detail. His talent for perceiving light and capturing the unique beauty of each individual is unparalleled. The most gratifying moments for him as a photographer occur when people enjoy the process of being photographed, relax in front of his lens, and receive beautiful, professional, and memorable images in return.
Through his work, Martin Krystýnek has not only captured stunning visuals but has also contributed significantly to the photographic community, inspiring both peers and aspiring photographers worldwide. His journey is a vivid narrative of passion, skill, and dedication to the art of photography, making him a true icon in the industry.
Carl Lapeirre, Belgium
Qualified European Photographer – QEP
Specialities: Portrait, Wedding, Social Reportage
Photography is something you do with your heart and soul. You look, feel, see. As if your life depends on it. You put everything of yourself in that one moment.
That energy, that is the essence for me. That is what I want to convey.
Expressing myself in my work means being a little child. The invisible observer at your party. The silence of the African landscape. And possessing the vitality you encounter in meetings with groups of people or animals.
I hope my work triggers all sorts of things in you. Because that means we can have a chat together soon. About photography. Projects. About You. And that we’ll go for something beautiful together.
Sylvie Lezier, France
Qualified European Photographer – QEP
Specialities: Portrait, Fashion
A professional photographer for nearly 16 years, Sylvie Lezier is a passionate, self-taught and accomplished portrait photographer. She lives in Haute Corse, in the village of Lucciana, where she has built her photo studio.
“I feel privileged because of where I live and work. Right from the start, I wanted to set myself apart by creating a world that could be defined as a sweet and tasty blend of my imagination and the real world around me, to create portraits that are rebellious and romantic, just like me. I was soon drawn into the world of competitions, where I find my motivation, and have won numerous prizes at both national and international level.
A 6th place in the World Photographic Cup, 3 selections for the French National Team, Winner at the Photograps of the Year competition, Portraitiste de France 2012 and 2014, numerous awards at the Été des Portraits and MPPF, QEP Portrait.
The latest and by no means the least is the title of Meilleur Ouvrier de France in Art Photography, which I was awarded in December 2018, a title that crowns a dazzling career and makes me the first female MOF photographer in Corsica.
I currently have the honour of being in charge of the ‘Image & Competitions’ commission within my federation, the FFPMI (Fédération Française de la Photographie et des Métiers de l’Image) as well as captain and selector of the French Photography Team for the World Photographic Cup (WPC).
I love sharing my passion, my work and my advice with professional photographers who want it, and each time it’s a new experience and an opportunity to pass on my know-how so that the profession can develop in the best possible way.”
Krister Löfroth, Finland
Master Qualified European Photographer – MQEP
Master of the Finnish Professional Photographers’ association
Specialities: Portrait, Illustrative, Fine Art, Commercial
Krister is a photographer, a visualizer and a judge.
He is chasing that one extraordinary second to make it last forever in a perfect picture.
As long as there are too many Mondays in life, he will continue that search.
Lean back and unbuckle your seat belt – life should not be taken too seriously.
Tracey Lund, United Kingdom
Qualified European Photographer – QEP
Specialities: Wildlife
Tracey is an International award-winning photographer from England who specialises in Wildlife.
Her passion for wildlife has taken her to magical places and this passion is easy to see in her images.
She’s had exceptional international success too, including:
- World Nature Photographer of the Year 2024
- Sony World Photography Awards Natural World & Wildlife Winner
- FEP Wildlife Photographer of the Year
- World Photographic Cup – ‘Silver’ & ‘Best of Nation’
- SINWP Wildlife Photographer of the Year
- MPA Wildlife Photographer of the Year
- Cosmos Awards Wildlife & Animal Photographer of the Year
- 9th in the ‘World’s Top Wildlife Photographers’ One Eyeland Awards
and many more too!
Tracey regularly hosts talks within the photography community, either in-person or via zoom, around her vast experience with Wildlife Photography.
Tracey turned professional 3 years ago where she now hosts photography tours
“Photographing Wildlife is an adventure but most of all a privilege”
“I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list”
Tracey Lund FBIPP, FSINWP, FMPA, ARPS, QEP, ANPS, AFIAP
Ivana Matějková Havlíková, Czech Republic
Qualified European Photographer – QEP
Specialities: Advertising, Architecture
Graduated from the Secondary Industrial School of Graphic Arts (SPŠG) – photography (1968-72) and FAMU – photography department (1973-77).
After graduation she started to work as an independent photographer – artist.
Since 1994 Ivana has been a member of the board of the Association of Professional Photographers of the Czech Republic (APF) where she was president from 1998-2000.
Since 1994 she represented APF in the Federation of European Professional Photographers (FEP). From 2001 – 2009 she was vice president of the FEP.
In 2004 she received the prestigious “Qualified European Photographer” certificate in Brussels.
As editor of the book “Qualified European Photographer” she was awarded “Book of the Year 2005” in Prague and Orvieto, Italy.
She is an advertising and architectural photographer, which has always been reflected in her free work. Shapes and their relationships were an inspiration, first in the creation of classical still life, gradually becoming the subject of expression of feelings of personal life at the time. In recent years, she has devoted her free work to the series “My Diaries”.
Susanna ‘Suski’ Oksanen, Finland
Qualified European Photographer – QEP
Specialities: Outdoors, drone photography, photojournalism
Suski started taking photos with a small film camera already as a kid in the 1990s and discovered their passion and talent for photography in scouts. In autumn 2021 Suski received the Qualified European Photographer (QEP) from a portfolio that consisted of 12 drone photographs. Suski enjoys spending time in nature and has documented expeditions in Greenland and Svalbard. Besides working as a professional photographer Suski also teaches photography and writes PhD for the Department of Teacher Education at the University of Helsinki. Their doctoral research is focused on combining photography and education.
Jan Pohribný, Czech Republic
Master Qualified European Photographer – MQEP
Specialities: Illustrative, Fine-Art, Landscape, Commercial
°1961 in Prague
Studies
1976 – 1980 Secondary school for Graphic Arts in Prague (line Applied Photography)
1981 – 1986 Film and TV Faculty of Academy of Fine Arts in Prague (the Department of Artistic Photography)
1985 – 1986 6 Months study program at University of Applied Arts in Helsinki (FIN)
Experience
Since 1986 he works as a free-lance photographer-artist. On top of his artistic works he works predominantly in the field of design and illustration photography. He co-operates with a number of leading agencies, companies and magazines at home-country and abroad.
He has been a member and since 2017 president of the Association of Professional Photographers of the Czech Republic (APF). Since 2018 he represents APF in executive board of Federation of European Professional Photographers (FEP). He is a member of the “Prague House of Photography” (currently FotoForum Prague) since 1990, where he worked (1992-1997) as an instructor and the main coordinator at the “Summer Workshop Program” of PHP. Since 2003 he has been a member of its executive board. • He has been a founding member and president of the Society for Únětician Culture Renovation since 1995.
Lecturing: He has been working as part-time and full-time teacher at the Silesian University, Institute of Creative Photography since 1998 – 2013. He has been working as part-time teacher at Art College Michael in Prague since 2011. Since 2020 he’s teaching at University of Creative Communication. He runs a number of workshops at home and abroad. He has given regular lectures at the Polytechnic Art School in Imatra (Finland) since 2000. At “Prague Summer Program” for Western Michigan University since 2001. At Lofoten Folkehøgskole in Kabelvåg (Norway) since 2009. Since 2019 he leads and organise his own workshops FOTOSCUOLA Tavole in Liguria, Italy. In 2006 he was active as “artist in residence” in the Etelä-Savo region in Finland. Since 2017 he’s member of Light painting World Alliance.
Image © by Assem Alsabban
Yolanda Purriños, Spain
Qualified European Photographer – QEP
Specialities: Portrait, Wedding
Yolanda Purriños was born in Villalba (Lugo) on 24th October 1974.
Together with her sister, she is the second generation of photographers in her family. Her parents made her feel so passionate about photography that it is her life.
At the age of eleven she started to attend seminars and she made her first photographic reportage.
In 1992, when she was only 17 years old, she had her first exhibition followed by many others in different cities.
She graduated as a Specialist Technician in Artistic Photography at the School of Plastic Arts in Santiago de Compostela in 1996. She is especially interested in fashion and portrait photography.
Yolanda has taken a make-up and aesthetics course, several masterclasses… For her it is important to be always up to date in order so that her images are also up to date.
She gave her first lecture on photography at a professional congress in February 2000 (Cullera, Valencia), followed by many other lectures in major cities in Spain and Portugal. She teaches several lighting workshops at the Escuela de Artes Plásticas “Maestro Mateo”. In 2012 she taught at the Maestro Mateo School of Fine Arts in Santiago de Compostela and at Ramón Falcón in Lugo.
Yolanda has been awarded with several merits and collections of honour for her works in the Qualifying Contests organised by the FEPFI until becoming a Distinguished Photographer in 2003, Master Photographer in 2004 and Master Photographer Instructor in 2006. In all these awards she has been the first youngest to achieve them.
She is a FEPFI Qualifying Judge since 2003 and in at many other competitions. In March 2021 she was appointed Director of the Delegated Commission of the Collegiate Body of the Spanish Federation of Photography and Image Professionals (FEPFI).
She has been nominated on multiple occasions and in different sections from 1999 to the present day in competitions such as Goya Photography Awards (Zaragoza), Awards of the Valencian Community, Awards of the Principality of Asturias, Awards of the Comunidad Foral de Navarra, FEPFI ‘Best photographer of the year’ award, and many more…
In 2004 she was awarded by the FEP with the QEP Certificate in Portrait.
In 2016, 2020 and 2021 she was selected by the Portuguese Federation of Photographers to be a judge for the Portuguese Qualifying Competition.
And in Spain she is asked to be a judge in the Qualifying event year after year.
Petr Štěpán, Czech Republic
Specialities: Fine Art, Portrait, Experimental creation
Petr is a professional photographer and artist based in Prague – Czech Republic. Since 2010 he has worked as a freelance photographer and artist. Since 2015 Petr is also a teacher of photography at high school of arts and advertising in Prague and organize several exhibitions per year for his students on various topics and conceptions. He has participated in several group exhibitions home and abroad and organized three author exhibitions so far. His diploma thesis PER UNIVERSUM, which is about the life and work of the famous czech photographer Vladimír Kozlík, was published as a book in 2019.
2019 – Master of Arts – Institute of creative photography
2010 – present – freelance photographer and artist
2015 – present – teacher of photography at high school of arts
2015 – present – Member of the Association of Professional Photographers of the Czech Republic
2021 – present – Board member of the Association of Professional Photographers of the Czech Republic
Caroline Tanghe, Belgium
Qualified European Photographer – QEP
Specialities: Portrait, Illustrative & Fine Art, Commercial
Caroline Tanghe is best known for her studio portraits, which express serenity and simplicity.
For Caroline, photography is more than a reflection of reality. It is the emotion that gives her images an extra dimension. Feelings that cannot be described with words she manages to express in her photographs.
Caroline obtained the QEP label in June 2015 with the series “Clin d’oeil” a series of portraits made in India. She has been part of the jury for the QEP qualifications several times.
Her images have been on display at various exhibitions both at home and abroad.
As president of beroepsfotografen.be (the national association of professional photographers), Caroline is committed to the interests of all professional photographers.
Gabriela Teplická, Slovakia
Qualified European Photographer – QEP
Specialities: Social Documentary
Vesa Tyni, Finland
Qualified European Photographer – QEP
Specialities: Portrait, Press Reportage
Vesa Tyni is a portrait photographer and photojournalist whose photos can be seen in several Finnish magazines. His dramatic lighting style has been praised as cinematic and he has been awarded, among others, as freelancer of the year and portrait photographer of the year in Finland.
In addition to his work in journalism, Vesa also works on personal projects that address socially important topics. Previously, a project on transgenderism received the State Prize for Information Disclosure. Currently, an exhibition on depression is touring Finland, which will be 40 exhibitions long.
Vesa is a QEP and master photographer who organizes various popular portrait photography courses around Finland and acts as a tutor for student photographers.
Jos Verhoogen, Belgium
Master Qualified European Photographer – MQEP
Specialities: Portrait, Reportage, Birth Photography, Fine Art, Landscape
Jos Verhoogen started his career as a press photographer 40 years ago.
In the late nineties he started as a lecturer in photography and press photography at the Thomas More University (Mechelen) in the fields of journalism and communication.
From 2000 he switched to studio photography, mainly portrait.
But from the very beginning he specialized in birth photography. In this domain he also obtained his QEP in 2012 and MQEP in 2018. He is a pioneer in that field. Photographs taken during a birth were not obvious at the time and are today, about 400 birth reportages later, still not.
He won the Bronze (2015) and Golden (2016) camera at the FEP Photographer of the Year Awards in the reportage category.
In recent years Jos was honoured for abstract and landscape photography (Black and White Spider Awards / International Color Awards 2018/2019). He was selected for IPA 2016 International Photo Awards, Family of Man competition Second place/Silver and the “Family of man” Documentary Photography Exhibition 10/2017 in Lishui China and got a Bronze Award, Monochrome category, FIAP at the China International Digital Photography Art Exhibition 11/2017.
Experienced judge online and print judging, QEP, MQEP in many countries and types of competitions.
More about Jos and his awards and judging experience on his website
www.verhoogen.be
www.instagram.com/verhoogenbe/
Photo © Chris Van den Bosch
Neil Warner, Ireland
Master Qualified European Photographer – MQEP
Specialities: Corporate, Commercial, Illustration & Fine Art
Award Winning Photographer.
Neil Warner was the 13th photographer in Europe to achieve Master’s status. He has achieved three fellowships from professional organisations and was Irish professional photographer of the year on three occasions.
Trained in Ireland, England and Germany, he is unusual in the fact that he has also two major qualifications in marketing. He received the MM I I award at University College Galway and has recently successfully studied for a diploma in Digital Marketing at WMC.
He is equally at home working on Corporate Photography and Corporate Video.
He has shot projects from St. Petersburg, Russia to San Diego, California and from Hanoi, Vietnam to Dubai, UAE.
René R. Wenzel, Austria
Qualified European Photographer – QEP
Specialties: Portrait, Wedding, Landscape, Reportage
Master of Photography
Qualified Austrian Photographer (QAP)
G.N.S. certified journalist and press photographer (General News Service Network Association Inc.)
‘It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.’
Antoine de Saint-Exupery
René R. Wenzel found his passion for photography at the age of 9 years. During a trip through Lesotho and South Africa, with his Leica M3 he did his first reportage on the life of the inhabitants in 1980.
Many years later he found his way back to professional photography, studied the Master of Photography in Salzburg, Austria and qualified for the QEP and QAP.
As professor of medicine and cardiologist from now on he not only treats people’s hearts but tries more than ever to show his photographic skills throughout his own heart by representing moments, that are mainly invisible to the eye. Whether humans, nature or objects, René R. Wenzel is not interested in the depiction of surface. He goes deep into how humankind interacts with its environment.
Represented by an agency, he moves out for selected photography projects. Then, he is exclusively behind the camera. René R. Wenzel is a photographer whose competence underpins the seal of QEP.
Projects and Exhibitions (selection):
- 2014 – Life of casteless Indian Children in Gujarat, India: MEHSANA SCHOOL PROJECT
https://www.renerwenzel.com/Blog/Mehsana - 2016 – A day in the life of South African Children – Masiphumelele – Noordhoek-Southafrica 2016
https://www.renerwenzel.com/TRAVEL/2016-02-Masiphumelele-Township/ - 2020 – Ein Tag im Leben des Anton Thuswaldner (One day in the life of Anton Thuswaldner) – Leica Gallery Salzburg
https://www.leica-galerie-salzburg.com/event/ein-tag-im-leben-des-anton-thuswaldner/ - 2019 – Menschenbilder (Images of Men)
https://www.menschenbilder-salzburg.at/fotografen/rene-r-wenzel/ - 2020-2021 – Der Moment macht das Bild (The moment makes the picture), LEICA Gallery Salzburg
https://www.leica-galerie-salzburg.com/event/der-moment-macht-das-bild/
Image © by Joachim Bergauer
Paul Wilkinson, United Kingdom
Specialities: Portrait, Wedding.
Paul Wilkinson runs an exclusive boutique photography studio between Oxford & London and is hugely in demand for his distinctive images (and the laughter that goes into creating them!) With a life-long love of photography and a passion for creating beautiful, timeless images, Paul has established himself at the very top of the profession as a portrait photographer. Paul is a Fellow of the SWPP and the BIPP and has won an array of national and international awards for his work.
Paul is a Brand Ambassador with Elinchrom, GraphiStudio & Pixellu, international judge as well as a trainer, speaker and author in the photography industry. He has a regular column in Professional Photo and the Nikon magazine NPhoto, where he shares his experiences about the trials and tribulations of becoming a pro photographer. Many of you may know him best for his popular light hearted but straight talking podcast, Mastering Portrait Photography, where he chats about life, the universe and all things portrait photography.
Photography, Workshops and Consulting – https://www.paulwilkinsonphotography.co.uk/
The Podcast – https://masteringportraitphotography.com/podcasts/
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/paulwilkinsonphotography/
