FEP Awards 2024 – Introducing our 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 31 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 2000 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.
www.fotofestivalpelt.be
Robert Biesemans, Belgium
Qualified European Photographer – QEP
Specialities: Portrait, Reportage, Sports, Illustration, Landscape
After a long career in computers and education, Robert Biesemans switched completely to photography in the last 15 years. His interest in photography started when he was 15 years old and he is still obsessed with it. In 2003, he made the switch from analogue to digital photography.
Robert did not follow a long training course in photography, but he did attend many workshops with many photographers. In this way he gained lots of different insights.
Photographs are made with the eyes of the photographer, not with a camera. A ‘photographic eye’ is an absolute must for every photographer. After that, an eye for ‘details’ is needed.
Now he gives workshops himself and is a mentor in portfolio reviews.
Michael Böhmländer, Austria
Qualified European Photographer – QEP
Specialities: Landscape, Animal and Theatre Photography
Michael Böhmländer is a German QEP photographer based in Tirol, Austria.
After two decades as a Hotel Manager/Direktor, Michael became a self-taught photo editor, photographer and business owner.
Parallel to his work, Michael has taught photo editing online and hosted international photography workshops.
He has been a jury member for national and international photo contests.
Michael is also a 2 time FEP European Professional Photographer of the Year Awards Finalist.
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.
Valeria Cassina, Spain
Master Qualified European Photographer – MQEP
Specialities: Portrait
Valeria Cassina’s work is a reference, nationally recognized and for years very present in the International Photographic field.
Best Photographer of Spain 2019 FEPFI. Best International Work 2020 in the Portugal Qualifications.
Collection of Honour in the International Qualifications (Fátima, Portugal 2020) and International Photographic Work of the Year with the highest score of the Competition.
National Quixote of Honour Photography Award.
Nominated Spanish representative in the World Photographic Cup.
Photography teacher.
Fernando Cerrone, Italy
Master Qualified European Photographer – MQEP
Specialities: Wedding
Born in Salerno, Italy in 1975, where he obtained a professional diploma in photography at ABAN (Academy of Fine Arts of Nola). His great passion for photography led him to undertake studies and courses that have made him an established name in his field.
As a wedding photographer, he obtained the QEP – Qualified European Photographer certification in 2017. He was the Wedding Category Golden Camera winner at the FEP European Professional Photographer of the Year Awards 2018.
That same year he was awarded the MQEP – Master Qualified European Photographer, a title reserved for the best European photographers. In 2019 he became Hasselblad Local Ambassador.
Graduate in Communication Sciences 2024.
Marie de Verdier, Sweden
Qualified European Photographer – QEP
Specialities: Portraits of children, families and domesticated animals
Marie de Verdier has been interested in photography since childhood and has been working as a professional photographer since 2009. Since 2014 she runs her own studio.
Since 2016 Marie is a board member of the Swedish Portrait Photographers association and in 2020 she was accepted as board member of FEP as well. She is part of the arranging committee of the Swedish Nationals Championships in Photography since 2019. In 2020 she was judging for WPC. In 2022 she is judging a Danish competition as well as FEP Awards.
In 2017 Marie got her QEP in Portrait with a panel of dog portraits. In 2018 she got the Master’s letter in Photography from the Swedish Handicraft Council.
Marie has got numerous awards in different Photography competitions. The most valuable to her are the first price in two categories (Fine Art and Judges most appreciated) in 2011, the Judges Special mention in Dog Photographer of the Year (arranged by the British Kennel Club) in 2016 and the First Place in Corona Self Portrait category in the 2021 competition Portrait Photographer of the year (arranged by the Swedish Portrait Photographers association).
Marie is basically self-taught, but when she started working with photography, she read occasional courses at the university to deepen her knowledge. She continues her education through courses, workshops and exchange of experiences with other photographers.
Since 2018 Marie is certified trained judge and has been judging several competitions.
Tom Doherty, Ireland
Qualified European Photographer – QEP
Specialities: Portrait, Wedding, Travel, Illustrative, Fine Art
Tom Doherty has been a professional photographer for over 30 years. He started his career as a Press Photographer and currently works as a Wedding, Travel and Documentary Photographer.
Tom has been awarded a fellowship from the Irish Professional Photographers and Videographers Association and the Master Photographers Association (U.K.). He was also awarded a Qualified European Photographer Award from the Federation of European Photographers.
Siw Edvardsen, Norway
Specialities: Classic, and genre-crossing Portrait, Documentary, Fashion, Fine Art.
Siw Edvardsen has for the last 12 years been an active board member, both locally and nationally, of the Norwegian Photographer Association. She is the chairman of the Bergen Guild of Photographers, a position she has held for the last ten years. In 2021 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
Fotograf Eidsmo is a professional photographer in Trøndelag, Norway, that offers photography of babies, children, confirmands, weddings and everything else that crawls, walks or stands still.
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, and Qualified European Videographer QEV.
Tiina Kuha, Finland
Master Qualified European Photographer – MQEP
Specialities: Commercial, Portrait, Teaching
Tiina Kuha opened her first studio in 2005. Back then she concentrated mainly on portrait photography, but in 2010 her focus began shifting to more commercial work. She feels that in her heart she is still more a “people photographer” and considers it very important to connect the people she photographs on a personal level.
In 2017 she opened a new company, Rouva Musta (Mrs Black), which focuses mainly on building brands and visual concepts for other companies by for example offering them customized image banks. Tiina’s professional goal is to work with projects which not only satisfy her professional ambitions, but also let her develop as a person and as a professional.
In addition to working as a photographer, Tiina Kuha is also an educator and is the course leader for the specialist qualification in vocational photography courses.
She has received several awards and achieved the highest professional qualifications both in Europe and in her native Finland. She is also comfortable on the other side of the table, being a judge in photographic competitions and qualification applications and has a lot of experience on this also on an international level.
Tiina is passionate about helping other photographers to find their full potential and professional pride.
Tiina Kuha was the President of the Finnish Professional Photographer 2017-2020, a board member of the Federation of European Professional Photographers since 2016 and part of the World Photographic Cup governing committee since autumn of 2020.
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.
Lilly Horstmann, Germany
Specialities: Portrait, Social
After studying the craft in an established studio specialising in both portrait and product photography, Lilly completed her education as the apprentice of the year in the Photographer’s Guild.
She now runs a professional studio known for its portraits. Lilly is truly passionate about her work. Inspired by her subjects and devoted to capturing their emotions. She enthusiastically puts her heart and soul into every project.
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.
Krister Löfroth, Finland
Master Qualified European Photographer – MQEP
Master of the Finnish Professional Photographers’ association
Specialist Qualification of Photography
Specialities: Portrait, Illustrative, Fine Art, Commercial
I’m creative director at Sami Minkkinen – so it means in practice that I’m a visualizer.
I won’t ever be ready, not as a photographer nor as a person. That’s why I look at my life as a teacher, I’m collecting every skill it can offer. As a photographer I need every tiny bit of knowledge I can get to make my expression wider and richer – every day I want to take one more step, so I will live the rest of my life as an explorer. Going further and sharing everything with other crusaders…
So lean back and unbuckle your seat belt – life should not be taken too seriously.
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”.
Stano Mihalík, Slovakia
European Photographer – EP
Specialities: Portrait, Commercial
Stano runs a professional photo studio in Prešov, dedicated to commercial, portrait, family and landscape photography. As a member of the jury he represents Slovakia at the World Photographic Cup. He organizes exhibitions and education in the field of photography and works as a lecturer at the University of the Third Age. He is intensively involved in the implementation of artistic photo printing and image production.
William Moureaux, France
Master Qualified Photographer – MQEP
Specialities: Illustrative & Fine Art, Portrait, Wedding, Reportage, Sports, Wildlife
Before settling in Montpellier, William Moureaux trained with the greatest names in international photography and created his own signature. He won numerous competitions in different photographic fields.
The French Portraitist competition, organised by the Fédération Française des Photographes et des Métiers de l’Image (FFPMI), obtained twice, confirms his mastery of the portrait and wedding technique.
The title of Master Qualified European Photographer (MQEP), awarded by the European Federation of Photographers, gives the photographer the highest European qualification.
In 2019, he was awarded the prestigious title of “Un des Meilleurs Ouvriers de France” in the category of fine art photography. This award is the culmination of a work combining technique, passion, work and excellence. In November 2020, the Chambre des Métiers et de l’Artisanat awarded him the title of Master of Art in Photography.
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.
Claire O’Rorke, Ireland
Specialities: Wedding, Portrait, Commercial
Claire O’Rorke is a photographer with a special interest in photographing weddings.
She is based in the west coast of Ireland.
A proud member of the IPPVA (Irish Professional Photographers and Videographers Association) she has been involved in the running of their national awards for the past number of years.
Following graduation from photography at The Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art and Design O’Rorke worked in professional labs internationally, and under the guidance of respected Irish portrait, wedding and architectural photographers.
In 2006 Claire O’Rorke Photography was established.
A real fan of photography Claire is particularly passionate about authenticity, representing life and emotion as it really is; beautiful.
https://corphotography.com
https://ippva.com/p/claireororke
https://www.instagram.com/claireororke
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
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
Aňa Struhárová, Slovakia
Qualified European Photographer – QEP
Specialities: Illustrative, Fine Art, Landscape, Nature, Still Life, Portrait, Abstract
Aňa Struhárová is a photographer born in Ruzomberok, Slovakia. She now lives and works in Bratislava.
She has been working in photography since she was 14 years old.
She graduated in Mass Media Communication at the UCM and in photography at the Department the Slovak Academy of Performing Arts under Milota Havránková.
Aňa is one of the founding members of the Association of Professional Photographers of Slovakia. She is a vice-president of the national photographic association APFSR.
In 2009 she was awarded the non-academic degree QEP (Qualified European Photographer) in Illustrative Photography.
She was a Finalist of the European Fine Art Photographer Of The Year 2009 competition and was nominated at the Colour Awards 2016 Abstract Category – Time to Sleep.
Aňa Struhárová deals mainly with the detail of everyday things, she is fascinated by the beauty hidden in the ordinariness of objects and their graphic representation in photography.
She had several joint exhibitions, e.q. 4x in time, 4. generations of the Struhar family… and many solo exhibitions all over the world. Part of her works are owned by private collectors in Europe, America and Asia.
A deep understanding for light and abstract, coupled with love for detail, has given rise to an unmistakable creative style, which she applies also in commercial photography.
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.
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
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 in to 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 people photographer. Paul is a Fellow of the SWPP, the MPA and the BIPP and has won an array of national and international awards for his work and is the UK Portrait Photographer of the Year 2020/2021.
Paul is an international judge, trainer, speaker and author in the photography industry. He is co-author of the bestselling book Mastering Portrait Photography and 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.
Photography business – ww.paulwilkinsonphotography.co.uk
Instagram – www.instagram.com/paulwilkinsonphotography
Podcast – masteringportraitphotography.com/podcasts/
Lilia Yotova, Bulgaria
Specialities: Press Reportage, Portrait, Wedding
Lilia Yotova has been a professional photographer for more than 15 years. Her career has started at Bulfoto, a leading Bulgarian internet photo agency. From 2006 to 2016, she was part of one of the biggest media groups on Bulgarian market – SBB media. She works as a photographer for magazines like Story, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, National Geographic, etc.
Her focus is upon lifestyle photography, especially upon portraits and showing the unique look and beauty of every person. She has been a teacher in Photo Reportage and Journalism at the Art College in Sofia for five years.
Lilia has over 200 magazine covers published. She has photographed most of Bulgarian celebrities and a number of global stars. She has tens of thousands of publications in media with high circulations and in huge demand.
She has received a number of invitations to represent Bulgaria at International events in Venice (Italy), London (UK), Moscow (Russia) and many more.
Member of the Union of Bulgarian Journalists. Chairman of Association of Professional Photographers. Mentor at The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Awards – Bulgaria. Member of the jury in VOUBS International Photography Awards, National Geographic Kids Bulgaria photo contests, and many more.
