After 50 years together

I’m so excited to share this image—and even more grateful that Sterling (the subject in the image) gave me permission to do so.

Earlier this year, I earned my Master of Photography degree through PPA (Professional Photographers of America). It took years of hard work, growth, and dedication. But even with that milestone achieved, I continue to submit images to professional print competitions to make sure I’m always learning and improving.

Recently, I entered this portrait of Sterling and Linda—taken during a session late last year—into a print competition in Pennsylvania. What made it extra meaningful for me was that I didn’t create this for competition. This was one of the images they saw and loved from their session. All I did was mat it for judging.

It scored an 81.

In competition terms, that means it met a national standard of excellence—but for me, it meant even more. Because this image captures something I can’t quite put into words… the quiet strength of a long, beautiful life together. Fifty years of love, in one single frame.

I’ll never stop being amazed at the power of a portrait—not just to show what someone looks like, but to tell a story you feel deep in your heart.

The title of this entry is "After 50 years together"