NHPPA 2021 PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR

Judy Hurley

What an honor it is to have earned this award once again! I am new to image competition, this being my third time entering, and to have my work recognized and praised at this level is so humbling.

I retired from a long career in nursing in 2016 and began dabbling in photography.  Joining a Facebook “Photo A Day” group got me started learning the basics. I had a point and shoot camera and my early posts left a lot to be desired. But I persevered, bought a Nikon D7000, set it in manual and fumbled my way though the next few weeks and months photographing everything from flowers, bridges, wildlife and landscapes to pets and children.

My love for capturing the innocence of children grew and I set out to get serious. I took numerous online courses, attended workshops offered by artists whose work I admired and taught myself how to edit, first in Lightroom then in Photoshop which totally intimidated me. Again I embraced the challenge and practiced editing seven days a week for months on end. Once comfortable with the process I developed a business plan and hung my shingle out, Barely Blushed, LLC.

My target client has been children ages 5-10 but I have more recently expanded that to include adults and pets. I’ve adapted a fine art style of editing but the end result relies heavily on planning, location, lighting, posing, expression and clothing. I prefer to outfit my subjects. My goal has been to create an overall mood that draws the audience in.

Photo shoots were initially held on location but I’ve transitioned primarily to studio sessions in the past two years. I’ve come to love the control the studio offers particularly with regard to lighting. Joining NHPPA and taking Don Chick’s lighting courses have boosted my confidence tremendously in the studio.

I reluctantly entered the NHPPA image completion in 2019 and was overwhelmed by the positive reception and encouragement. Earning the New Hampshire Photographer off the Year in 2019 and again this year has been a huge feather in my cap and it has motivated me to continue to learn and grow as a professional.

I am grateful to NHPPA/PPA for being the driving force behind my success. Thank you to those who cheered me on along the way! I look forward to becoming more involved in the organization in coming years, nurturing friendships and supporting fellow photographers as they (you) have supported me.