February 2008
LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHER WINS FUJI MASTERPIECE AWARD

Karen Walker of Karen Walker Studio in East Jordan is the winner of the Fuji Masterpiece award for her photographic self portrait titled "Creation". The award was presented at the Professional Photographers of Michigan annual convention held February 2-5 at the Marriott Inn in Ypsilanti. The convention was attended by top professional photographers from throughout Michigan.

Walker's winning print was originally created for an exhibit last March at the Jordan River Arts Center. The exhibit, titled "Mirror Images" was a collection of self portraits created by area artists/teachers. Walker's print was composed from several photographs as well as elements sourced from the computer. "The vast majority of images displayed at print competitions are straightforward photographs so it is particularly rewarding to have an entry that is created entirely by me, from concept to completion" Walker stated.

Digital photo enhancement is not new to Walker. She has twice earned the title of "Electronic Imager of the Year" from the Professional Photographers of Michigan. "Most of my images, including client portraits, receive at least some amount of digital work; anywhere from basic retouching to complex enhancements. This high level of creative service is garnering rave reviews from my clients." she said.

Karen Walker is the area's only Professional Photographer of America Certified Professional Photographer, a titled held by less then 2500 photographers world wide.

 
News Release
As published in the Petoskey News-Review, April 20, 2007

East Jordan photographic artist and Certified Professional Photographer, Karen Walker, was honored in statewide competition at the 66th Annual Professional Photographers of Michigan Convention. The convention was held April 14th through 17th, 2007 at the Dearborn Inn, Dearborn, Michigan.

Walker received Best of Show in Electronic Imaging/Retouching; Best of Category in Illustrative, and was placed in the Michigan Top Seven category, ranking number one overall in the state for a non-master. This is the third year in a row that she has brought home top awards. "I am extremely proud to bring these awards home to Northern Michigan. It serves as another reminder that you do not have to travel to a big city to find exceptional quality. We have many very talented people right here in our own backyard." Walker said.

Walker entered ten images into the competition which all scored above average. "Some of my images entered into this competition have been personal projects such as my digitally enhanced photo of an orchid and a photo of the Mackinaw Bridge with lightening breaking through the evening sky. But I prefer to pull my competition entries from my daily work for clients. I feel strongly that every client deserves the benefit of the creative energy necessary to produce award winning images." Walker stated.

The convention drew approximately 300 of the state's top professional photographers in various fields, including portraiture, wedding, scenic and commercial photography as well as electronic imaging.

"The competition was demanding, with some of the best artistic talent in the country represented at the Michigan convention. Winning in print competition here is a great personal achievement", commented John Scott, PPM President.

Walker has operated Karen Walker Photography at 507 Water Street in East Jordan for 15 years, specializing in portraits of children, families and high school seniors as well as photo restoration and custom framing. More of her work can be seen at the studio or online at www.karenwalkerphotography.com.

 

 

"When Flowers Dream"
Best of Category, Illustrative

 

 

"Mighty Mac"
Award of Excellence

 

"Christening Gown"
Best of Show, Electronic Imaging/Restoration

 

 

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