Brunswick photographer Michael Teo has pocketed the title of Victoria’s top professional photographer for 2017 by the Australian Institute of Professional Photography (AIPP) – the country’s largest photographic membership body.
The awards are run annually in every state and are sponsored by Epson showcasing the best of the best of professional photography in Australia.
The Greek-Chinese Australian-born and raised photograher who specialises in fashion, advertising and portrait, was educated as a classical musician switching to photography later in life.
“My love for the art is always developing,” said Michael.
“My greatest skills are in getting the best out of people, making them feel comfortable and relaxed in front of my camera so they can truly be themselves.”
To be eligible for the title of Professional Photographer of the Year in each state, photographers must first win a category. Mr Teo was named the winner of the portrait category.
A panel of experts then further anonymously assesses all category winners’ work to determine the overall state winner. Innovation, content, creativity, technical excellence and impact are the key criteria when the images are reassessed.
More than 190 entrants submitted a collective of 885 of images to be judged while over 100 of Victoria’s top professional photographers gathered in Melbourne last Thursday night for the AIPP VIC Epson Professional Photography Awards presented at The Apartment on Little Bourke Street.
“The AIPP VIC Epson Professional Photography Awards are a celebration of photographic excellence and represent the pinnacle of professional photography,” national president of the AIPP, Vittorio Natoli, said.