Wow! I cannot believe that 2022 is coming to an end, and as we come to the end of another year, it's time to reflect on the highlights and achievements of this year.
This year has been a busy one full of highlights achievements, working on a range of projects and pet photography sessions for clients in the Canberra area and beyond. Some of the highlights of the year include:
Going full time in my pet photography business
Although Ina J Photography has been specialising in pet photography business for over 3 years, I only went full time in March this year. Before that I was juggling the business alongside a full time job.
Going full time in m pet photography business was a scary leap but it was the best decision I've made and I am so happy now that I can focus on my business fully and ensure an even better experience for my clients.
Most of all, I get to do what I love and what I'm passionate in now full time and best thing is I get to spend lots of time with my dogs Pippa, James and Rosie.
2021 Local Business Awards winner
In March I attended the 2021 Local Business Awards presentation night and I did not expect to actually win. I was nominated and became a finalist in the Specialised Business category of the Local Business Awards for the Canberra and surrounding regions. It was an honour and an amazing surprise to have won the 2021 Local Business Awards.
This year I also became a finalist for the 2022 Local business awards. While I did not win, I'm so grateful to have been nominated and became a finalist.
Charity Projects
Every year I always run at least one charity project. I believe in the importance of giving back to the community and are committed to supporting organisations that make a positive impact on the lives of pets and people.
Ina J Photography has worked with ACT Pet Crisis Support on a number of projects, including the annual Canberra Paws Calendar contest which was held for the third year raising $12,500. Over the last 3 years I've managed to raise over $35k for ACT Pet Crisis Support and several thousands for a few other charities too.This year I also did some Christmas photos at the Foreshore vet and 50% of the proceeds raised was donated to Guide Dogs NSW/ACT.
New Zealand Trip
So after 3 years of not travelling do the the 'rona' I finally went overseas. Yes, it was only across the ditch to New Zealand but it was an amazing trip. I visited Queenstown for a pet photography workshop, Nelson for the New Zealand Institute of Professional Photographers Photo Show and Iris Awards, Auckland to stay with a pet photographer friend and Wellington to visit my sister and meet my nephew for the first time.
It was an amazing trip where I was able to learn from the amazing pet photographers Charlotte Reeves and Craig Turner-Bullock. I attended live judging for the Iris PHotography awards and won 2 silvers and 3 bronze awards.
Photography Awards
2022 is the year where I've actually been actively entering into photography awards. I entered into several prestigious local and international photography awards including the Iris Awards, International Pet Photography of the Year Awards and the Asia Pacific Photography Awards. 2022 was a successful year in terms of awards and recognition.
The New Zealand Institute of Professional Photographers Iris Awards
I submitted 6 images into this award and I received 2 silver and 3 bronze awards in the Iris Awards.
International Pet Photography of the Year Awards
I got shortlisted in the top 100 of the International Pet Photography of the Year Awards in the Portrait category.
The Asia Pacific Photography Awards
I entered 10 images in total and I was very surprised that I managed to win the People's Choice Awards, getting 13th in the Portrait Category and getting runner up in the Advertising and Editorial category.
Overall, it has been a successful and amazing year for my business and I am so grateful to my dogs, my family and my clients and supporters for their continued support. I look forward to continuing to capture beautiful, timeless photographs of dogs and their owners in the year ahead.
If you're interested in booking in your own pet photography experience, book in for a planning appointment so we can chat more and personalise your experience. I'm currently taking bookings for February onwards.
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Follow the circle
Check out my fellow pet photographer's blog circle. This week's topic is Year in Review! Keep on clicking on the links to check out all the blogs in the circle. Next in the circle is Northern California pet photographer Kylee Doyle wraps up the year with her list of 2022 Sacramento pet photography superlatives.
3 Comments
Dec 31, 2022, 8:17:57 AM
Kim Hollis - Wow congratulations on all of your accomplishments. Your work is beautiful.
Dec 30, 2022, 9:25:40 PM
Nicole - Congratulations on an amazing year!
Dec 30, 2022, 12:22:15 PM
Elaine - Congratulations on all of your photographic accomplishments in 2022, Ina! Happy New Year!