World Photographic Cup (WPC)

Being part of Team USA was not a foregone conclusion, and I’m thrilled to be back. Last year, everything was a surprise since I had no idea that being part of the team was even possible. This year, I definitely had more butterflies as October came to a close and, with it, the deadline to announce the members of Team USA. When an email from Rich Newell popped up in my inbox, it was pure excitement. Thankfully, it was the email I was hoping for.

Honestly, I was not so sure about this year’s selection. This image did well in the print competition, and I love everything about it, but I worried it might not be enough to capture the judges’ attention. Compounding my concerns, the Spider Award judges did not select this image as a finalist, and that made me feel a bit less confident as we waited for the WPC Finalist Announcements on December 17th & 19th. I was back to the “at least I’m on the team” mentality.

December 17th arrived, and I was able to tune in live for the top-10 announcements. Of course, things go alphabetically by country, and I lost count of how many images had been announced, so when one of my teammates was announced as a finalist, I could breathe again and was okay with the results. Then the announcer said, “and…”. Breathing stopped again. Team USA is the last country alphabetically, so either my image or that of one other photographer was the last finalist. When I saw the corner of my image start to appear in the slideshow and my name announced, I was beyond elated.

The story isn’t done. The finals are in Iceland on April 25th, 2026. I’m looking forward to visiting a beautiful country, meeting new photographers from around the world whom I’ve come to know through social media, and representing our national photography team.

There are 10 incredible images in the Natural Portrait finals, and it is impossible to feel certain about one’s placement when you look at the photos. I would love to bring home a medal again, but being in a gallery with these other nine photographers is a true honor.

I look forward to updating this section in 2026!

I never even thought about being part of Team USA. Then I received an email from Rich Newell informing me that an image, “Intertwined,” was being considered for the team. I was floored. I was honored to have been considered, but didn’t think it was going any further.

Then I received an email congratulating me on being part of the team. Wow. Just wow!! “Intertwined” was one of three Natural Portrait entries for the USA. I was thrilled and thankful to have been asked, and I would have a cool jacket as a memento. Life was good.

Becoming a Finalist

I watched the finalist announcement on December 17 to see how our team fared and to be ready to send messages of congratulations to the other photographers. I could not believe it when “Intertwined” was selected as a finalist. All these incredible photographs and photographers, and the judges thought my photo was one of the ten best natural portrait images from around the globe. I can’t describe the emotion. Once again, I was sure that was the end…

You can imagine the jubilation of having made it into the top three by earning the bronze medal in my category. To have an image crafted for two dancers be well-received and respected is a dream.

Optimism for the Future

I know that every artist can relate to this journey. We protect ourselves by telling ourselves to expect to lose. A part of our brain filters the massive volume of information we receive to ignore the noise and things that aren’t threats. Consequently, most positive feedback we receive never makes it into our long-term memory.

That part of my brain tells me this is a one-and-done; we got lucky. But my more self-aware self tried to be more optimistic about the future. This image is the direct result of our collaboration, translating the boundless power of dance into something magical in the millisecond when the shutter clicks. I believe that together, we can capture lightning in a bottle once again.

I Stand on the Shoulders of Giants

This moment could not have happened without Katherine (@k.ettles) and Antony (@ztony_dance) working diligently to make this image a reality. It also could not have happened without each dancer along the way who shared their journey and artistry with me. You are all part of this story. Thank you from the bottom of my very whole heart.