Top award winner of PPO's 2006 print competition in the fashion category. Model is Joel Rascoe from Portland.

Fashion Photography Award Granted!

Some of you might already know that Joni has been trying to break into the specialized world of fashion photography. On a lark, she submitted a print to the Professional Photographer's of Oregon (PPO) annual print competition this past February. She wanted to experience the strict grading system that this organization applies to their scoring of competition prints so that she could apply the lessons learned to her growing fashion portfolio.

Much to her surprise, she won the top award in the Fashion category. The image drew much discussion as it was being critiqued. The model is Joel Rascoe, and it was his first time modeling for a photographer.

Joni is very enthusiastic about doing additional "editorial fashion work - with grit", working with independent designers and models she finds on the streets. She just returned from a trip to NYC where she obtained more influence for this work by walking the backstreet neighborhoods.

A listing of all top winners in all categories can be found at www.pporegon.com.

Regence Gallery Opening Soon

Much progress has been made on the creation of Regence gallery. This effort began close to a year ago when Joni was selected from a group of commercial photographers to produce images of Regence's clients for display on the executive suite floor.

Joni traveled to multiple cities and towns within Idaho, Oregon, Utah and Washington to make "thought provoking, and at times, haunting images" of people who interact with Regence. Images were made of clients, and also of those who benefit from Regence's community funding efforts.

Joni visited homeless shelters, disadvantaged children's centers, struggling schools, children's cancer wards, construction sites, and boat maker's facilities. She even found herself standing on the sidelines with an intense team during a University of Utah's basketball game.

Last week, the final images were selected and the printing and framing process began this week. Stay tuned for a grand opening in celebration of Regence's clients.

It was an honor for Joni to be able to represent this great company, and the clients were especially appreciative of being celebrated by Regence.