Awards

Press and 

PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY JUDGE:

  • 2019-2022, Three years and going strong as a New Times, San Luis Obispo, Photo Contest Judge!
https://www.newtimesslo.com/sanluisobispo/central-coast-photographers-show-off-their-best-perspectives-in-new-times-annual-winning-images-contest/Content?oid=10115150

  • 2012-2018, Six years as an Adobe Design Achievement Awards pre-judge.
https://www.adobeawards.com/the-gallery

PHOTOGRAPHY AWARDS:

  • Wedding Photojournalist Association (WPJA), international quarterly contests, 19 winning photos:
www.wpja.com/
http://www.wpja.com/wedding-photojournalism/1577-northern-california-weddings/photographer-stephanie-secrest.html


Ceremony category, 1st place (!) out of 20
JUDGES COMMENTS: Nice moment stolen by the couple while the photographer was able to also catch entire room. Also nice symmetry. Every part of the frame reinforces the mood.

Ceremony category, 9th place out of 20
JUDGES COMMENTS: Elegant. It has all the essential elements to say wedding at Yosemite and is stunning in its simplicity. It shows wedding and place in just a few objects. Excellent thinking on the photographer’s part.

Getting ready category, 14th place out of 20
JUDGES COMMENTS: Wonderful graphic image using an adventurous composition that takes full advantage of all the elements at hand. Nice memory for the bride of the dress and a memorable image in and of itself. Way to take a chance and think creatively!

Getting ready category, 19th place out of 20
JUDGES COMMENTS: I remember my wedding day and certainly I was worried about the responsibilities of my marriage vows, but I might have been more worried about saying those vows and not screwing up. This photograph shows a good eye of a talented storyteller. Very well done. 

January 2016
Four years, I'm included in WeddingWire's 2016 Couples Choice Award!
https://www.weddingwire.com/biz/secrest-wedding-photography-alameda/1c7ad1c170e36610.html

January 2015
Yea!! For the third year in a row, I'm included in WeddingWire's 2015 Couples Choice Award!  
https://www.weddingwire.com/couples-choice-awards

May 2014
I've been entering the Photo District News wedding photography contest for 9 years.. and finally.. I placed!!  
http://www.topknotscontest.com/gallery/2014/?contest=ceremonies

January 2014:
I'm so honored to be included in WeddingWire's 2014 Couples Choice Award, only the top 7% make it! ;)
https://www.weddingwire.com/couples-choice-awards-2014

December 2013:
Such an honor, after submitting photos to WPJA (http://www.wpja.com) for seven long years, I finally got a 1st place! It's so rare-- tears rolled down my face! I got an email from a fellow California photographer at a library (free internet!) in New Zealand while on vacation! Such a milestone!  

January 2013:
Honored to be included in WeddingWire's2013 Brides Choice Award, only the top 5% make it! ;)
https://www.weddingwire.com/brides-choice-awards

June 2012:
I was among a select group of photographers chosen to have TWO of my wedding photographs reprinted as greeting cards by Palm Press greeting cards!! I've loved them for years!
www.palmpressinc.com

TOP HONOR!
Voted one of the best wedding photographers in the San Francisco Bay area, 4th place out of 239 people, SF Gate, 2010.



PUBLISHED IN:

TODAY'S BRIDE, Winter/Spring 2008

BRIDES MAGAZINE, photo contest, 2008- 6th place, Culture/Religious customs.
Judges comments: Light and shadow help this silhouetted cross stand out among the white background.


New Times, San Luis Obispo, Photo Contest Judge.

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