A blue glass award with the letters WPS etched on it, set on a dark surface. The plaque reads Wedding Photographic Society - Joe Payne - Photographer of the Year. The award casts a blue reflection below.

Firstly, I’d like to start off by wishing everyone a Happy and Prosperous New Year! It’s gone by so fast, but 2012 was a fantastic year for Joe Payne Photography with some truly gorgeous weddings for me to cover. With ceremonies and receptions at beautiful venues across North Carolina from Lake Lure to the Carolina Inn and Duke Chapel, a whole host of fantastic couples, and a number of awards it really was a great 12 months indeed. So it was really nice to end the year on a high note by winning the Wedding Photographic Society’s “Photographer of the Year” award for 2012.

Two people stand on a dimly lit stage, one holding a microphone. A large screen behind them reads WPS Photographer of the Year Joe Payne.

A group of people, dressed in formal and semi-formal attire, pose together at an indoor event. They are seated and standing around a man holding a trophy. The setting includes couches and a tented backdrop.

For those who do not know about the WPS, it’s a network of professional photographers who come together to collaborate on photographic ideas, thoughts, and information in an attempt to elevate the artistic, technical, and business standards of the wedding photographic community. The Photographer of the Year is selected by means of a quarterly image competition which is open to all WPS members everywhere. The standard of work in the group is very high indeed and I was up against some very seasoned photographers who produce stunningly inspirational work.

Here is what the judges had to say:

“Joe showed off not only his versatility as a wedding photographer, but a wide range of vision while maintaining his stylistic approach to photography. Joe is newer to the area but, as you can see, has really made his mark as a professional wedding photographer. We really look forward to seeing more of his work in upcoming competitions but, for 2013, Joe is going to be on the sidelines fulfilling his WPS POTY duties.”

And here are a few of my winning images:

A priest stands behind an altar with arms raised in a dimly lit church, while a couple stands before him. Another person in a robe looks on. A large cross hangs in the background.

A bride in a white wedding dress stands as two women assist her. One woman, in a light dress and floral headband, adjusts the hem, while the older woman, in a blue outfit, helps from behind. Vintage photographs hang on the wall in the warmly lit room.

A bride in a white dress and veil steps out of a vintage red car, with a person holding the car door open. Sunlight beams behind trees in the background, creating a warm glow. An elegant stone archway is visible to the left.

A serene landscape with two people walking on a path beside a tree and a calm lake. Mountains are visible in the background under a partly cloudy sky. The image has a soft, dreamlike quality.

Aerial view of a bride surrounded by bridesmaids on a dimly lit staircase. The women are adjusting the brides gown, and the scene is illuminated with soft, warm light. The railing and carpet details add to the intimate ambiance.

A black and white photograph of a church interior, featuring a wooden beamed ceiling. A wedding ceremony is taking place at the altar with the couple and officiant, while guests are seated on the left side, observing the event.

Four men in suits walk casually in front of a large, closed garage door. They appear to be outdoors on a sunny day.

Thanks to the WPS board for putting the time into organizing and judging the quarterly competitions, my clients for entrusting me with documenting their most special of days, Christopher at Nieto Photography for the use of the award night images and to my lovely wife Cristel for her support, encouragement and putting up with all the Saturdays and nights I leave her to deal with the kiddywinkies!

Best wishes to everyone for a brilliant 2013!

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