Competing against photographers from all over the world, Michelle Parsley, owner of Kindle the Heart® Photography, has earned multiple Blue Ribbon Merit Awards at the Professional Photographer of America’s International Print Competition. Michelle’s studio specializes in high school senior portraits, but she also enjoys photographing families, and fine art/nature subjects. She believes continuing education is vital to further develop her skills and business. Entering her images in print competition has not only helped her to win awards, but also to receive recognition among her peers and client base. Michelle takes great pride in her technique, creativity, and customer service. Michelle is available for client consultations by appointment and can be reached at 615-542-0290 or via the email link above.
“Smitten”
A small number of entries in the International Print Competition each year are chosen for the honor of being included in the “Showcase Book”. This is a book of exemplary work created by photographers all over the world and is published each year. At the beginning of the competition, each judge is given a certain number of tokens – usually between 6 and 10. When an image is considered for the Loan Collection but ultimately is not chosen, any judge that feels it SHOULD have gone into the Loan Collection can select it for the “Showcase Book” by surrendering one of their tokens. Because each judge only has a limited number of tokens and thousands of images to judge, they do not make the decision to use their tokens lightly. This image of Autumn, a 2011 senior from Cannon County, was created during her senior portrait session. Entitled “Smitten” this image was selected for the “Showcase Book”! When asked about this image, Michelle said, “This young lady was a dream to photograph! I could have selected several of her images for competition and they would have done as well. Such a natural beauty!”
“My Peeps”
PPA’s International Print Competition and Annual Exhibition of Professional Photography is known worldwide for setting the standard by which photographic imaging is judged for both artistic and commercial appeal. Each year, only about 15 percent of the images judged are selected for the prestigious Loan Collection—the best of the best. Loan Collection images are on display throughout the year at PPA headquarters in Atlanta, and at various events worldwide, and will also be published in the much-anticipated “Loan Collection” book. This image entitled “My Peeps” has been selected for the esteemed Loan Collection. When asked about this image, Michelle said, “This is an image of my children and our dog! I am still in shock to be counted among the best of the best! It was an idea I had in my head for a while. It’s just such a shock to have it be in the Loan Collection!”
“Nanny’s Hands”
Inspired by her grandmother’s failing health, Michelle captured “Nanny’s Hands” just one week after a catastrophic stroke nearly claimed the life of her grandmother. When asked about the significance of the image, Michelle said, “This is my earliest childhood memory of my Nanny. In the summertime, I would spend weeks at the time at her house. Every night before bed, she would sit on the couch and read her Bible. What an honor to receive an international award on an image that means so much to me! Nanny would be so proud!” This image was awarded the blue ribbon merit award at Professional Photographers of America’s International Print Competition.
“Let’s Make a Break For It!”
Captured during this little boy’s one year old portrait session, “Let’s Make a Break For It!” shows the love between a boy and his dog. When asked how she captured the image, Michelle said, “The dog kept turning to look at his little boy. He obviously adored him! When I saw the image for the first time, I couldn’t help but laugh. My husband and I joked that it looked as if the dog was saying, ‘Let’s make a break for it!’ That’s where the title of the image came from.” This image was awarded the blue ribbon merit award at Professional Photographers of America’s International Print Competition. Additionally, this image received the great honor of being chosen for the “Showcase Book”, a book of exemplary work created by photographers world wide, and compiled once yearly by the Professional Photographers of America.
