First photographer selected into international collection, for second year in a row.
Local portrait photographer Stuart Riddell is repeating his winning performance as the first and only New Zealander to
have his work selected into America’s elite International Exhibition of Professional Photography, for the second year in
a row.
Competing against 4,500 entries from around the world, Riddell’s image ‘Falling Angel’ was judged by a panel of more
than 40 eminent photographers from across the US. The monochrome image has been selected into the prestigious Loan
Collection; representing what Professional Photographers of America consider to be the best of the best.
The New Zealand image will be displayed at the 117th International Exhibition of Professional Photography in Phoenix,
Arizona; the world’s largest annual exhibition of professional photography under one roof.
‘Falling Angel” was originally photographed in studio and in a swimming pool, with the elements merged to create the
striking black and white result.
“The idea comes first, then you need to break down the image into parts and photograph them separately,” explains
Riddell. “The final image can take weeks to achieve.”
This is the second time that Riddell has received this award; in 2007 one of his three water themed images, ‘Between the
Sheets’ was also selected for the acclaimed (American) Loan Collection; a first for any New Zealand photographer.
Riddell’s creative work was also recognised by the Australian Institute of Professional Photographers this year; with
one Gold, one Silver with Distinction, and two Silver Awards.
“It’s great to have your work viewed and judged by some of the finest photographers in the world,” says Riddell.
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