International exhibit to feature local photographer’s images

Six captures by local photographer Dawson Adams were recently accepted into the Merit Collection of Professional Photographers of America's (PPA) 2022 International Photographic Competition. This is the second year in a row Adams has entered the contest, with his work awarded both years and will be displayed in the upcoming Imaging USA conventions.

According to a release from the PPA, six of Adams' photographs were accepted into the Merit Collection, including "The Conductor," "Runaway Bride... and Groom," "Lift," "A Stole Kiss," "Just Keep Swimming," and "Look at My Bride."

The pieces were selected by a panel of 36 eminent jurors from a collection of over 5,000 entries. Among the thousands of photos submitted, the

judges chose 2,211 images for the Merit Collection, which will be presented at the Imaging USA exhibit next year. 

The PPA's website states that the photographs are judged on criteria including impact, technical excellence, creativity, style, composition, presentation, color balance, the center of interest, lighting, subject matter, technique and storytelling.

This is the second year Adams, who started Dawson Adams Photography in 2016, will see his work on display at the convention. In 2020, after attending the event, he "set a goal for himself to compete and succeed in his first imaging competition" the following year. The goal turned into a reality in September 2021, when the PPA selected five of his photographs for the collection, which were all displayed at the international exhibit in Washington, D.C. in January 2022. Adams referred to it as a "full circle moment" viewing his work being honored just a year after setting the goal.

Adams and his wife Kara, both Coffee County natives and graduates of Coffee High School, have been married since January 2022 and manage Dawson Adams Photography together.

The Imaging USA event will take place from January 22 through January 24, 2023, in Nashville, Tennessee. The expo is known to be one of the largest annual conventions for professional photographers, with the event held yearly to display the work of talented photographers by "gathering the pieces simultaneously in one place."

For more information, visit ppa.com.