A photograph created by Matt Knowles of Aesthetic Design & Photography in Ferndale has recently been accepted into the General Collection of Professional Photographers of America’s 2011 International Photographic Competition. Knowles’ work will be on display at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, January 15-17, 2012, in New Orleans, La. This exhibition is held in conjunction with Imaging USA, an annual convention of professional photographers and several photographic associations.

A panel of eminent jurors from across the United States selected the top photographs from more than 4,000 total submitted entries. Judged against a standard of excellence, over 1,500 images were selected for the General Collection and Knowles’ image was one of only 200 that were also selected to be published in the 2011 Showcase book.

The image that Knowles submitted is from a senior portrait session he did for Ferndale High School student Kayla Ghidinelli. In the image Ghidinelli is riding her horse Lady, while her dog Bandit runs along side in the surf. The South Spit beach in Loleta provided the lovely location.

About Professional Photographers of America (PPA)

Established in 1869, PPA is an international non-profit association for professional
photographers. PPA exists to assist its 22,000 members with unparalleled protection, education
and resources to ensure their continued success in the photographic industry.

Picture of the Month – March 2011

March was a wet month in Ferndale, I think it rained every day. So I didn’t get out much to take photographs.

But true to form, although it came in like a lion, it had signs it was going to go out like a lamb. On the last day of the month it finally stopped raining long enough that Lori and I took a walk up Williams Creek Rd. On the way back I noticed this draft horse sticking his nose through an old window in his barn.

By the time I got my camera out and turned on, he had lost interest in the view out the window, so it took some coaxing to get his attention again. Captured with the Pentax point and shoot that I keep in my pocket, it was a good reminder that the best camera is the one the one that’s with you.

Picture of the Month – March 2009

When Natalie and I worked together last year, we discovered that we both wanted to do a romantic shoot with a horse. I pictured her galloping down the beach with the dress blowing in the wind, but the logistics of putting that together was more than I could manage.

First I wanted a pretty horse and finding one near a beach, and to have it be bulletproof was pretty tough. After a year of searching and numerous setbacks such as owners and horses dying, I finally settled on the pretty horse part. Melissa Fischbach was helpful in letting us use two of her pretty friesian stallions. 

My first shoot with Natalie we used this wedding dress from the 1930s so I knew she would look great wearing it. But mounted on a huge friesian she had a look of nobility. It wasn’t the shot I had envisioned a year ago, but still one I’m proud to have in my portfolio.