The exquisite hand-crafted trophy resembling Wolverine's claw!
“Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars…” says the fridge magnet that someone dear gave me.
So in 2017 I was literally busy shooting - entering the Master Photographers Association UK annual print competition and then hoping of the folks up there in the UK like my baby images.
So it was in the night of 8 Oct 2017 - very exciting and glamorous - big stage, bright lights and I landed among the stars! It was an incredible feeling to be amongst the photography greats in the UK and around the world. And it was kind of surreal to hear my own name called out... “First Place in Newborn Overseas goes to Irene Chen!” So excited I was at winning the coveted international title, I skipped to the stage forgetting the dangers of stilettos and thankfully did not trip on the steps!
The image that won the OS Newborn Category MPA UK Award 2017/18
“Superb lighting in this image with the baby’s face highlighted just enough to direct the viewer’s gaze. A reduced colour palette in the background is a fantastic choice as it harmonises with the skin tone and doesn’t fight for attention.”
Thank you so much MPA for loving my work! And also kindly acknowledging my recent MPA qualifications and calling me up to the stage a couple more times to present the achievements of my Associate in MPA UK in the category of newborns.
Also present that night were home-grown and world renowned wedding photographers Keda Z and Roger Tan - flying the Malaysian flag high. What an evening it was!
Till then, to everyone...dream big, aim for the moon, and I wish you a fabulous landing amongst the stars!