THE JURORS |
The PPW State Image Competition is a professional-level judging environment where photographers submit their work to be evaluated, strengthened, and celebrated. Our panels are led by PPW Jurors, who are Professional Photographers of America Master Photographers trained to assess images at a high standard. These jurors not only recognize what qualifies as a merit image, they can clearly justify their scores, listen thoughtfully to fellow jurors, and demonstrate flexibility during discussion. They communicate their thoughts concisely, offer persuasive and respectful rebuttals when needed, and maintain a positive, supportive tone. Their role is not just to score images, but to provide meaningful feedback that helps photographers grow, which is why we encourage qualified members to complete the requirements and get involved in this vital part of our organization.
Jury Chair - Chris Wooley |
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Chris Wooley is a photographer and educator based in Spokane, Washington, where he runs a successful retail portrait studio specializing in Vintage-Inspired and Commercial Business Portraits. With a Master Photographer and Photographic Craftsman degree, as well as being a Certified Professional Photographer, Chris brings both expertise and a love of the craft to his workshops.
Known for his energetic, information-packed teaching style, Chris makes even the most technical topics engaging and approachable. Depending on the session, his workshops vary from dynamic presentations to hands-on learning experiences. He enjoys helping students understand complex concepts in a fun, practical way.
A past president of the Professional Photographers of Washington, Chris serves as the vice-president of the American Society of Photographers and is an accomplished photography competition judge. He has been recognized with numerous accolades, including Fuji Masterpieces, ACI’s Image Excellence, the ASP Elite Award, and the PPA National Award.
And of course, you’ll usually spot Chris sporting his signature bowtie, bringing a touch of vintage flair to every session. Whether at a conference, meetup, or online seminar, Chris’s workshops are designed to inspire and equip photographers at all levels.
David Down, M.Photog.,Cr., CPP |
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David Downs is a Master Photographer, Certified Professional Photographer, and a PPA Juror-In-Training with over 12 years of professional experience in landscapes, portraits, and commercial photography. David has judged dozens of print competitions at the club, guild, and state levels, bringing both technical expertise and a deep appreciation for artistic impact. He serves as Skills Director for the Dallas Professional Photographers Association—the largest PPA guild in the nation—where he oversees the monthly Image Competition and mentors photographers in developing competitive, merit-worthy work.
Julie Savage, M.Artist, M.Photog., |
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Julie Savage is a quirky fine art photographer in Madison, Alabama. She started her photography business on Kwajalein in the Republic of the Marshall Islands in 2013 creating lasting portraits for families, seniors, dancers, maternity, children, and pets. In 2018, after moving to the U.S. she focused on digital art creating images that tell stories from her personal life with a feminist perspective. Julie is a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP), PPA councilor for the state of Alabama, PPA juror, with her Master Artist, Master of Photography and Photographic Craftsman degrees through the Professional Photographers of America. Sponsored by Bay Photo, she teaches workshops on art inspiration, photoshop, and photography and enjoys collaborating on creative images with fellow artists. Awards include 2016 PPA Platinum Photographer, 2017 PPA Bronze Artist, 2018 Silver Artist, 2018 Bronze Photographer, and 2022 Gold Photographer.
Gena Tussey, M.Photog., |
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A member of the PPA since 2008, Gena earned her CPP in 2012, M.Photog in 2016, her Cr.in 2018 and Master Artist in 2023. In 2023, she earned her PPA Approved Juror status and has been heavily involved in the MIR process. Gena was a double finalist and received a Grand Imaging Award in 2020. The year after, she was a GIA finalist for her heartfelt restoration work and in 2022, she once again became a double finalist for her dedication to preserving the past’s memories. She also received a platinum award for her restoration.
Gena was honored with a Top 32 place in the IPC for 2023 in children’s portraiture and in 2024 she earned a Top 4, Platinum for her expressive wildlife imagery. Gena is an unapologetic animal lover, a devoted history buff and a proud rock hound who can spot a shiny pebble from impossible distances! She’s also a passport-wielding traveler with a knack for turning any adventure into a funny story. When’s she not behind the camera, you’ll find her happily buried in building sets, props and costumes--dreaming up quirky, offbeat designs for her clients and, let’s be honest, for her own sheer enjoyment.
Thea Martin, M.Photog. Cr., |
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Thea Martin has an extensive background in photography.
As a PPA approved juror, Thea enjoys evaluating images and helping photographers improve their craft. She is also the national chairperson for the American Society of Photographers image competition. The Oregon resident has her Master of Photography and Photographic Craftsman degrees through Professional Photographers of America. She has earned multiple medals by competing at PPA’s International Photographic Competition. She is the recipient of PPA’s Imaging Excellence Medallion award as well as being a two-time World Cup Team member for 2024
and 2025.
Ivan Domazet |   |
The Professional Photographers of Washington 27088 Ohio Ave NE (360) 818-4348 |
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