IPA 2025 Photography Awards Honorable Mention
This year, I submitted some of my favorite tintype photographs from the past year to the International Photography Awards (IPA) 2025. I entered work in two categories: Analog/Film Fine Art Professional and Analog/Film Portrait Professional, and I was honored that both received Honorable Mention.
More than a decade ago, I submitted to IPA for the first time and did not make it beyond the Official Selection stage. To return years later and have two works recognized at the Honorable Mention level is humbling. It reminds me why I continue to devote myself to this historic process and why tintype photography still matters today.
The Jury Process
The IPA is one of the most respected photography competitions in the world. Each year, thousands of entries are reviewed by a distinguished jury of gallerists, photo editors, curators, and art directors. The judging is blind, meaning each photograph is evaluated solely on its artistic merit, creativity, and technical execution.
Knowing that this recognition comes through such a rigorous and international review process makes it especially meaningful.
Beyond the Veil
One of the honored works was Beyond the Veil, recognized in the Analog/Film Portrait Professional category. This series was created in collaboration with Mariah McCarty, an artist and model whose presence brought a unique depth to the project.
This was the first time we worked together, and her professionalism and openness made the process seamless. The tintypes we created together told a story that felt layered and compelling. A behind-the-scenes video documenting the making of this series will be shared soon, offering a closer look at how tintype portraits come to life.
The Guide’s Vigil
The second work to receive recognition was The Guide’s Vigil, honored in the Analog/Film Fine Art Professional category. This image was created with my friend and guide, Jerrod, aka Good Bear, whose presence shaped the experience of the plate as much as the final image itself.
This tintype carries a sense of reverence and stillness, qualities that emerge naturally through the wet plate collodion process. To me, it is as much a document of friendship and trust as it is a piece of fine art.
Why This Recognition Matters
Each tintype is a one-of-a-kind object, made by hand through a process that combines light, chemistry, and time. To have this work recognized on an international stage is an affirmation of why I continue to work in this medium.
My first submission to IPA all those years ago was a learning experience, and in many ways this recognition feels like coming full circle. It reminds me that persistence, patience, and faith in the process pay off over time.
For me, tintype photography is not only about capturing an image. It is about creating something alive, something that endures. If you are interested in the longevity of this medium, I have also written about how long tintypes last.
Looking Ahead
I am grateful to IPA, to Mariah, and to Jerrod for their roles in these works. And I am grateful to the tintype process itself, which continues to surprise me and shape the way I see.
Congratulations as well to all of the winners and fellow honorees in this year’s competition. It is inspiring to see the range of creativity and vision represented at the 2025 International Photography Awards.
If you would like to explore more of my journey, you can visit the Tintype Journal, where I share stories, behind-the-scenes reflections, and insights into this historic art form.