Australian Photographer wins International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2020

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Despite many weddings being put on hold this year, the annual competition that celebrates the world's finest wedding photography still went ahead, with Australian photographer James Simmons taking home the title of International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2020.

Simmons’ photograph of Perth couple Lisa and James was the highest scoring entry in the competition’s Black & White Category, as well as the highest scoring image of all entries, which ultimately landed him in the overall prize of Grand Winner. 

© James Simmons - International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2020 - https://iwpoty.com via https://photopublicity.com
© James Simmons - 1st in Black & White Category-  International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2020 - https://iwpoty.com via https://photopublicity.com

Speaking on the story behind the image that secured him the win, Simmons shared, “After Lisa and James’ ceremony, we stopped outside the State Buildings for a drink and chill with their crew before heading on to the reception. The shot was taken on the corner of a column and was initially a portrait of Lisa to capture her stunningly-detailed dress and the backlight in her veil.”

The judging panel reviewed over 1,700 entries from over 60 countries to select this year’s winning images. This year’s judges were Simon Moore, Pablo Laguia, Emilie White, Cat & Jeff Chang, Oli Sansom and Nisha Ravji.

© James Simmons - 12th in Bridal Party Category - ‘International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2020’ - https://iwpoty.com via https://photopublicity.com
© James Simmons - 12th in Bridal Party Category - ‘International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2020’ - https://iwpoty.com via https://photopublicity.com

The annual Awards has a prize pool of over $22, 000 USD, including prizes from industry supporters like Canon Australia, Holdfast Gear, Atkins Pro Lab, Queensberry Albums, RAW Digital Lab, Narrative, Picellu Smart Albums & Smart Slides, Pic-Time and Studio Ninja.

© James Simmons - International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2020 - https://iwpoty.com via https://photopublicity.com
© James Simmons - 10th in Single Capture Category - International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2020 - https://iwpoty.com via https://photopublicity.com

Speaking more generally on his work as a wedding photographer, Simmons also shared, “I believe everyone deserves amazing images to preserve their own history and it gives my photography a purpose to help them remember how they felt at the time, not just what they looked like.” 

© James Simmons - International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2020 - https://iwpoty.com via https://photopublicity.com
© James Simmons - 14th in Black & White Category - International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2020 - https://iwpoty.com via https://photopublicity.com

Overall-Runner Up

Antonio Crutchley from Miami, USA  

© Antonio Crutchley - Overall Runner-Up ‘International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2020’ Awards - https://iwpoty.com via https://photopublicity.com
© Antonio Crutchley - Overall Runner-Up ‘International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2020’ Awards - https://iwpoty.com via https://photopublicity.com

Notable winning and placed entries by Australian photographers

This year's competition also saw an impressive number of other Australian photographers recognised in the individual categories. You can see their incredible photographs below:

Black and White Category

7th Place: Lucy Spartalis

© Lucy Spartalis - 7th in Black & White Category - ‘International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2020’ - https://iwpoty.com via https://photopublicity.com
© Lucy Spartalis - 7th in Black & White Category - ‘International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2020’ - https://iwpoty.com via https://photopublicity.com
13th place: Eric Ronald 
© Eric Ronald - 13th in Black & White Category - ‘International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2020’ - https://iwpoty.com via https://photopublicity.com
© Eric Ronald - 13th in Black & White Category - ‘International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2020’ - https://iwpoty.com via https://photopublicity.com
15th Place: Jon Gazzingnato
© Jon Gazzignato - 15th in Black & White Category - ‘International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2020’ - https://iwpoty.com via https://photopublicity.com
© Jon Gazzignato - 15th in Black & White Category - ‘International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2020’ - https://iwpoty.com via https://photopublicity.com

Bridal Party Category 

6th Place: Kelly Tunney

© Kelly Tunney- 6th in Bridal Party Category - ‘International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2020’ - https://iwpoty.com via https://photopublicity.com
© Kelly Tunney- 6th in Bridal Party Category - ‘International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2020’ - https://iwpoty.com via https://photopublicity.com
8th Place: Lucy Spartalis
© Lucy Spartalis - 8th in Bridal Party Category - ‘International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2020’ - https://iwpoty.com via https://photopublicity.com
© Lucy Spartalis - 8th in Bridal Party Category - ‘International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2020’ - https://iwpoty.com via https://photopublicity.com

14th Place: Eric Ronald

© Eric Ronald- 14th in Bridal Party Category - ‘International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2020’ - https://iwpoty.com via https://photopublicity.com
© Eric Ronald- 14th in Bridal Party Category - ‘International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2020’ - https://iwpoty.com via https://photopublicity.com
Couple Portrait Category

2nd Place: Simone Addison 

© Simone Addison- 2nd in Couple Portrait Category - ‘International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2020’ - https://iwpoty.com via https://photopublicity.com
© Simone Addison- 2nd in Couple Portrait Category - ‘International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2020’ - https://iwpoty.com via https://photopublicity.com
3rd Place: Stephanie Kindermann
© Stephanie Kindermann - 3rd in Couple Portrait Category - ‘International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2020’ - https://iwpoty.com via https://photopublicity.com
© Stephanie Kindermann - 3rd in Couple Portrait Category - ‘International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2020’ - https://iwpoty.com via https://photopublicity.com
5th Place: Eric Ronald 
© Eric Ronald- 5th in Couple Portrait Category - ‘International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2020’ - https://iwpoty.com via https://photopublicity.com
© Eric Ronald- 5th in Couple Portrait Category - ‘International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2020’ - https://iwpoty.com via https://photopublicity.com
7th Place: Kelly Tunney
© Kelly Tunney- 7th in Couple Portrait Category - ‘International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2020’ - https://iwpoty.com via https://photopublicity.com
© Kelly Tunney- 7th in Couple Portrait Category - ‘International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2020’ - https://iwpoty.com via https://photopublicity.com
9th Place: Dylan Kovacevic
© Dylan Kovacevic - 9th in Couple Portrait Category - ‘International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2020’ - https://iwpoty.com via https://photopublicity.com
© Dylan Kovacevic - 9th in Couple Portrait Category - ‘International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2020’ - https://iwpoty.com via https://photopublicity.com
15th Place: Kelly Tunney 
© Kelly Tunney- 15th in Couple Portrait Category - ‘International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2020’ - https://iwpoty.com via https://photopublicity.com
© Kelly Tunney- 15th in Couple Portrait Category - ‘International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2020’ - https://iwpoty.com via https://photopublicity.com
Dance Floor Category 

15th Place: Stephanie Kindermann

© Stephanie Kindermann - 15th in Dance Floor Category - ‘International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2020’ - https://iwpoty.com via https://photopublicity.com
© Stephanie Kindermann - 15th in Dance Floor Category - ‘International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2020’ - https://iwpoty.com via https://photopublicity.com

Epic Location Category

2nd Place: Keegan Cronin

© Keegan Cronin - 2nd in Epic Location Category - ‘International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2020’ - https://iwpoty.com via https://photopublicity.com
© Keegan Cronin - 2nd in Epic Location Category - ‘International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2020’ - https://iwpoty.com via https://photopublicity.com

3rd Place: Damien Milan 

© Damien Milan - 3rd in Epic Location Category - ‘International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2020’ - https://iwpoty.com via https://photopublicity.com
© Damien Milan - 3rd in Epic Location Category - ‘International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2020’ - https://iwpoty.com via https://photopublicity.com
Equal 4th Place: Milton Gan and Keegan Cronin 

© Milton Gan - Equal 4th in Epic Location Category - ‘International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2020’ - https://iwpoty.com via https://photopublicity.com
© Milton Gan - Equal 4th in Epic Location Category - ‘International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2020’ - https://iwpoty.com via https://photopublicity.com
© Keegan Cronin - Equal 4th in Epic Location Category - ‘International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2020’ - https://iwpoty.com via https://photopublicity.com
© Keegan Cronin - Equal 4th in Epic Location Category - ‘International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2020’ - https://iwpoty.com via https://photopublicity.com
From Above Category

14th Place: Eric Ronald

© Eric Ronald - 14th in From Above Category - ‘International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2020’ - https://iwpoty.com via https://photopublicity.com
© Eric Ronald - 14th in From Above Category - ‘International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2020’ - https://iwpoty.com via https://photopublicity.com
Single Capture Category

1st Place: Keegan Cronin 

© Keegan Cronin - Single Capture Photojournalism -‘International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2020’ Awards - https://iwpoty.com via https://photopublicity.com
© Keegan Cronin - Single Capture Photojournalism -‘International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2020’ Awards - https://iwpoty.com via https://photopublicity.com

2nd Place: Richard Liston 

© Richard Liston - 2nd in Single Capture Category - ‘International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2020’ - https://iwpoty.com via https://photopublicity.com
© Richard Liston - 2nd in Single Capture Category - ‘International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2020’ - https://iwpoty.com via https://photopublicity.com
3rd Place: Scott Horsburgh
© Scott Horsburgh - 3rd in Single Capture Category - ‘International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2020’ - https://iwpoty.com via https://photopublicity.com
© Scott Horsburgh - 3rd in Single Capture Category - ‘International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2020’ - https://iwpoty.com via https://photopublicity.com

5th Place: Keegan Cronin 

© Keegan Cronin - 5th in Single Capture Category - ‘International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2020’ - https://iwpoty.com via https://photopublicity.com
© Keegan Cronin - 5th in Single Capture Category - ‘International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2020’ - https://iwpoty.com via https://photopublicity.com
9th Place: Stephanie Kindermann 
© Stephanie Kindermann - 9th in Single Capture Category - ‘International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2020’ - https://iwpoty.com via https://photopublicity.com
© Stephanie Kindermann - 9th in Single Capture Category - ‘International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2020’ - https://iwpoty.com via https://photopublicity.com
Solo Portrait Category

6th Place: Nina Hamilton  

© Nina Hamilton- 6th in Solo Portrait Category - ‘International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2020’ - https://iwpoty.com via https://photopublicity.com
© Nina Hamilton- 6th in Solo Portrait Category - ‘International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2020’ - https://iwpoty.com via https://photopublicity.com
11th Place: Anastasia Woolmington 
© Anastasia Woolmington- 11th in Solo Portrait Category - ‘International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2020’ - https://iwpoty.com via https://photopublicity.com
© Anastasia Woolmington- 11th in Solo Portrait Category - ‘International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2020’ - https://iwpoty.com via https://photopublicity.com
14th Place: Jon Gazzignato 
© Jon Gazzignato - 14th in Solo Portrait Category - ‘International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2020’ - https://iwpoty.com via https://photopublicity.com
© Jon Gazzignato - 14th in Solo Portrait Category - ‘International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2020’ - https://iwpoty.com via https://photopublicity.com

15th Place: Keegan Cronin 

© Keegan Cronin - 15th in Solo Portrait Category - ‘International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2020’ - https://iwpoty.com via https://photopublicity.com
© Keegan Cronin - 15th in Solo Portrait Category - ‘International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2020’ - https://iwpoty.com via https://photopublicity.com

Engagement/ Non Wedding Category 

5th Place: Eric Ronald 

© Eric Ronald - 5th in Engagement/ Non-wedding Category - ‘International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2020’ - https://iwpoty.com via https://photopublicity.com
© Eric Ronald - 5th in Engagement/ Non-wedding Category - ‘International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2020’ - https://iwpoty.com via https://photopublicity.com

7th Place: Piotrek Ziolkowski

© Piotrek Ziolkowski- 7th in Engagement/ Non-wedding Category - ‘International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2020’ - https://iwpoty.com via https://photopublicity.com
© Piotrek Ziolkowski- 7th in Engagement/ Non-wedding Category - ‘International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2020’ - https://iwpoty.com via https://photopublicity.com

10th Place: Eric Ronald 

© Eric Ronald - 10th in Engagement/ Non-wedding Category - ‘International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2020’ - https://iwpoty.com via https://photopublicity.com
© Eric Ronald - 10th in Engagement/ Non-wedding Category - ‘International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2020’ - https://iwpoty.com via https://photopublicity.com

Wedding Album Category 

Eric Ronald won first and second place in this category with his two different entries, you can view his albums here.

© Eric Ronald- Winner of the Wedding Album Category - ‘International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2020’ - https://iwpoty.com via https://photopublicity.com
© Eric Ronald- Winner of the Wedding Album Category - ‘International Wedding Photographer of the Year 2020’ - https://iwpoty.com via https://photopublicity.com

To find out more about the competition and see all the top placed entries,  you can visit the Awards' website here. 

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