NHPPA 2020 PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR

Christine O'Neill

Thank you so much for the opportunity to be part of this fantastic organization. I am so grateful for the opportunity to continue to learn and be in the midst of such amazing people and talent. 

I have always enjoyed travelling, taking photos and doing anything and everything  creative.  After college, I worked in the travel industry for 15 amazing years!  I absolutely loved it, but I wanted to start creating again.  

After my third child was born, I began searching for information on photography.  I attended a Canon Explorer of Light event where I discovered Corel Painter. My world was changed right then!  I had to learn it.  Unfortunately, at the time, there were no classes locally or on the internet. I researched instructors and started travelling to study under the best teachers I could find.  I set out to learn everything I could on painting using the latest technology available to design and ultimately paint not only digitally but traditionally with oils as well. 

Simultaneously, I enrolled in a photography class at the NH Institute of Art and was  introduced to NHPPA!  I have been a member ever since. Despite being a member of this amazing organization for quite some time,  I never had the confidence to enter competition. I was so impressed, yet intimidated, by the amazing talent of its members.  I never thought I would see the day I would actually compete.  

Ironically, I met a very talented man and fellow NHPPA member while attending a painting course in South Carolina.  It was his constant encouragement that finally convinced me to enter competition. Thank you Yedi!  I am also grateful for the encouragement and support from my family, Lauri West, Nylora Bruleigh and Ella Carlson. 

Thank you NHPPA and PPA for the opportunity to learn and grow.  I am still in shock, but  incredibly honored and humbled to receive Photographer of the Year.  I absolutely love to paint and create fine art, and I'm excited to continue learning and improving my skills in the years to come!

Christine's  2020 image competition entries