Professional photographers of America founded in 1868, is the longest-standing non-profitable photography trade association.  In its largest annual conference and trade show professional photographers association announced the winner of the contest.  Shannon Squires-Toews, M.Photog, has been announced as the overall Grand Imaging Award winner for her image "perfectly Perched" in the animal category. Shannon competed with 12 category winners to get this award.  Her image was judged by jurors as PPA's prestigious Loan Collection which will be published yearly in a hardcover book by Marathon Press.  PPA also awarded medalist from International Photographic Competition which includes 170 bronze, 128 silver, 60 gold, 37 platinum, and 40 diamond medals.\

Category Winners :

Melissa Clapper in the Creative Open category
Ted Linczak, M.Photog.Cr., in the Photographic Open category
Mario Munoz, M.Photog.Cr., in the Wedding Album category
Dana Rose in the Artist category
Chris Paulis in the Restoration category
Lisa Asp, M.Photog.M.Artist.Cr., CPP, in the Landscape/Nature category
Erich Caparas, M.Photog.M.Artist, in the Illustrative/Commercial category
Erich Caparas, M.Photog.M.Artist, in the General Portrait Category
Marianne Cherry, CPP, in the Animal Portrait category
Ben Shirk, M.Photog.M.Artist.Cr., in the High School Senior category
Shannon Squires-Toews, M.Photog., in the Children’s Portrait category
Aly Kuler, CPP, in the Wedding category