Roots of Time Imaging Excellence

I am incredibly honored to share that my image, “Roots of Time,” received Imaging Excellence recognition in the 2026 Professional Photographers of America Merit Image Review.

I created this image while visiting Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The sky was becoming darker and more dramatic by the minute, and I photographed the Tree of Life just before the skies opened and it began pouring. That approaching storm gave the scene an entirely different mood and helped transform a familiar landmark into something much more powerful. Presenting it in black and white allowed me to emphasize the incredible texture of the tree, the movement in the sky, and the sense that it has been standing there for generations.

For those unfamiliar with PPA’s Merit Image Review, each image is evaluated by five approved jurors using PPA’s 12 Elements of a Merit Image, including impact, technical excellence, composition, lighting, creativity, and storytelling. Imaging Excellence is the highest of the four recognition levels—reserved for an image that demonstrates the highest level of success across those elements and rises above the merit standard.

Sometimes the most memorable images happen in the brief moment before everything changes. I’m grateful I was ready for this one—and made it undercover before the rain arrived!

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