When I first started in 2013, I was aware of what Fearless Photographers was and that it was kind of the pinnacle of testing your own talents against other photographers across the world. That's not to say that it's just about awards, it's not, Fearless is a community and it connects couples who want something different, creative and the opposite of cookie-cutter for their wedding photographs. The awards are just one element of it but for me, it has driven me to be better and look at wedding photography in a completely different way. 

Not many people know this, but my first ever Fearless Award came from my first professional wedding shoot as a 2nd photographer. I had just moved to LA and was in the process of starting up Clarkie Photography but needed experience, so I contacted some established photographers to see if anyone wanted a 2nd for free, as long as I could use any 'good' images I might take. The lovely Kristin agreed to have me shoot with he and it turns out I took one image worthy of a Fearless Award - kind of incredible really. It's the Sparkler Exit image below. In all honesty, I got lucky on every level, but from that point on, there was no looking back. 

Only two years after starting Clarkie Photography, I got an email from Junebug Weddings asking me if I'd be interested in joining their coveted World's Best Wedding Photographer list for Los Angeles. Of course, I jumped at the opportunity and have remained on this list until the present day. In addition to providing a directory of the world's best wedding photographers to allow couples to connect with great photographers, they also run a number of world-renowned photo-contests each year. Winning two awards in one of my first contests for the Best of The Best Engagement Photographers was one of my proudest moments. I've since won an award for Best Destination Wedding Photography and two Honorable Mentions across different contests.