Renowned wedding photographer Philip Thomas was recently recognized for his photo in the Wedding Photojournalist Association’s (WPJA) contest in the “Kids being kids” category for 2008.

The WPJA is an internationally recognized organization representing some of the world’s most distinguished photographers. To become a member of the WPJA, a strict assessment of a photographer’s Web site is evaluated. Simply paying dues each year does not automatically ensure membership.

“Just to be part of this type of organization is very humbling and exciting,” Philip says. “WPJA members tell the story of the bride and groom’s day and do not direct or control the day.”

With quarterly competitions, Philip often finds himself up against some of the world’s most discriminating photographers. Placing in the top 10 is an accomplishment of its own.

“I’m very competitive in nature and for me, it’s a great way to push and test myself each wedding to come up with great images in a quiet and unobtrusive manner, hence the reason why I’m there in the first place.”

As a recognized name in the wedding industry Philip’s experience and expertise in the field is what keeps his services in high demand.

“If you want to be one of the best in your field, you never stop trying to get better,” he says. “Every wedding has a certain structure to it, but for me what is exciting and unique each time is the subtle nuances that happen in-between all the traditional parts of a wedding day. It’s these details that can be missed if I don’t have the camera to my eye and continually looking.”

With dozens of reputable wedding photographers in the area, competition does not get overlooked easily. But what makes Philip different is what puts him up there with those in high demand.

“There are many excellent photographers in the local area. I educate the bride and groom from the start that what they’re getting is not the traditional approach,” he says. ”I really don’t take myself too seriously. However, I do take my work and what I do at each wedding very seriously. I offer some of the most beautiful handcrafted albums from Italy. I don’t outsource to other photographers and shoot in a quiet, unobtrusive style.”  Visit Philip's website.