American Photographic Artists member and President Theresa Raffetto is a recipient of the 2014 IPC Professional Photographer Leadership Awards, given by The International Photographic Council (IPC), a non-governmental organization (NGO) of the United Nations. The photo award winners will be honored at the 16th Annual IPC Pro Award Luncheon, held at the United Nations in New York City on Thursday, May 15, 2014, at 11:30 a.m.
"Being recognized by my board of directors for this prestigious award is humbling, and I feel very honored," said Raffetto upon hearing of her award.
"When I joined APA in 2004, I did so for the community aspect of the organization. Ten years later, while community remains an integral part of what APA has to offer, the work we do on the board level on behalf of photographers' rights is key to our industry and its ever changing state."
In the IPC tradition, the Awards Luncheon kicks off 'May, International Professional Photography Month,' which salutes working professionals around the globe. "The honorees, nominated by professional photography organizations, are selected because they best represent the groups' criteria and ideals," said IPC President James Chung.
Greater New York City-area photographer Theresa Raffetto focuses primarily on product photography, yet the experience she has gained working on projects of all scopes and sizes has made her a versatile photographer, as well as director, producer and collaborator. Theresa's work is classic in style and light and airy in feel, "luscious yet simple" according to the Associated Press. Equally as comfortable working spontaneously on set as with a definitive, pre-determined vision, she has shot ad campaigns for Pampers, cookbooks for Random House, catalogs for Whole Foods, editorial location shoots for Woman's Day and All You.
"The national officers of APA are proud to select Theresa Raffetto based on her tireless efforts on behalf of the organization," said APA Vice President Michael Grecco. "She has helped transform APA into an organization now in the forefront of advocacy and the ongoing dynamic changes in the photography industry in the United States."
Raffetto stressed the importance of photographers' rights saying, "It's imperative that photographers and photo organizations stand together to improve and develop conditions for photography as a sustainable career choice. The American Photographic Artists fights for that every day."
Nine associations nominated honorees for the 2014 IPC Leadership Award. The 2014 IPC Professional Photographer Leadership Award recipients are:
- American Photographic Artists (APA): Theresa Raffetto
- American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP): Ed McDonald
- Federation of European Photographers (FEP): Andy J.J. Hens
- Hamdan International Photography Award (HIPA): Ali Bin Thalith
- National Press Photographers Association (NPPA): Greg Smith</li>
- Professional Photographers of America (PPA): Timothy Walden
- Professional School Photographers Association (PSPA): Bill Freeman</li>
- White House News Photographers Association (WHNPA): William Collins Auth
- Wedding & Portrait Photographers International (WPPI): Jerry Ghionis