BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. – The Professional Photographers of West Virginia, the state association of Professional Photographers of America, held their Annual Meeting earlier this month and Perry Bennett, photographer of the state Legislature was named the 2026 Photographer of the Year.
During the convention, which was held March 6-8, more than 30 members were seen from around and outside of West Virginia. This provided members with an opportunity for professional development, networking, and education across a variety of photography skills and genres.
The weekend was used for members to learn about website development, internet marketing best practices, attended a history of military photography, learned about the best practices of Adobe Lightroom Classic software, and enjoyed working with colleagues in a hands-on and studio shooting environment.
An important part of the conference is the official photo competition, where photographers submit the best photos they have taken over the past year in various competition categories including Portraits, Landscape/Humor, Weddings, and Photojournalism/Reportage.
For 2026, 223 images were submitted, 127 of which received quality recognition.
“This year’s image competition was very important as it showed strong participation and hard work,” said Image Competition chairman Danny Leary. “The large number of participants, the images uploaded, and the total amount of benefits received show the commitment of our photographers to improve their work. I am very grateful to see that enthusiasm and excellence.”
Perry Bennett posted 25 shots and 19 earned points of Merit. That score this year and last year helped him win the Actor of the Year award.
“Receiving the POTY honor for the second year in a row is a huge honor,” said Bennett. “I am happy to see my work judged in such a good way and to have such an honorable title given to me by my colleagues and the organization.”
Also, during the meeting, members were honored during the official awards ceremony Saturday evening including PPWV Past President Susie Herndon was recognized with the Joseph Barta Award for service to the organization. Members Mike Maxson and Edwin “Bo” Wriston were recognized for earning the PPA designation as a Certified Professional, and members Ed Conner, David P. McMasters, and Anthony Rumley were awarded Medallion Awards representing 25 or more wins in PPWV competitions.
Individual awards for 2026 include:
Walter E. Johnston Memorial Trophy for best black and white photograph
Dew Drop In White – Perry Bennett
George J. Kossuth Natural Color Award for the best natural color image
Wrapped up in Guiltless – Matt Canterbury
Joseph Blackwood Trophy for the best commercial image
1972 in Blue – David Buckwalter
Best Wedding Candid
His Little Girl Always – Danny Leary
Best Wedding Portrait
Held by His Circle – Jamie Cox
Frank Mauritz Trophy for the best marriage
His Little Girl Always – Danny Leary
Archibald Wallace Memorial Trophy for the best portrait or illustration
In Eclipse of the Blood Moon – David Buckwalter
Phillips/Rittenhouse News Photo Award for best news photo
Crescendo – Perry Bennett
Best Non-Event Album
Soda-licious – Brian Price
James H. Hall Award, given to the best picture by a new entrant
The Road to Dallas – David Buckwalter
Best High School Picture
Off Track – Matt Canterbury
Best Of Animal
The Cost of Freedom – Brian Price
The best Boudoir photo
Desires in the Dark – David Buckwalter
Best Picture for Kids
Wrapped in innocence – Matt Canterbury
A Beautiful Picture of Nature or Landscape
The Road to Dallas – David Buckwalter
The Barbara Sullivan Award for the best open art painting
Put On A Happy Face – Matt Canterbury
Nelson Paden Progressive Photographer, top rated client portrait by PPWV member
Off Track – Matt Canterbury
Dick Phillips Memorial Trophy, the highest award made by a professional photographer
The Road to Dallas – David Buckwalter
The Elite Award of the American Society of Photographers, the highest award for a member of the ASP
Big Ditch Sunrise – Ed Conner
CPP Award-Sponsored by PPA, the image with the highest score by a professional photographer
White Farm – David McMasters
Judges’ Choice Awards
Gwen Meehan – Unfiltered by Danny Leary
David Foltz – He Went Before Us by Anthony Rumley
Fred Morton – Lines Between Light and Shadow
Best President’s Cup
The Road to Dallas – David Buckwalter
Photographer of The Year, awarded to the photographer with the highest score from the top six entries in the previous year’s autumn competition.
Perry Bennett
Top 10 Photographers, as ranked by highest rating.
David Buckwalter
Perry Bennett
Matt Canterbury
Anthony Rumley
Edwin L. “Bo” Wriston
Julius Wiggins
Rodney Patterson
Danny Leary
Brian Price
David P. McMasters
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