SPOA announces 2026 Industry Photo Competition finalists

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The SPOA Industry Photo Competition finalists were announced, celebrating the creative work being made across the profession and recognizing the photographers who continue to elevate the school photography industry year after year.

The Grand Champion winners will be revealed live at the SPOA Summit on June 25th in Raleigh, NC. The Grand Champion will receive a Canon EOS R8 RF24-50mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens Kit, valued at $1,849, courtesy of Canon U.S.A.

Live Event Category: Elementary – High Schools

Chanda Pope – Scholar Snaps

Chelsea O’Connell – Schoolpictures.com

Dave Condit – Inter-State Studio

Laura Alley – Upstate Images

Jonathan Nomberto – Dean Stewart Photography

Tyler Black (x2) – Dean Stewart Photography

Photographer Creative/Open

Bernitki Stradford (x2) – Strawbridge Studios

Cody Clem – Strawbridge Studios

Tony K – Victor O’Neill Studios

Rebekah Shaffner – Dean Stewart Photography

Chris DeCamillo – Upstate Images

Zach Reininger – The Photo Guys

Pre-K – 11th Grade Fall Portrait Traditional

Syd Phillips – Schoolpictures.com

Kenya Kiling – Inter-State Studio

Zach Reininger – The Photo Guys

Pre-K – 11th Grade Spring Portrait

Alexis Sawyer – Geskus Photo

Chanda Pope – Scholar Snaps

Marci Roy – Inter-State Studio

Darshey Clowe – Upstate Images

Kristina Mott (x2) – Upstate Images

Pre-K-8th Graduation Cap and Gown

Stephanie Strahan – schoolpictures.com

Erick Villeda – Strawbridge Studios

Senior Creative/Open

Bernitki Stradford – Strawbridge Studios

Chanda Pope (x2) – Scholar Snaps

Joey Beaher – Inter-State Studio

Agung Fauzi – Victor O’Neill Studios

Erin Fesmire – Visual Image Photography

Senior Indoor Casual

Chanda Pope – Scholar Snaps

Jonathan Nomberto – Dean Stewart Photography

Kristina Mott – Upstate Images

Jack Upton – Strawbridge Studios

Senior Lifestyle/Environmental

Chanda Pope – Scholar Snaps

Nora Russell – Visual Image Photography

Emma Rae Gerwen – Visual Image Photography

Kailan Carter (x2) – Visual Image Photography

Senior Indoor Formal/Cap and Gown

Morgan Graham – Strawbridge Studios

Jonathan Nomberto – Dean Stewart Photography

Chris Overby – Upstate Images

Maggie Winchell – Upstate Images

Jack Upton – Strawbridge Studios

Sports PK-11th Grade Individual School Environment/Location Portrait

Dylan Robbins (x2) – Strawbridge Studios

Cody Clem (x2) – Strawbridge Studios

Madison Meyer – Upstate Images

Todd Diefenderfer (x2) – Strawbridge Studios

Sports PK-12th Grade Group Composite

TJ Collins – Schoolpictures.com

Allie Pete – Schoolpictures.com

Anthony Terlizzi – Schoolpictures.com

Dakota Healy – Upstate Images

Tomisina Collopy (x2) – Strawbridge Studios

Sports PK-12th Grade Team Traditional

Chris Elam – Dorian Studio

Allie Pete – Schoolpictures.com

Christina Kallis – Schoolpictures.com

Suzy Ringenberg – Inter-State Studio

Peter Kramer– Geskus Photo

Madison Meyer – Upstate Images

Written by 

Gary Pageau is principal of InfoCircle LLC, continuing his marketing communications career. InfoCircle LLC is a marketing and communications consulting firm, specializing in business-to-business markets. For nearly 25 years, he was with PMA International, serving most recently as Publisher, Content Development and Strategic Initiatives. His primary responsibilities included overseeing the Association’s editorial department, marketing research unit, education and corporate relations department.