European judges giving Colm Kerr's work the thumbs up; the photo depicts the Samuel Beckett Bridge in Dublin.

Kerr photographic talent recognised at international level

The talent of the incoming president of Mullingar Camera Club, Colm Kerr, has been recognised on the international stage.

His work was among 19 successful Qualified European Photographer (QEP) applications submitted to the Federation of European Professional Photographers gathering at Baden, Austria, for their 45th qualification judging session.

The QEP aims to recognise and reward excellence in European professional photographers, and is designed to complement national awards systems. It has created a Europe-wide network of more than 600 certified experts who share a passion and talent for professional photography.

To reach that level, photographer need excellent technical and artistic skills, and, besides that, “a certain wow-factor that sets them apart”.

A QEP application requires a panel of 12 printed and mounted images, all representing the candidate’s chosen field of specialisation. The panel is judged by a jury of five experienced, international judges.

Colm Kerr. Photo by COLM KERR

This time 31 QEP applications were submitted, 19 of which were successful, including that of Colm Kerr, who is a member of the Irish Professional Photographers and Videographers Association (IPPVA). His panel represented the architectural category.

Colm is an award-winning photographer and commercial video producer known for his unique flair for architectural and fine art photography.

Originally trained as an industrial engineer, Colm found his calling in photography in the mid-2000s, drawn by the artistic freedom it offered compared to his previous career.

In 2010, Colm, with his wife Aisling, founded CK Studios, and he is creative director. His work blends technical expertise with an artistic approach, resulting in high-quality visual advertising in industries such as hospitality, corporate, fashion, and lifestyle.

In 2020, Colm was awarded six bronze and three silver medals at the IPPVA Awards for his contributions to architecture, fine art, and commercial photography. He was IPPVA Overall Photographer of the Year 2023 and was honoured as the Fine Art Photographer of the Year 2023. In 2019, Colm received a Gold Medal for the Commercial Videographer of the Year category.

Colm holds an Associateship (AIPF) with both the Irish Photographic Federation and the Irish Professional Photographers and Videographers Association (IPPVA). Colm takes up the role of president in Mullingar Camera Club this coming term.