(PRLEAP.COM) June 20, 2014 – It's THAT time again Photographers! The 2014 American Photographic Artists Awards Photo Competition has arrived. This event is open to artists from around the world. Members and non-members alike are invited to submit their best work for an excellent chance to win amazing prizes including a Canon camera, software and professional business support. All entries must be submitted by June 27th. So don't hesitate, as you might miss out.

"The APA Awards carry a lot of weight in the photographic and creative communities - it's one of the must enter contests," says 2013 APA Award Best of Show winning photographer Kevin Steele. 31 winning images will be chosen based on creative expression and technical excellence. Categories include Portrait, Action, Fine Art/Personal, Conceptual, Fashion, Landscape, Architecture, Still Life, Lifestyle/Wedding, and Student.

This is a great opportunity for you to advance your career and gain international exposure. The competition's impressive panel of judges features top creative directors, art producers, art buyers, photo editors and gallery owners. Get your images in front of the people that matter. They can't hire you if they don't see your work. APA AWARDS winners will gain a variety of valuable marketing opportunities and will benefit from APA's vigorous promotion of the competition and its chosen images. Additionally, winners will enjoy that most cherished of professional assets: EXPOSURE.

"Winning Best of Show led to plenty of recognition and I received lots of kudos and feedback, but most importantly it lifted me up in the eyes of clients and future clients," says Steele. "The winning photograph happens to be one of my personal favorites, and if I continue to be hired to shoot what I love, there is nothing better."

Reasons to Enter

The APA AWARDS is one of the most respected and prestigious photo contests in the world. Advance your career and gain international recognition with an APA AWARDS selection. All selections are promoted via email blasts to 15,000 creatives throughout the year. Prizes provided by APA partners will make you more succesful. A professionally printed book of all of the winning images is delivered to the top 5 dozen creatives, nationwide. A gallery containing your winning images will be viewable online for an entire year. See last year's winners. Best of Show winner receives the coveted APA AWARDS crystal trophy. Winners receive a professionally designed APA AWARDS WINNER banner for use on websites and other marketing materials. The APA Awards is our most important fundraising event. Proceeds help advance APA's core mission of promoting and protecting photographers' rights, advancing supportive national legislation, and providing a wide range of member benefits. Support APA by entering the APA AWARDS today. The APA Awards Photo Contest call for entries runs through June 27, 2014. Click here for further information.

About American Photographic Artists (APA)

The American Photographic Artists (apanational.org) is a leading national organization run by and for professional photographers. With a culture that promotes a spirit of mutual cooperation, sharing and support, APA offers outstanding benefits, educational programs and essential business resources to help its members achieve their professional and artistic goals. Headquartered in Santa Fe, New Mexico with chapters in Atlanta, Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, San Diego, San Francisco, Charlotte, the Northwest, Washington, DC, and APA Editorial Photographers, APA strives to improve the environment for photographic artists and clear the pathways to success in the industry. Recognized for its broad industry reach, APA continues to expand benefits for its members and works to champion the rights of photographers and image-makers worldwide.

CONTACT: APA National Executive Director Juliette Wolf-Robin executivedirector@apanational.com