Meet the Judges

Julia Trotti, based in Sydney, Australia, is a celebrated portrait and fashion photographer known for her editorial campaigns, lookbooks, and travel content regularly featured in print and online publications. On her popular YouTube channel, she shares in-depth camera and lens reviews, behind-the-scene tutorials, and creative insight, blending education with artistry to inspire photographers worldwide.

Nirav is an award-winning wedding photographer known for his cinematic yet soulful imagery that honors intimacy, connection, and legacy. With a background in fine art portraiture and a masterful eye for light and composition, he creates photographs that feel deeply personal and emotionally honest. Often described as a calming and caring presence, Nirav brings quiet confidence to every wedding, allowing couples to feel fully present in their most meaningful moments.

Summer Grace is a Los Angeles–based editorial and wedding photographer known for her emotionally rich, film-forward storytelling. She’s also the creator and host of Summer School, a thriving podcast and educational platform and community where photographers dive into creative business strategies, industry insights, and authentic self-expression.

Jon Taylor Sweet is a wedding, commercial, and lifestyle photographer based in Seattle whose work is rooted in celebrating people, stories, and authentic moments. Starting his journey on Instagram in 2012, he has since gone on to capture weddings, proposals, and major campaigns for global brands, while also creating album covers and lifestyle content that inspires creativity. Grateful for the friendships and opportunities photography has brought, Jon approaches every project with passion, gratitude, and a love for capturing life as it unfolds.

Niki Boon is a New Zealand–based family photographer whose raw, bold, and authentic style captures the real chaos and connection of family life. Inspired by the messy, joyful moments of raising her own children, she aims to reframe how we see our world and stand in our truth. Niki’s work has earned international recognition, she's represented by Obscura Gallery (Santa Fe), exhibited worldwide, and won awards such as the IPA People Category and New Zealand Geographic Photographer of the Year.

Alida, the creative mind behind The Nostalgia Series, is a family photographer celebrated for her ability to capture genuine, unhurried moments filled with emotion and meaning. Her timeless, story-driven work has resonated deeply with families and peers alike, earning her the 2024 Narrative International Photography Award in the very category she now returns to judge. With a distinctive vision and proven artistry, Alida brings invaluable insight and heart to the judging panel.

Cheryl Kitchener is a professional photographer and the visionary founder of Unscripted App. Her passion for storytelling, particularly through emotive portraits and immersive outdoor scenes, inspired the app’s creation. With Unscripted, Cheryl empowers photographers with planning tools and creative confidence, helping them focus on capturing unforgettable moments rather than on logistics. Her experiences, like coordinating complex outdoor elopements, shaped the app’s core features and her commitment to supporting artistic growth.