Phoenix Photographer Selected as Finalist for Shutterstock International Contest

PHOENIX - Sept. 21, 2013 - PRLog -- Scottsdale pet photographer Susan Schmitz of A Dog’s Life Photography has been selected as one of the 26 finalists for the “Shutterstock Stories” Creative Grant Program.  The International contest, part of Shutterstock’s 10th Anniversary Celebration as the leading global provider of digital imagery, attracted entries from artists in 39 countries and 5 continents.  Winners will be selected by a panel of creative experts and a “People’s Choice Award” will allow the general public to vote for their favorite entry at www.shutterstock.com/stories by Monday, September 30th.  

Schmitz, whose work was voted “Best in the Valley” by Phoenix Magazine in 2010 and 2012, was notified of her selection on September 19th.  “I’m thrilled to be part of this amazing group of artists. We hope that Shutterstock will “throw us a bone” by awarding us a creative grant.  This would go a long way in helping me to grow my rescue group photo program,” says Schmitz, who had to submit a video and corresponding story about her work for the contest announced earlier this year The finalists include photographers, filmmakers and illustrators from Africa, Asia, Europe, North America and South America.  

Shutterstock will award a total of $75,000 to the winning photographers to be announced on October 8th. The general public can view the submitted video’s and photos of all the finalists and vote once daily for “The People’s Choice Award” winner through September 30th.  

Schmitz, owner of Photo Fusion Studio in Scottsdale, a cooperative of leading area photographers, is the only Arizonan to be selected.  Her pet photography division called “A Dog’s Life Photography,” produces high quality images used by advertising agencies and manufacturers nationwide.Through her work she often assists local rescue organizations with finding placement for pets and is a staunch believer in animal rights.  

For more information on Susan Schmitz, visit www.photofusionstudio.com and www.adogslifephoto.com or call (480) 237-9933.  Photo Fusion Studio is located at 7127 E. 6th Avenue in Scottsdale.