HOLLY RIDGE— Jeff Wenzel, owner and photographer at Above Topsail, has been awarded first place in the Children/Babies Portrait category at the annual Professional Photographers of North Carolina (PPNC) photo competition. Competing against more than 250 entries across various categories, Jeff's winning image is a striking black-and-white portrait of his son, Deacon.

The photograph was originally a test shot in Jeff's studio in Holly Ridge.

"I asked my son to stand in my portrait studio and let me take some test shots to ensure my lighting was locked in before the high school senior arrived," Jeff recalled. "I took one picture, looked at the back of my camera, and dismissed my son. It wasn't until I was reviewing the images from the senior's session that I noticed just how good that throwaway test image was. I cropped it, made it black and white, and texted it to my wife."

The response was immediate and heartfelt.

"My heart just melted!" Lindsey replied, confirming to Jeff that he had captured something extraordinary.

Jeff's goal as a photographer and artist is to evoke emotion with every image.

"When people see my work, I want them to feel something," he said.

This image, which began as a simple lighting test, has grown into an award-winning portrait that connects deeply with viewers.

Jeff received the award at PPNC's annual award presentation in July. His studio, Above Topsail, located at 301 US HWY 17S, Suite 2, Holly Ridge, NC 28445, offers a range of photography services including high school senior portraits, family sessions, sports portraits, and business headshots, as well as Topsail landscape artwork and custom picture framing.

For more information, visit www.jwportraitstudio.com or contact Jeff directly at 910-803-1759.