International success for snapper

Cowaramup photographer Paul Donegan had another bumper year at Le Grande Photo’s International Photography Awards, with three photographs cleaning up in four categories.

Donegan was overseas, photographing a wedding in Italy, when he learned his shots had once again wowed the judges at the international contest.

“I’d actually forgotten I’d entered it when I got the call,” he said.

“I freaked out; it’s pretty amazing.”

Two pieces were submitted in the advertising category — one of which doubled as a wedding shot — and another was entered in the landscape contest.

The three photographs across four categories were twice named finalists and twice highly commended. The accolades follow the photographer’s success in last year’s competition, in which he was a finalist five times over.

Donegan said two consecutive years of recognition at the international contest were among his career highlights.

However, right at that top of that list remained photographing his son’s birth and becoming an Australian Institute of Professional Photography accredited photographer.

The wedding and press photographer humbly credited the local area’s natural beauty with much of his success.

“I actually couldn’t be happier with where I live and what I do,” he said.

“The quality of light, the landscapes — it’s such a special place down here and makes for awesome pictures.”