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For over a decade, photographers from around the world have participated in PFRE’s monthly photography contests, culminating in the year-end crowning of PFRE’s Photographer of the Year. With a new theme each month and commentary offered by some of the finest real estate & interior photographers anywhere, these contests offer a fun, competitive environment with rich learning opportunities. 

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Congratulations to Michael Lefebvre - PFRE Photographer of the Year for 2018!

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Published: 17/12/2018

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Congratulations to Michael Lefebvre from Barrington, Rhode Island. PFRE Photographer of the Year for 2018. Michael was the runner up for photographer of the year in 2017 and carried that momentum into 2018 with two photographer of the month wins in March and July.

Below are the top three photographers for 2018 based on the jury's voting:

  1. Mike Lefebvre - Barrington, Rhode Island.
  2. Matt Davis - London, UK
  3. Garey Gomez - Decatur, GA

Congratulations to all the nominees and thank you to everyone who participated in the contests throughout the year. 2018 was a great year and I look forward to another year of contests in 2019. Special thanks to the jurors who take time out of their busy schedules to carefully critique these contests and offer feedback; you help photographers around the world improve their craft!

Here is what Mike had to say about the win:

“For someone who was terrified to even enter one of these contests a few years ago, being named Photographer of the Year 2018 is a colossal honor for me. I’m humbled to be associated with the prestigious list of past POTY winners. The level of talent and enthusiasm in this community is mind-blowing, and I’m grateful to be included with such a passionate and dedicated group of creatives. Frankly, I’m kind of at a loss for words but if you know me, you know I’ll give it a shot (with the next ten paragraphs…)

It seems like it was just yesterday (it was actually late 2010) when I stumbled upon the Photography for Real Estate blog community. At the time, I was still a full-time real estate agent just starting to get bit by the photography bug. I saw a post where Scott, Malia, and Larry were running a contest for beginning real estate photographers. Up for grabs were copies of Scott’s new lighting ebook, copies of Larry’s ebooks, and a listing in the PFRE directory. At the time, I certainly qualified as a “beginner” and thought I’d take a stab at it. To my surprise, I was selected as one of a handful of winners and was awarded the books. Digging into the reading, I was overwhelmed for sure but that day, a fire was lit in my belly that continues to burn feverishly today. My “hobby” turned “obsession" turned “career" and I pinch myself every day because I get to do something I love so much for a living. It’s invigorating to continue to learn and grow with each new project!

Thanks to my friend Tony Colangelo, whose coaching and guidance was the turning point in my photography and business development. Working with Tony provided a quantum leap and breakthrough that I will forever be thankful for. My suggestion to people looking to advance their craft is get a coach, attend a workshop, chase the lessons, pour yourself into the education. Keep shooting relentlessly until the images you create start matching up better with the images you see in your mind. Wash, rinse, and repeat. Finally, please don’t waste your money on gear you don’t need when you’re just starting out!

Thank you to Larry and Brandon for providing and nurturing this forum that has been so instrumental in so many people’s growth and development, including mine. It’s truly a gift to be able to interact with and learn from an international pool of such talented professionals.

Thanks to everyone who has ever commented, critiqued, bashed, or praised my work in the Flickr group. For me, the feedback continues to be one of the most valuable aspects of the community.

Thanks to my loyal tribe of clients who value the blood, sweat, and tears I pour into every image to help make your gorgeous spaces stand out. Without your subject matter, I’ve got nothing to shoot!

And a special thank you to my beloved family, who puts up with Daddy’s sometimes frantic schedule and have supported and loved me every step of the way. You weirdos make it all worthwhile!

A big, hearty “Salud!” to everyone as I close the books on 2018 and start preparing to make 2019 even more remarkable!

"Stay gold, Ponyboy.”

PFRE Photographer of the Year Winners:

Brandon Cooper

16 comments on “Congratulations to Michael Lefebvre - PFRE Photographer of the Year for 2018!”

  1. Huge Congratulations to you Michael! Absolutely well deserved! Also congrats to Matt and Garey for your placements!!

    I also appreciate everyone’s involvement woth this forum and for Larry and Brandon putting so much time and passion into it! It is truly one of its kind and makes all the difference to those involved in Interiors, Architecture and Real Estate photography!

  2. Congratulations Mike! It's very well deserved and great to see how you got there, as I'm sure we can all relate to many aspects of your journey.

  3. A very well deserved win Mike in a really tough field. Your work has the edge for me because of your image quality and treatment of the light. It's hard to put it into words but 'silkiness' is as close as I can manage! Big congratulations to Matt and Gary too for exceptional bodies of work. And thanks to, as ever, to Larry and now Brandon for the gem that is PFRE. All the best for 2019! Hamish

  4. Congratulations, Mike! You've had this coming for a while, and I couldn't be happier for you. Loved reading about your journey, too. You earned it!

  5. Mike Lefebvre! The Sultan of Shadow; the Master of Mood; and now 2018 POTY winner … so very well-deserved! There is no way for me to be prouder of you, Mike. You've worked SO hard at your craft and, more importantly, you've followed your heart to find your own "look," rather than trying to produce images that looked like everyone else's. You've certainly got a signature look -- one that's recognizable the moment we see a thumbnail of one of your photos. More important than all of this, though, you're a great guy and a class act! Congrats again, Mike!!

    A heartfelt congratulations to Matt and Garey for your strong showings … your work, respectively, is very special and I/we look forward to seeing more of it in 2019! Finally, kudos to all the POTM winners this year -- these contests are so hard to win (and getting harder to do so, given the increasing talent we have in our community!)

  6. Mike,
    I am very happy to see someone win that has tapped into the resources at PFRE and who has acknowledged the community on their website etc. Nothing could be better for all of us then to see someone who also gives back take the BIG WIN! Congratulations on being the Photographer of the Year 2018!!
    Warmly,
    Ethan

  7. Huge Congratulations to you Mike. Love how your style has evolved and you have made it your own. Can't wait to hear you on the Shooting Spaces Podcast! (nudge nudge Rich) Haha all the best.

  8. Thanks so much for all the kind words, people! It’s really appreciated. We’ve got a pretty damn talented and inspiring community here! Wishing everyone the best in 2019. Can’t wait to see all the awesomeness to come...

  9. Congratulations to the winners!!! Really wonderful work.
    Interesting to notice how far these images are from the images my clients are expecting from me usually.
    MIke's portfolio is full of image where the light fixtures are not turned on. I love the look yet my clients are telling at me if the fixtures are not turned on.
    And all the compositions show only elements of the room like they are for a magazine and not for selling the house.
    I guess I have to try to educate my clients or find clients who are willing to go to this more artistic route. I have to start experimenting as this is wonderful and seem much less challenging technically that what I currently have to do. Looking forward to more artistic and brighter future.
    Again, congratulation to all 3 of you for the exceptional work you are creating. Admirable!

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