Mobile Photography Awards
14th Annual MPA Grand Prize
We are pleased to award Cerrina Smith of Cheyenne, Wyoming, USA as our 2024 Grand Prize Winner & the 14th annual MPA Photographer of the year.
In a world saturated with endless information, Smith’s work urges us to pause & observe life’s nuances. Embracing a “minimalist” mindset, she steers clear of busy compositions, concentrating on individual subjects that echo with genuineness. By removing distractions, she emphasizes the core of her subjects, fostering a sense of clarity & calm.
Cerrina Smith’s mobile photography reveals an artist with a diverse palette & a deeply convincing, impressive range of subject matter. She was awarded Honorable Mentions in seven MPA categories in 2024. The MPA is thrilled to reward her outstanding work.
Please enjoy this set of photographs from MPA Grand Prize Winner Cerrina Smith. Photographs shot with a a Samsung GalaxyS22.
In Cerrina’s words, “…I am a Training & Curriculum Specialist for the Department of Defence at F.E. Warren Air Force Base & proudly call Cheyenne, WY my home. But my true passion & joy is photography. It is what wakes me up in the middle of the night when I have an “idea” & what makes me brave horrific weather, challenging situations, & awkward positions which gives new meaning to ‘chasing the light.'”
Cerrina’s photography packs an emotional punch that goes beyond just looking pretty. Her images spark nostalgia, self-reflection, & a feeling of connection. Whether it’s a brief moment of happiness or the serene calm of nature, her photos strike a chord, making viewers pause & think about their own memories. This emotional pull highlights her talent as a master visual storyteller.
“…It’s almost non-stop in my head,” Smith said. “I go to bed at night, drive by something, see a building, even a blade of grass that the sun’s hitting a certain way, & I get all excited. It’s a process of where I’m always thinking, & I have these ideas. A lot of my ideas I write down, a lot of things are spontaneous & organic.”
She knows a lot of people will stage a photo. But even if Smith is setting the scene, she waits for the moment where it comes together.
“…Renewal is defined as the replacing or repair of something that is worn out, run-down, or broken. The above photo is a self-portrait representing the many layers of self & how one is always reconstructing & reshaping one’s identity.”
“…It is my desire to ignite curiosity & emotion & to escape the mundane. I am inspired by the west & all of its wild, rugged, untainted, rebellious beauty.”
