Meet the AIBP Visionary Awards Judging Panel

The AIBP Visionary Awards has sought out some of the top photographers and industry professionals with a proven background of excellence to facilitate the judging process.  They hold the highest standards and integrity.  The judging panel is truly dedicated to elevating the individual and the industry though this competition.

Cat Ford-Coates is a portrait photographer and business educator with over a decade of experience building a body of work that sits at the intersection of artistry, identity, and commerce. Founder of The Studio Takeover, Cat has been recognized by GOSS Magazine and CBS, and holds the distinction of Fellow Master Photographer with The Portrait Masters. She is a Judge and Associate with ICON.

Since opening her studio in 2012, Cat has built a reputation for work that doesn’t just capture her subjects, it commands the room. Her business philosophy is simple: photographic excellence and infrastructural excellence are not in competition. They are the same standard, held at the same height.

Christina “Tina” Meerloo

Christina “Tina” Meerloo is an accomplished fine art and boudoir photographer and owner of Meerloo Intimates, a renowned New Jersey studio specializing in intimate portraiture. With more than a decade of experience and an extensive international background in art and art history, Tina blends artistic vision, technical expertise, and storytelling to create beautiful, meaningful imagery.

As co-founder of The Boudoir Class, Tina is passionate about helping photographers elevate their craft and develop their own artistic voice. Her teaching philosophy centers on connection, creativity, confidence, and the feminine gaze, combining practical instruction in posing, lighting, and composition with a deeper understanding of the client experience. Her workshops are designed to inspire photographers of all skill levels to create imagery that feels authentic, empowering, and timeless.

Will Cadena doesn’t just take photographs, he builds brands, systems, and businesses that outlast the moment.

He’s a Westcott Top Pro, Aftershoot MVP, Fundy Storyteller, GraphiStudio Ambassador, and trusted partner of Canon USA, 17hats, Tenba, and few more credentials earned through two decades of consistent, high-caliber work. As a Professional Photographers of America (PPA) Council Board, Will judges international print and image competitions, holding the industry’s work to the same standard he holds his own. That standard recently earned him an invitation most photographers never get: documenting a United Nations–related cultural exchange with the World Cultural Arts Organization (UNWCAO), capturing ChinaAfrica cultural collaboration alongside ambassadors and diplomats.

His lens moves fluently between worlds: commercial campaigns for brands like Christian Dior, Goldman Sachs, UBS, and Walt Disney World, corporate stages, and the raw intensity of fitness and bodybuilding events, always with the precision and business instinct that built five companies spanning photography, fitness events, headshots, and media production.

Lori Unruh Poole

Lori Unruh Poole is a full-time photographer and co-founder of Photo Insight, where she and her husband, Jeff, help creative entrepreneurs build profitable, sustainable businesses with greater clarity and confidence. With more than a decade of experience behind the camera and in the sales room, Lori brings a unique perspective that blends creativity, business strategy, and a deep understanding of client psychology.

Known for her no-fluff, psychology-backed approach, Lori helps photographers turn overwhelm into clear, actionable strategies—and replace guesswork with intentional growth. Her teaching focuses on the real-world challenges photographers face, from sales and client relationships to pricing, profitability, and building a business that supports the life they want.

Lori’s teaching style is approachable, practical, and action-driven. She has a gift for breaking down complex topics into simple, achievable steps, empowering photographers to gain confidence, strengthen their businesses, and ultimately reclaim both their creativity and their bottom line.

Zsa’nee is a multicultural Colorado based photographer with a loud, crazy, and energetic style that refuses to accept rules set by people. With a love and passion for photographing women of all ages, sizes, colors, and backgrounds. She prides herself on helping ladies appreciate their natural beauty.

Beyond photography, Zsa’nee is a proud wife, mother, mentor, speaker, and entrepreneur with a BA in Visual Communications and Digital Design, grounding her creative work in strong academic training.

Zsa’nee’s diverse portfolio includes collaborations with renowned brands and celebrities, such as Pioneer Landscaping, Home Depot, Traillionaires, Jack Daniels, BET, Rocsi Diaz, K. Michelle, VH-1, CHFA, Be Well, Denver International Airport, TWELVE Media, STREET SOURCE Marketing and more.

Zsa’nee’s commitment to teaching and sharing knowledge has positioned her as an ambassador for various brands. Her engaging speaking style has garnered various opportunities such as keynote speaker and presenter at events like Cherry Creek District, Speaker/Instructor at ShutterFest, Glitch, Project Obscura, PPA North Carolina, PPA Dallas, PPA Virginia, Bokeh Academy and more. Her work has been featured in various publications such as Shutter Magazine, Munaluchi Bride, Black Bride, Hair Magazines, and more.

Her commitment to sharing knowledge reflects her belief in the importance of education and mentorship. Zsa’nee’s love for teaching extends beyond the camera, She believes sharing is essential.

Monica Olvera

Monica Olvera, a Mexican photographer with 30 years of experience, specializing in women’s portraiture, boudoir, maternity, and newborn photography.

With more than 15 years of experience in boudoir photography, her work focuses on portraying real women through an elegant, sensitive, and authentic perspective, turning each session into an experience that goes beyond photography.

Throughout her career, she has taught courses and workshops and spoken at photography conferences in Mexico and internationally, training more than 1,200 photographers.

She was a Nikon Mexico Ambassador for five years and currently collaborates with Tamron. She is also recognized as one of the pioneers of newborn photography in Mexico.

Her work has received several national and international awards and recognitions. In 2025, two of her images were awarded by the Association of International Boudoir Photographers (AIBP), including one recognized among the best boudoir images of the year.

Karen Bagley is an internationally award-winning Master Portrait Photographer and Certified Underwater Portrait Artist known for creating bold, imaginative imagery beneath the surface.

As the founder and creative director of Significant Moments Photography, Karen brings together movement, fashion, emotion, and a little bit of magic to create underwater portraits that feel both powerful and completely unforgettable.

For more than a decade, she has also been a speaker and educator in the photography industry, teaching photographers around the world to trust their creativity, strengthen their skills, and create work that truly feels like their own.

Craig Lamere

Craig Lamere is a professional portrait photographer with 15 years of experience and a passion for creating images that are both visually compelling and emotionally meaningful. For the past 14 years, he has owned and operated his portrait studio in Idaho, where he has built a reputation for his artistry, professionalism, and commitment to his clients.

In addition to his work behind the camera, Craig is a dedicated educator and mentor with more than 11 years of teaching experience. He has had the privilege of sharing his knowledge with photographers at leading industry events, including Imaging, WPPI, ShutterFest, the AIBP Retreat, as well as numerous state and local photography guilds. From lighting and posing to workflow and the creative and business sides of portrait photography, Craig brings a wealth of real-world experience and practical insight to every class and workshop.

When he’s not photographing or teaching, Craig enjoys golfing, cooking, and traveling.

ELITE SPONSORS

PREMIER SPONSORS