LOCAL FAVORITE SHOOT THE MOON PHOTOGRAPHY WINS HIGHEST HONOR WITH METROPARENT MAGAZINE

MILWAUKEE (May 18, 2009) -- The Parenting Publications of America (PPA), whose many parenting publications are available across the county and around the world, recently hosted their annual awards convention in New Orleans, LA, where excellence in journalism, photography and design were celebrated.

In all, over 1,000 entries were reviewed and the first place design award was bestowed to MetroParent Magazine for their February 2008 cover, which was shot by local Joy Vertz, founder of Shoot the Moon Photography.

"I am honored to have helped MetroParent win such a distinguished award," says Vertz. "It may be one cover that won, however there are many people working on the other side of the camera to make it happen. It's a feather in all of our caps to be able to say we won a PPA first place."

The judges, comprised of industry professionals shared their comments about the winning cover.

"This cover is close to perfect, with vibrant but matching colors, elegant typography, excellent hierarchy with teases, and a charming subject. The child's posture leads viewers' eyes from the teases to the subject's face. Her expression is endearing. It is a truly wonderful cover."

Established in 1988, the PPA strives to provide publications as a unique resource for parents, educators, professionals and child care providers, by supplying information on what to do and where to go with children in their own town, school district and neighborhood.

"The purpose of the PPA awards competition is to encourage a high level of journalistic performance and service to communities by recognizing editorial excellence and outstanding visual presentation in parenting publications," said PPA Executive Director C. James Dowden.

Shoot the Moon Photography has distinctive fine art portraiture studios in Mequon and Delafield Wisconsin, and has been named Milwaukee's top photography studio by WISN Channel 12's A-List for 2007 AND 2008. One of the largest and most upscale studios in the Midwest, the studio offers unique, photojournalistic portrait sessions for maternity, infants, children, seniors, families, and weddings. Shoot the Moon also provides distinctive services including artist renditions; custom handbags, jewelry, stationery, and greeting cards; as well as private runway experiences.