Dayton photographer wins huge international award and $25K grant from Sony

Selected from more than 6,000 highly qualified applicants from North America, a local photographer was selected as an “Alpha.”

Megan Allen, born and raised Daytonian and owner of and photographer for Studio 22 Photography, was chosen as a recipient of Sony's Alpha Female Creator-in-Residence Program Contest.

You will probably recognize Allen’s work if you remember the iconic Dayton wedding photograph with the newlywed couple embracing with flames roaring in the background from a fire at an abandoned building.

“It’s been a very, very cool year. I feel so blessed for the opportunities that have been manifesting lately,” Allen said.

"Women make up the majority of the U.S. and Canadian populations and yet are significantly under represented in the professional imaging field," said Jennifer Geddy, head of digital marketing at Sony Electronics. "The Alpha Female initiative provides a pathway to empowering more women photographers and videographers through a combination of mentorship and financial support. ... We are extremely excited to welcome our talented Alpha Female winners and look forward to collaborating with them."

Credit: Megan Allen of Studio 22 Photography

Credit: Megan Allen of Studio 22 Photography

The five winners Sony selected received a six-month grant of $25,000 in funds, $5,000 in Sony digital imaging product allowance, a mentorship pairing with one of Sony's high-profile Artisans of Imagery and much more. The application process involved a written portion, portfolio work and also a one-minute video including a detailed business plan as to how Allen could use the $25,000 for her company.

>> BEST OF DAYTON: Nominate your favorite photographer for Best of Dayton

This only adds to Allen's impressive accomplishments. She was already a six-time international award winner of the Fearless Photographer award. Every four months, the Fearless Awards select about 1 percent of the 10,000 submissions they receive. "Above the contest, though, all of the photographers are committed to giving back to the community, both locally and on a global scale," Allen said. "It's a huge family and while the awards are coveted, the friendships and camaraderie I've built with people I'd have never otherwise met is why I am part of the group. There's simply nothing else like it in the industry."

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