Potthast Scores a Perfect 100 : Image “Ruby”

Potthast Portrait Earns Perfect Score in Professional Photography Competition

Winter Haven photographer receives top honors for award-winning portrait “Ruby”

WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — Winter Haven photographer C. Michael Potthast of Potthast Studios received top honors for his portrait titled Ruby, earning a perfect score of 100 in professional print competition.

The striking portrait, created almost entirely in shades of deep red, features an elaborate combination of color, texture, lighting and styling surrounding the subject. The image was designed and photographed at Potthast Studios in downtown Winter Haven.

A score of 100 represents the highest possible score in professional photographic competition and is rarely awarded. According to Potthast Studios records, Ruby went on to receive Best of Show honors from the Florida Professional Photographers.

Potthast credits the finished image to a collaborative effort. Lynda Whitney provided the styling for the portrait, while Elvin Velez of Profiles, Etc. Salon created the makeup.

“It wouldn’t be fair not to mention those who help me create these images,” Potthast said when discussing the portrait and the creative process behind his work.

Throughout his career, Potthast’s photography has received recognition at local, state and regional professional photography competitions. His work has also appeared on the covers of Professional Photographer and Florida Professional Photographer magazines.

Ruby remains one of Potthast’s most recognizable fine-art portrait images and an example of his emphasis on lighting, composition and creating much of the finished image in-camera rather than relying heavily on digital manipulation.