ABOUT JUDY REINFORD

Judy Reinford M. Photog., M. Artist, CR., CPP, MAI; PPA Diamond Photographer Of The Year 2026; ISAP Photographer Of The Year 2026; 13 X Gia Finalist

Judy's passion for photography began when she was just six years old. She vividly remembers spending hours in the darkroom with her grandpa, the gentle glow of the red light casting a warm hue over the developing images. There was something magical about watching photos come to life in the developing tray. Her grandpa’s instructions, “don’t turn the light on,” and the silent anticipation as the image emerged, left a lasting impression on her. That early experience in the darkroom sparked a fascination with the art of capturing moments and transforming them into visual stories.

In 1989, Judy graduated from Kutztown University with a BFA in Communication Design and Fine Art Photography. She began her career in photography at Hess’s department store, photographing everything from China to jewelry to bed linens. Judy's interest in pet, equine, and zoo photography developed through her involvement in PPA print competitions. This led to a passion for fundraising and donating her finished work to zoo gala silent auctions. Judy’s studio specializes in pet and equine photography, offering on-location or studio sessions (though they haven't had a horse in the studio yet—just dogs). Her services include digital mixed-media paintings and fairytale composites of both pets and people. Over the past three years, horses have become a significant passion for Judy. She resumed horseback riding in the summer of 2020 and finds photographing these gentle giants, either alone or with their owners, a rewarding experience. In 2023, Judy embraced the future by becoming an educator in the field of
AI, teaching the positive aspects and potential of this technology. She is excited to explore how AI can enhance creative processes and push the boundaries of traditional photography and digital art. This new area complements the extensive Photoshop techniques already covered in her online and in-person workshops. I see the future of photography and art evolving rapidly with the integration of advanced technologies like AI. These tools are opening up new possibilities for creativity and expression, allowing artists to push boundaries in ways that were previously unimaginable. I believe that AI will become an integral part of the artistic process, enhancing our ability to create, edit, and share our work. In this evolving landscape, I hope to be someone on the cutting
edge of these advancements, helping to educate and guide students in using AI in a safe and beneficial way. My goal is to demonstrate the positive potential of AI in art and photography, helping others to see the good it can bring to our creative endeavors. By incorporating AI into my workshops and teachings, I aim to provide students with the
knowledge and skills they need to leverage these technologies effectively, fostering a new generation of artists who are both innovative and responsible.

Committed to wildlife conservation, Judy serves on the board of Churchville Nature Center in Pennsylvania. During the summer, she raises monarch butterflies and maintains a certified Monarch Waystation and pollinator garden, combining her love of photography with hands-on conservation.