In a remarkable achievement for the local photography community, Liz Dranow, a dedicated pet photographer from Park City, has been honored as the Photographer of the Year by the Intermountain Professional Photographers Association (IPPA). The prestigious award was presented during the IPPA's annual photography competition held in November 2025, where Dranow's artistry shone through amidst fierce competition from 24 other photographers who submitted nearly 200 images across 11 categories. Dranow's collection of award-winning photos included two first-place awards, alongside a second and third place, all featuring beloved pet dogs. This impressive accomplishment reflects her commitment to capturing the essence and beauty of animal companions, a passion she channels through her business, Time Punk Pet Photography. "Winning this recognition is incredibly fulfilling, especially after the hard work and dedication I've put into my craft over the years," Dranow said, expressing her gratitude for the recognition. The rigorous judging process for the competition involved five Master Judges trained by Professional Photographers of America, who evaluated the submissions based on the critical 12 Elements of a Merit Image. These criteria include visual impact, composition, lighting, technical excellence, storytelling, and more. Dranow's ability to meet these demanding standards is a testament to her growth as a photographer. Dranow, who also works as a biostatistician at the University of Utah's School of Medicine, has been expanding her photography skills through a three-year pet photography course offered by Unleashed Education. Her dedication to improving her technical abilities has paid off, as demonstrated by her award-winning photos. One of her first-place images, titled "Symbiosis," features a dog named Ludo on Antelope Island at sunset. The photograph captures Ludo in a majestic pose, gazing over the lake with Fremont Island silhouetted in the background. Dranow described the moment, saying, "He was just standing up there looking all majestic. I played around with the depth of field to capture him in focus while still showing the landscape behind him." The composition evokes a sense of exploration and connection to nature, aligning with the theme of symbiosis between humans, pets, and the environment. As Dranow articulated, "We can't exist without the lake… Just as we can't exist without our dog." This deeper meaning is what she strives to convey through her work. In addition to "Symbiosis," Dranow's other first-place photo, titled "Devotion," showcases a poignant moment between a man and his dog during an end-of-life session. Although initially critiqued for certain technical flaws, the emotional bond captured in the image resonated with the judges, ultimately earning it first place in the male portraiture category. Dranow reflected on the session, noting, "The connection between them was so strong, even in their shared aging. I knew when I got the shot that it was something special." Her other award-winning images, "Warmth on Winter’s Shore" and "Lift-Off!"—which won second and third places, respectively—further highlight her talent in capturing the essence of canine companions in various settings. "Warmth on Winter’s Shore" features a dog standing at the edge of a tranquil lake, while "Lift-Off!" captures the joy of a dog leaping into the snow. These images not only showcase her technical skill but also her ability to evoke emotion and narrative through her photography. Dranow's journey as a photographer has been significantly influenced by her involvement with the Park City Photography Club, which meets monthly to foster a supportive community of photographers. "The club has been instrumental in my growth, providing both inspiration and constructive feedback," Dranow said. She encourages anyone interested in photography to join the club, emphasizing its welcoming nature. The recognition of Photographer of the Year marks a significant milestone in Dranow's career, one that reflects her hard work, perseverance, and passion for her craft. As she continues to explore the intersection of pet photography and the natural world, Dranow's future endeavors promise to further enrich the local photography scene. For those looking to witness her artistry firsthand, Dranow's work is available through her business, Time Punk Pet Photography, where she continues to immortalize the bonds between pets and their owners. Overall, Liz Dranow's achievement serves as an inspiring reminder of the power of dedication and creativity in one's craft, showcasing the beauty of the human-animal connection through the lens of a camera.