Rooftop Gallery is proud to host the International Photography Awards [IPA] Best of Show 2013, selected by Susan Baraz.

" I have had the honor of being the Co-Chair of the Lucie Awards since it's inception, 11 years ago. As such, I have been able to travel the World! I've experienced a multitude of different cultures, have been a part of people’s daily lives, their most intimate moments, enraged by unimaginable poverty, cruelty, war and it's devastation.

Through my travels, I've seen close up, countless faces filled with joy and tragedy, amazing animals, both domestic and wild, microorganisms unseen by the naked eye. I have viewed incredible vistas, marveled at breathtaking architecture, and have been frightened by the horrendous effects of climate change.

Yes, I've been fortunate to travel this globe, but it's all been without ever leaving my chair. I've seen it through the world of images submitted to the IPA.

Looking at an amazing image impacts us, draws us in, no matter what the subject. It can change us, and finally expand our own world through another's insight and vision. It's the true power of a photograph.

The works in this Best of Show are outstanding examples of photography's unavoidable ability to startle and impress.
To me, Photography is the real "instant message" to one's soul. I am thankful to be part of photography's global community. "

- Susan Baraz
Director of Photography, atedge
Co-Chair of the Lucie Awards
Head of Judging for IPA
Chair of Focus On AIDS

OUR MISSION AT INT'L PHOTOGRAPHY AWARDS: To salute the achievements of the world's finest photographers, to discover new and emerging talent, and to promote the appreciation of photography.
Please note that the 2014 Annual IPA Competition is now open for submissions:

http://www.photoawards.com/