It was a heck of a weekend for both Kenmare-based photographer, Konrad Paprocki, and Castlegregory-based snapper, Caroline Flynn, last weekend, as the two left the annual Irish Professional Photographers and Videographers Association (IPPVA) awards night in Dublin with their arms weighed down by the awards they’d won.
The awards honour the skill, dedication, and talent of photographers and videographers right across the country and are considered one of the most prestigious to win.
First up is Konrad, who was named as the winner of the Classical & Contemporary Wedding Photographer of the Year 2026 award on the night. His stunning photo of a newlywed couple in a boat proved to be the image that helped him stand out in the judge’s eyes.
As well as this, he also finished second in the Curative Wedding Photography category.
Speaking to The Kerryman, Konrad said that it’s a wonderful feeling to be nominated and recognised alongside other amazing photographers.
He added that he was “overwhelmed” to have won as he paid tribute to all of his clients, without whom none of this would have been possible.
“Receiving both awards in a single evening marks a significant milestone, recognizing not only technical excellence but also artistic versatility across different wedding photography styles,” he said, adding that he feels “incredibly grateful and honoured.”
“Winning these awards means a great deal to me because they acknowledge two very different creative approaches. The classical category represents timeless storytelling, emotion, and tradition; the creative contemporary award reflects my passion for modern aesthetics, bold composition, and innovation. To have both sides of my work recognized by such a respected international platform is deeply meaningful,” he continued.
As for Caroline, she received the Special Award for the Single Highest Scoring Image across the entire competition for her beautiful photo of newborn Daire Filan from Tralee. As if this wasn’t enough, Caroline also finished as runner-up in Ireland in the Newborn Contemporary Category as well as third place in the Maternity category.
“What a night! Still on a high from the IPPVA awards and just wanted to thank everyone for all of their lovely messages! I couldn’t have done any of it without my fabulous clients, who I am always so grateful to for choosing me to photograph them, and also to the IPPVA for the awards. The amount of work that goes on behind the scenes doesn’t go unnoticed, and it’s very much appreciated,” she said.
“Amazing achievements that I am very proud of, as the competition is so strong, all of the photographers are unreal and have such talent, it’s an honour to be among them and have so many of them as friends. Thanks also to my wonderful family for always supporting me,” she continued.