Magical Childhood Photography Awards

Your Guide through MCPA

I'm Marta, the brains behind Moose Photoshoots and also the founder and judge of the prestigious international photography competition known as the MCPA Magical Childhood Photography Awards.

My journey into the world of photography dates back to my early years, starting at the tender age of seven when my mother gave me my very first camera. However, it wasn't until 2018 that I ventured into photography professionally.

In 2020, I embarked on a mission to establish MCPA, a platform dedicated to nurturing young, talented photographers. It was born out of a desire to provide them with a space where they could fearlessly promote their work, seek constructive feedback and bask in the glory of their first awards. This endeavour was fuelled by the need for a photography community where professionals and newcomers could coexist harmoniously. I initiated the MCPA Facebook group and laid the foundation for what would soon become a full-fledged competition. Over time, we developed a sophisticated website and welcomed other exceptional photographers to join our judging panel, marking the beginning of a true photography competition.

In late 2002, MCPA expanded its reach with the launch of MCPA Magazine, a monthly publication that resonated with passionate photographers eager to showcase their work to a wider audience. It was clear that MCPA was more than just a competition; it had become a thriving community.

In May 2023, a pivotal moment came when MCPA made the transition to a commercial venture. This move was driven not only by our growth and increasing prestige, but also by the increasing costs associated with maintaining a website, hiring graphic designers, and running a judging platform for voting. These demands, both in terms of financial resources and time, led us to re-evaluate our approach.

In response, we launched an Accreditation Programme, a game changer for photographers associated with MCPA. This programme allows them to achieve Professional and Master levels, earning badges and culminating in the prestigious Master Photographer Trophy. We strongly believe in the intrinsic value of this programme, especially for those just starting out on their photographic journey. It gives them the opportunity to gain invaluable feedback from our esteemed panel of judges, all free of charge.

This narrative is intended to shed light on the evolution of the MCPA, its mission and its commitment to empowering photographers. We warmly invite photographers, new and experienced, to join our remarkable community. We want to motivate and reassure them that their participation is not only rewarding, but also a vital step towards personal and professional growth.

Join us at MCPA and together let's capture the essence of photography's transformative power.

And now, for the very first time, we're embarking on a thrilling journey through all four seasons, spanning three months each, throughout the year. As we stand here today, our summer round is just three days away from coming to a close. The anticipation is palpable, and we're eagerly looking forward to witnessing the exceptional photographs that await us.

by Monika Kowalik