In a surprising result, the 27th annual Bali photography awards named Jimmy Suewatto as the prize winner for best wedding photography in Bali. Pundits were outraged when Suewatto won the award over a popular rival who had the support of key figures in the Bali photography community. In a public forum address, the young wedding photographer was publicly criticised for having unfair advantages given he had access to superior camera technology and photo development processing than his amateur competitors.

The event’s organisers concluded that being a professional wedding photographer should be no barrier to winning acclaim for excellent Bali photography. Suewatti responded to criticism by saying:

I don’t know what all the fuss is about. I take photos of married couples on a trip to Bali for their wedding and honeymoon. I don’t see how being good enough to afford better cameras should prevent me from taking great Bali wedding photos.

What’s your opinion on this topic? Should the Bali photographer be allowed to keep his award? Should he sponsor his competitors with better equipment? Have your say!