arabianEye Photographer Gerry O’Leary scooped another coveted accolade in Europe, this time “FEP* 2009 European Commercial Photographer of the Year.” In September Gerry’s image of Dubai International Airport Terminal 3 won “Best Overseas Photographer of 2009 in the British Awards, and automatically qualified for the European Finals. The presentation was made at the FotoMuseum, Antwerp, Belgium, on December 17th 2009.

2000 images from 600 photographers throughout Europe made it to the final adjudication process. They were scored anonymously (on-line) by accomplished judges throughout Europe and the USA. O’Leary, from Ireland, and now based in the UAE, made it to the final 3. He was beaten into 2nd place for the overall title of “European Photographer of the Year” by a Spanish photographer. A Russian photographer came third.

O’Leary is international multi-award winning photographer, specializing in architectural and interior photography. He is one of just two Masters of Architectural Photography within the Eurozone and has a most impressive list of qualifications and accolades to his name.

O’Leary said that receiving the FEP award in the snow-covered Belgian city of Antwerp was an incredible experience. “The Foto-Museum was packed with Europe’s best photographers,” he said. “I was humbled to be among them and honored to receive such a prestigious award in their midst.”

Anita Mehra, Vice President of Marketing and Corporate Communications for Dubai Airports, congratulated O’Leary after the big win. “‘Emirates Terminal 3 is very close to the hearts of the millions of customers who have passed through it since its opening in October 2008,” she said. “Its flawless launch truly set the standards from the very beginning and we always ensure showcasing the facility in its best possible light. With this win, Gerry proves that he is a world class photographer, one we are proud to have partnered with for a world-class facility”

*The FEP (Federation of European Photographers) represents 50,000 photographers in 21 European countries. Professional Photographers must be members of their countries’ professional body of photographers to be allowed participated in the FEP Awards & Qualifications Program.