Schade celebrates major photo wins

Sun City resident and longtime member of the Sun City Photography Club Sophia Schade is earning recognition both internationally and closer to home after her striking image, “In the Fog of an Alabama Morning: Thousands of Sandhill Cranes,” captured first place, Best of the Month for January 2026, in the Global Photographers Network Online Awards, an international competition drawing photographers from around the world.

Schade’s success continued with an exceptional showing at the 2026 Carolinas’ Nature Photographers Association Members’ Choice Awards, announced during the organization’s annual convention in February in Columbia, South Carolina. Competing at the highly competitive Tier 1 level, she achieved what was described as an “unprecedented six winners” across multiple categories. The ribbons were awarded through the CNPA Members’ Choice competition and voted on by the full CNPA membership representing all 13 regions in North Carolina and South Carolina.
Her four first-place Tier 1 awards included “Moon Rise” (Artistic), “Flower in Water Drop” (Small Stuff), “Reflection — Aiken, S.C.” (Landscape), and “Having Fun with Water Drops” (Birds). She also earned a second-place Tier 1 award for “Magical Morning” (Landscape) and a third-place Tier 1 award in the Birds category for “Lunch Time.”

Adding to her international accomplishments, Schade also received an International Gold Medal from the Photographic Society of America at the Sri Lanka 3rd International Gathering, highlighting the global reach of her work.

Schade moved to Sun City from Atlanta about 10 years ago and says photography was not a serious interest before arriving. She joined the Sun City Photography Club about three years later and credits fellow members with helping her build the technical foundation that launched her photography journey. From there, curiosity and daily practice helped her develop her own style and approach behind the camera.

Over the years, Schade has also shared her knowledge with fellow photographers through classes and club programs. She has served the Photography Club as PR chair for six years, Creative Vision PR chair for four years, Nikon SIG leader, speaker chair for two and a half years, and an instructor of numerous classes, including iPhone photography.

Wildlife photography, particularly birds, soon became a favorite subject. She credits fellow photographer Rich Matheny, also a member of the Sun City Photography Club, with helping her better understand bird behavior and said, “Most importantly, he taught me to trust my instincts.”

Her photography journey began simply with an iPhone before she later invested in Nikon equipment. Even today, she says smartphones remain valuable tools for travel and spontaneous moments when carrying a full camera system may not be practical.

“When I’m behind the lens, everything else disappears. I’m fully present,” she said. Photography allows her to tell a story — sometimes the subject’s story and sometimes her own emotions reflected in what she sees.

Schade says great photography often comes down to patience, observation and mastering the fundamentals of the craft. She encourages photographers to focus on the elements that bring images to life.

“Light matters. Small details matter. Learn your camera and truly understand it. Study your subject and what it is doing. Be patient. And most importantly, find your own voice,” she said.

Those principles have guided her journey from a beginner with an iPhone to an award-winning photographer whose work is now recognized internationally. As Schade often reminds fellow photographers, the real magic of photography happens when patience meets the right moment.

“Where patience turns into magic.”

Residents interested in learning more about the Sun City Photography Club, the organization that helped launch Schade’s photography journey, can visit them online at pcschh.org.