In March, 2001 one of his works captured a first place in the American Color Imaging Photo Contest. Among seven categories, he won top honors in the Wedding Party category. This national contest generally has several thousand photos entered annually. Gridley was awarded a cash prize for his first place entry. In Fall 2001, Gary's photo of "Star Lady" also was accepted into the Miller Art Center Fall Show in Sturgeon Bay, WI.

Photographer Gareth Gridley is a member of the Professional Photographers Association of America, a member of the Wisconsin Professional Photographers Association, and of the Professional Photoshop Association of America.