And the winner is…
I am both excited and delighted to announce that this week I earned the distinction of winning not one but TWO Bronze Awards in the Guild of Professional Photographers ‘Image of the Month’ competition.
Winning awards isn’t something that I ever think about when I’m photographing a newborn session. My focus is purely on ensuring the baby is happy and safe and capturing a wonderful selection of images for my clients.
But once the session is over and the editing process begins I can’t help but let out a little squeal when I realise one of those images is extra special.
Having the courage to share that work with the esteemed judging panel at the Guild – the highly respected association of photographers – to be assessed is something else entirely.
I’ve been a member since 2014, when I opened my newborn and baby photography business, but this was only the second time I have ever entered the Image of the Month competition. The first was a rushed affair, where I learned not to leave things until one minute before the deadline! But it took me another year to put my work up for scrutiny again, and I am thrilled I did.
The competition attracts entries in a range of categories from photographers all over the UK, with more than 1,200 images submitted in January alone.
National competition
Because I specialise in newborn baby photography it is extremely important to me that my work earns recognition in this field.
Both of my winning images were taken during a newborn session with an 11-day-old baby girl at my home studio in Isleworth.
Whether the baby slept like a dream or barely caught a wink of sleep during the session is irrelevant to the panel who judge the Newborns and Babies category. Instead they are looking at four key ingredients:
- subject and story-telling
- composition and creativity
- lighting
- technical and post-production excellence
Stronger images will draw the eye in, hold the viewer’s interest and show control and use of light to enhance the subject. They must also demonstrate a high standard of technical ability.
As Guild director Lesley Thirsk says: “Bronze Bar images are something to be proud of.
“These are of a strong standard at national competition level.”
Rewarding
To say that I am proud of this result is an understatement. When I logged in to check the results, I was so nervous. I was hoping and praying for my first bronze bar, but never expected to be awarded two!
Because I am always looking for ways to enhance my skills, I undergo regular training to develop my expertise in the art, craft and profession of photography. Now I plan to enter the Image of the Month competition throughout the year ahead.
Who knows? Next time I might even secure my first gold or silver award!
I truly love my job and find it so rewarding to be part of this special period in a family’s life. If you would like your own photo session, to capture precious memories of your unique family, I would love to hear from you. Tell me here what your goals for a photography session are and together we will help turn your dream into a reality.
On the other hand, if you appreciate my art and know someone who is expecting a baby in 2017, I’d love it if you would share this post with them.
