North West Environmental Portrait Photographer of the Year 2008

I can't believe I am writing this - last night was the annual awards dinner for the North West BIPP (British Institute of Professional Photographers) and MPA (Master Photographers Association). I had succeeded in getting some of my photographs through to the finals, which I was really pleased about.

After hearing the results I am now really excited! I won the Gold Award for Environmental Portraits (also known as lifestyle portraits), which means I am Environmental Portrait Photographer of the Year 2008!  I am particularly excited because I just love lifestyle portraiture, and photographing people in their natural environment, be that at their home or out somewhere that means something to them, so it means a lot to get this award and to be recognised by my peers as being particularly skilled in this style of photography.

I also won 3 merit awards - 2 in Environmental Portrait and 1 in Fashion.

Here's the photograph that got me the Gold Award, taken on Birkdale Sands, Southport.

And thanks to Ian Stewart for taking this photograph of me with my award, certificate and winning image.