In March 2025, I was given the award of Children's Photographer of the Year, and runner up Family Photographer of the Year, at the annual Photographers Association of Northern Ireland Awards Ceremony.
I LOVE that my photographs are adored by clients. I know this is true because you come to me again and again with your families and little ones. And you tell me just how much your portraits mean to you! And this really is the most important thing to me.
But to be given an award by a professional organisation is a HUGE honour. It shows that my hard work in forever improving my images is paying off!
I entered the annual PPANI Print Competition at the end of last yea. I carefully chose my favourite images, printed them and trusted a panel of distinguished judges to judge them and award the best with titles and trophies.
I Was A Finalist!
I found out I was a finalist in the New Year, which is so exciting! It means that, out of the hundreds of images submitted, mine had been judged to be among the very best!
It also meant I had to find a dress, and get ready for the annual awards night. It’s always a great night – where professional photographers get together to celebrate each other’s achievements and to catch up. We’re a very sociable bunch, and love an excuse to get together!
The final judging took place in secret so no-one knew who had won, except the team of five talented, international judges who came to Belfast for the occasion!
So at the awards, I knew I was in the finalists in two categories, but could only hope that I’d get an award from them!
Last year I had one image in the finals, and that alone was mind-blowing… so to have two this year felt amazing!
I Only Went and Won…!
In case you can’t tell from the HUGE grin on my face, I was over the moon when I heard my name called out! I was chosen as runner up for the Family Photography category, and WINNER of Children’s Photographer of the Year! How amazing is that??!
I’m so very pleased, and proud of myself. Plus, this gorgeous family has beautiful images to celebrate their gorgeous baby girl’s first year!
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