Photographic recognition and awards
Each month I enter a number of my images into monthly competitions run by the Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers (SWPP) and The Guild of Photographers (GPP).
The images shown below have all been awarded a bronze or silver by these associations. These awards recognise not only technical excellence, but also the ability of an image to tell a story, portray a mood and connect with the viewer.
Winner of national "Great British Place" Photography competition run by
"Great British Life"
In April 2010, I entered an image taken in the UK of a mountain biker above Constantine Bay into a national online photographic competition run by Great British Life to find images depicting great British places. The image was shortlisted from over 400 images entered on a national level to the last 10. Then the image went on to be placed 3rd overall. I was thrilled that the quality and unique nature of this image had been recognised.
Winner of Arlington Heights Almanac photo contest
In November 2008, a number of my photos were entered in the Arlington Heights Almanac photo contest. This publication has a circulation of around 80,000 city residents, and the competition was judged by three professional photographers in the NW Chicago land area in the USA.
Category 2 - Action
Winner: Charlotte Bellamy
From the panel: Personally, I love everything about this shot (the rest of the panel did, too). Composition is wonderful, and the action is clear. We liked how the child is through more than half of the photo, so you see not only where he is running to, but also where he's been. Lighting is perfect—if you look at the shadows, you can tell the shot was taken in late afternoon, which is a perfect time for flattering lighting on people.