It’s been a crazy, wonderful, beautiful, busy year, and though it has not reached the end, I feel like I have received the best ever christmas present.

A week ago I was at the Professional Photographer of the Year 2013 awards night, in Cheltenham (Hair straightened, dress on, and a little bit of heel too. Very different to my usual crazy haired through a bush backwards appearance) to be awarded with my winners trophy.

It was a fabulous night, and I have to say now that I felt the standard of work was incredible, and it was a real honour to be included. For me, always the bridesmaid, a perfectionist with a dose (verging on unhealthy) of imposter syndrome, this kind of spotlight is not always a comfortable place to be, but tonight it just wasn’t like that.

I met and talked to such delightful and talented photographers, and people involved in the business. I shared drinks with the glitterati and the paparazzi – well ok, getting carried away here. I talked to people who I admire and who when it comes down to it are just like you and me.

The winning photo for the Lifestyle section is ‘Poppy’ I took it as I was about to go on a shoot. I went upstairs, Poppy was sitting and reading, but the light on her was so beautiful, that I ran down to get my camera (Nikon D800) and already with lens ready (135 2f) I took the picture just as Poppy looked up. The shoot afterwards went well, and it was when I edited the pictures – Poppy’s picture stood out.

I feel fortunate to be able to do what I love, I try to do the very best of jobs
and occasionally it is tough and lonely out there, and it is easy to loose the faith. Lots and lots of great photographers out there all working their socks off, and for me and the need to push forward with business and to look after the family can be a little stressful occasionally. ( I have even got a well hidden bald patch because of it). This award has been timely and I will look onwards and upwards.

So thank you Professional Photographer Magazine for a wonderful evening, and it was great to meet you all. Lovely also to chat to Kate Hopewell Smith, and Catherine Conner, both fabulous and influential people in our business. (and they were particularly fabulous last Thursday).

I am so pleased for Mike Deere, a well deserved overall winner and all round lovely bloke too.

and a big thank you to the lovely Peter Zelewski winner of the 50mm section for taking my picture above.

and mostly

Thank you to Poppy x