As February comes to a close, it was only a mere three weeks ago!
Well, it’s that time of year
again. My annual visit for the fake tan, the eye lashes and the nails to head off across the country for a fabulously glitzy night out.
This year’s Guild of
Photographers’ Awards night took place at the Crewe Hall in Crewe! After a
slightly faltering start involving temperamental cars, extreme stress levels, an unexpected extra
night at home due to snow and then a full day at Chester Zoo with the family, I wobbled in on sparkly heels, all set to cheer on my
fellow photographers in collecting their awards.
The night was fresh, my dress
was newly pressed, and I was suitably polished. A rarity in itself!
I was absolutely delighted to
pick up the official awards booklet, flick through it and find my gorgeous little
foxy number proudly displayed alongside so many other amazing photographs.
Again! These books are absolutely rammed full of the best images in each genre and for photographers provide some of the best inspiration and 'awwwwww' sounds - they take our breath away. And they are a special treat for those that attend the awards - just getting into the book is tough work in itself!
Following a delicious, but slightly delayed due to a broken oven, meal and
a lovely chat with my awesome table mates (self decided THE best table in the room), it was time for the official business of the
evening – the award announcements.
Truly, I wasn’t expecting the
outcome that came to pass.
First up was the awards for gaining the Photographers Bar.Becoming a member of the Photographer's Bar is a unique distinction
awarded to those photographers who have had images assessed by the Guild
via the Image of the Month competition over the course of a competition
year, attaining a score the equivalent of a point for each entry made.Those who do this will be awarded honorary life membership
of the
'Photographer's Bar' in order to acknowledge the fact they have
submitted strong images consistently throughout the year in competition
judged in accordance with national scoring criteria - a distinction that
is very difficult to achieve!!
My name was announced
second in the list of Bar successes I was over the moon. That was it. I’d had
my moment in the spotlight, and I would go home a very happy Kiwi.
My little fox had been named in the final 10 – and
the company it kept was nothing short of astonishing. I was just so happy to be
there.
So, when the little fox came runner up in
the Baby and Toddler category – that’s second place! I could not believe it. I did have to check with Lesley (in red below who runs the Guild with her husband Steve on the right) to see if there was a mistake!!
And yip, when I got back to my seat, sat down, and realised what had happened in the last few mins, it all got a bit much.
But there was more! I was named
in the top ten international photographers in the babies and bumps category!!! Again was completely NOT expecting it. Although I had achieved it in previous years, it all depends on selecting the right images to achieve the maximum points, something I am not very good at. Not all of my 12 silver image points from the year would count, so I honestly did not think I would have made it in.
Now, the Guild of Photographers is the trade association of
professional photographers in the UK and the competition for image of the month
and image of the year attracts entrants from all over the world, with only the
highest quality images achieving recognition from the Guild. And mine were in
there – right in the running!
Here’s a little excerpt from the press release I had written,
after the event:
“The Guild receives thousands of
image submissions each month across all of the categories,” explains Tina. “In
the babies category alone, they receive between 1,500 and 2,000 images per
month and only a handful of those receive a silver award. There were a very
small number of gold awards given out for the whole year in my category so I’m
over the moon to have received 12 silver awards during 2018.”
Tina has loved photography since she
was a young girl, growing up in New Zealand. Since setting up her photography
business back in 2014, she has developed her speciality of newborn and babies,
investing in specialist training, top of the range equipment and a vast array
of props and clothing.
“It’s no secret that I love my job.
Working with young families and capturing precious moments in the first few
days of a baby’s life is a real privilege – and one I take very seriously,”
continued Tina. “Having my hard work recognised by my trade association in this
way is an incredible feeling.”
Claire Elliott is a judge for the
Guild of Photographers: “Achieving the Bar for a third consecutive year, as
Tina has, is an amazing achievement. It demonstrates her incredible commitment
to maintaining an extremely high standard of newborn and baby photography. I’ve
known Tina for a number of years and there’s no doubt she’s one of the best,
most committed baby and toddler photographers, not only in the UK, but on a
world stage too.”
That’s what they wrote. About me.
So that’s it for another month. See you next time.
Yours, in pictures,
Tina
