And the winner is...

Unfortunately not me! I’m not the winner. BUT...and I am still in shock when I say this...I came second in the Children category of an International Professional Photography society, The SWPP. When I attended the awards night in London this weekend I was humbled just to have a nomination in the category. I was so excited I even bought a dress for the event. And those of you who know me know that I'm not one for wearing dresses so it really does have to be a special occasion. As I sat and watched the slideshow of nominated images I was convinced that a nomination was all that I was going to have. The quality of the images and the stature of the photographers in the room was astounding, many reaching levels which I aspire to. 

When the time for the winners to be announced came around and third place was awarded I believed that I was definitely out of the running, so it was a good job i was sitting down when I heard the words "...and in second place, Heulwyn Roberts..." and saw the image I created of my youngest son flash up on the screen behind the presenters. Shock, humility, excitement were only a few of the emotions I was feeling at the time.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank those who have believed in me and helped me on my journey. To Damian and Lesley McGillicuddy for the mentoring and friendship, to my son Lachlan for putting up with my requests for his time, to my friends for their encouragement and to all the photographers who's workshops I have attended for sharing their knowledge so freely. And finally to the Jones family for running the amazing organisation that is The SWPP.

Exciting News!

I have some exciting news. This image was awarded a highly commended award when I entered it into The Societies of Photographers monthly competition so I was thrilled to find out at the weekend it had been upgraded to a Gold. I am super stoked to find out that it has now been nominated in the Childrens category for PhotographeroftheYear Award. A big thank you to the judges, Damian McGillicuddy for the mentoring, my son for being ever patient with me while I sit him in front of my lens and OlympusU K for a great camera and selection of lenses. Now to wait for the awards ceremony in January to find out how I do. Wish me luck.

Paws for thought

It seems like less than a year and forever since I've had my pets. A contradiction I know but I'm sure you know what I mean. A memory popped up on Facebook of Grunge, my collie, the other day reminding me what a ball of fluff she was as a puppy. To be honest she's still a ball of fluff but just much bigger!  The memory was 3 years old and I really couldn't believe how that time had passed so quickly. They are all so much a part of the family but I hardly have any good photographs of them, yes I have the blurry quick snaps we all take to post on social media but something a bit more classical...nope, nada, nag oes!

So I set out to get some shots of them all using a simple background and some simple lighting. I'm really pleased with these and can't wait to print them out large and hang them on my walls.

The is one portrait missing from this collection. We did have another cat who went missing a while back. A big black and white tom cat called Punk. The photo's I have are him are awful and my regret is not having a great picture to remember him by. 

But this doesn't just go for animals. How many time have you lost a loved one and regretted not having an image to remember them by? When they are gone photographs are one of the last things that link us to that person or that pet. 

So before it's too late, get those pictures and spend quality time with those you love.