Harpenden photographer Steve Collins has achieved a prestigious award from The Guild of Photographers for the fifth time.
Steve was awarded membership of the Photographer's Bar - which is for photographers who have successfully had images assessed by the guild over the course of a year, attaining a score that evidences "an exceptional level of professional skill and consistency".
The award was announced at a ceremony in Stoke on Trent earlier this month.
Steve, who is also chair of Harpenden Photographic Society, said: "I’m thrilled to have achieved this distinction for the fifth time.
"Photography is a passion of mine, and it is incredible rewarding to have my skills recognised and rewarded by my peers.
"I am also proud that many of the images submitted into the competition, were taken locally in Hertfordshire, including Rothamsted Park, Godfreys fish and chip shop in Harpenden, St. Albans Cathedral, a double exposure of Harpenden Arms, Hertfordshire’s county flower, the Pasqueflower, and images taken at events last year such as Harpenden Carnival and Herts County Show."
Membership of the Photographers Bar is difficult to achieve - only around 350 photographers have achieved it in the nine years since its inception.
During this time more than 100,000 images have been entered for assessment by photographers from across the UK and overseas.
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The Guild of Photographers' competition attracted thousands of entries in 2022, judged each month by a panel of experts.
Points are allocated to entries and these are totalled at the end of the year, with those who reach the required threshold then awarded membership of the Photographers Bar.
Steven and Lesley Thirsk, the directors of the guild, said: "We are delighted for Steve as this is a great achievement!
"Submitting and having images assessed every month for a year and reaching the required standards to become a member of the Photographers Bar is very demanding. It illustrates his commitment, skill, and consistency.
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"Steve should be immensely proud of what he has achieved."
You can view more of Steve's photography at www.stevecollinsphoto.co.uk.
To find out more about the Guild of Photographers, visit their website at www.photoguild.co.uk.
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