I'm now a Portrait Master!

I began taking photos at nine years old, but I didn’t do a proper qualification in photography until 30 years later! I used photography during my Art A Level; Art Foundation and Fine Art degree, but it was never something I really had a handle on beyond point and shoot and hope for the best. Obviously, all those hours and thousands of images I took taught me lots subconsciously, about composition and interaction and capturing moments, but I felt I was missing out on not really knowing how I was doing it.

So, when I was pregnant with Child No 3, I took a Professional Photography Course and learnt how to use my camera properly. I then spent the next 10 years honing my craft, using my family and children as my target practice.

 When I discovered the Portrait Masters Awards in 2020, I thought I would submit to see how I fared. I didn’t expect to get any awarded photographs at all, but I was pleasantly surprised when my images made the grade, meaning my ‘work was of high professional standard’.

 When you work in an industry where anyone can set up as a photographer, you can feel a bit of a fraud, so I was pleased to get an endorsement, from such a prestigious academy.

I then decided to work for my Associate so I could become an Accredited Member of the Portrait Masters. They hold awards twice a year and I have rarely missed a round. You can find out more here: https://theportraitsystem.com/awards/

51 Bronzes and 1 Bronze with a Distinction later, I have done it. Sooner than I thought, considering I have never actually shot for the awards. Everything I have submitted has been work I’d already had.

 You can see some of my awards on my website here: https://www.charlottewebbphotography.com/awards

 What’s next? Well, I’ve got the bug and now I’ll try to up my game and go for my Masters.

So on that note, I’m off to plan my next shoot…

See you,

Charlie