The Context

Over the years I have enjoyed success at a number of AoP awards and each year I hope I shall have maybe one image selected for this prestigious Awards. Now in its 34th year the Awards is considered to be the original and best Advertising & Editorial photographic awards. It is only open to full members of the Association and that requires selection by peers and requires that you are a highly skilled creative working as an Advertising,Design,Fine Art or Editorial photographer. It has a membership across the globe and I am very proud to be a long standing member.

This year I entered a number of images from advertising campaigns as well as personal projects and editorial work.

The long awaited email informs you of success or failure, I have had many failures and this year I open the mail with the usual trepidation.

However even after entering 8 images I was delighted to find out I had one selected.

Last year was the same with a portrait of Sir Tim Rice, just to be selected is an accolade and I enjoyed seeing the image in the great Gallery Space at the Truman Brewery complex in Shoreditch in the vibrant creative East End.

This year I was expecting to do the same, enjoy an evening with old & new friends and share in the celebration of the winners of each category.

The event was heaving and I was resigned to having a great night, but no cigar.

The last award of the night was the Advertising Photography -single image and to my amazement it was my shot up on the screen. The sound system was poor where I was standing so I didn't hear my name called, but a push from behind

sent me through the crowds.

The elation of these events is something that you think would fade, but I was emotional, excited, delighted, surprised & humbled all at the same time. Fortunately there are no acceptance speeches so I was unable to reel off all the thanks to those who make the Ad happen, but I need to acknowledge that any creative award is for a whole team, credited and uncredited.

I hope I don't miss anyone but I want to thank:

Client: Marsh & Parsons / Marcus Flacks

Creatives: Steve Stretton , Sarah Stretton

MUA: Zanett

Assisting Photographer: Stoney Darkstone

Retouching: Stoney Darkstone / Gullachsen

Stylist: Alison Mitchell

Model: Martin Ballantyne

I also want to thank my family & friends, the AoP and all who know me...........

member