One of the things I love most about photography is that there is always something new to learn.  I love setting myself new challenges and pushing myself to be the very best photographer I can possibly be.

In 2018 I gained qualification with the Guild of Photographers after submitting 21 photographs to a panel of judges. The images were assessed on impact, technical excellence, lighting, creativity and storytelling.  Qualified status indicates professional competence to a level where the Guild is willing to recognise the photographer as an ambassador of the association so I was really proud of my achievement.

In 2019 I decided to aim for the Photographers Bar.

Membership of the 'Photographers Bar' is a unique distinction awarded to those photographers who have successfully had images assessed by the Guild of Photographers over the course of a year and have attained a score that evidences an exceptional level of professional skill and consistency throughout that  full year.

The Guild of Photographers is a highly respected association for all photographers and its competition attracts up to 1500 images for judging by an expert Panel of Judges each month. Points are given to entries and these are then totalled at the end of the year. Those who reach the required threshold are then awarded membership of the 'Photographers Bar'.

Membership of the 'Photographers Bar' is a distinction that is very difficult to achieve - in fact less than 250 photographers have achieved it in the 6 years since its inception, during which time over 60,000 images will have been entered for assessment by photographers across the UK and from overseas. 

Between January and October last year I consistently entered three photographs into the Image of the Month competion in the Natural World category. My images gained Silver, High Bronze and Bronze awards, giving me a total score that exceeded the required points to gain membership of the Photographers Bar.

 Guild Director Lesley Thirsk said 

 "I am delighted for Christine 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 her commitment, skill and consistency. Christine should be very proud of what she has achieved"