Lincoln photographer credited at guild awards

A Scampton-based photographer achieved three top accolades at the internationally recognised Guild of Professional Photographers Awards.

The awards celebrated Connie Doull’s (43) work, in which she beat off almost 10,000 submitted images from across the UK.

After suffering from a series of mental health problems, Connie found her niche through the lens of her camera and now enjoys running her own business, Connie Doull Photography.

Her work spans from weddings, lifestyle, portrait, pets and models to Tim Burton inspired shoots in the Lincolnshire countryside.

In order to be considered for the Guild’s awards, Connie secured over 27 bars (like points) for up to 27 images, in the nine months of the competition year.

Connie came sixth in the Peoples Section, images of model-based shoots, and the Open Section, covering everything else from nude art to urban landscape.

For the images submitted, Connie also managed to achieve a Photographers bar, which acknowledges her high standard and consistency throughout the year.

The Guild, which was founded in 1988, is the acclaimed body that recognises the craft of photography. The awards were announced on January 31, 2014.

Connie Daull said: “I have used Lincolnshire backdrops in many shoots. Such a beautiful place with many opportunities to utilise and inspire my creativity, how could I not!

“I have always had a camera of some sort, from compact to now a pro DSLR. My first SLR film camera was an Olympus OM10 at 17-years-old.”

She added: “I had always suffered mental health problems. From depression and anxiety to suicide attempts and a stay in a psychiatric ward.

“I still have a lot of rough days and struggle on a daily basis, but going back into photography I found I would be lost through the view finder and find myself in a very happy place.

“The support from family and the Guild has been immense! I have never felt more part of a family as I do with the Guild.

“I decided to join the Guild as a way to learn more about the skill. I lurked for a year before taking up the guilds mentoring session and then entering the competitions. One year later I am winning awards. It’s such a confidence boost.”

Guild Directors Steve & Lesley Thirsk added: “This is an incredible achievement. For Connie to receive a Top Ten award from the Guild is clear evidence of their consistently high standard of photographic skills.

“Connie should be very proud of their outstanding achievement – I am not surprised their services are sought after as I can only applaud them!”