A PHOTOGRAPHER from Flintshire has been named as a finalist in two top UK awards.

Stacey Oliver, of Sealand, is hoping for double success next month in The Guild of Photographers Image of the Year Competition and The British Photography Awards.

The former newspaper photographer, who now runs her own business specialising in weddings and PR, said the nominations had given her a huge boost after a ‘very challenging’ year and she felt ‘honoured and proud’ to be shortlisted amongst some of the country’s finest industry talent.

One of Stacey’s photos which caught the judges’ eyes for the wedding category of The British Photography Awards was an image which has already gone viral.

It captured the moment during a wedding at Peckforton Castle in Cheshire when a ring bearing owl on its way down the aisle decided to change its flight path and head straight for one of the groomsmen - who was terrified of birds.

Not only did it capture one of the funniest moments in her career, but it also gained international acclaim and attention when the story and Stacey’s striking image went online.

Stacey, a mum-of-two, said: “It was a very comical moment which neither I or any of the wedding party will ever forget. I was there in the moment, in the right spot at exactly the right time, which is what I am there to do for the couples I work with.

“Those moments are memories they will look back and treasure for the rest of their lives together and it’s crucial that I capture them.

“That’s the reward for me. But it’s also really special to get recognition from top professionals in the industry and to be held in the same esteem as some of the UK’s most creative and talented photographers for one of my images. I am just thrilled to even make the finals and to win would just be incredible.”

The 43-year-old's image recognised in the wedding category of The Guild of Photographers Image of the Year Competition depicts a little bridesmaid reminding one of the other wedding guests to be quiet for the ceremony.

The Guild is a highly respected UK based association for photographers which has an international membership. It runs an online monthly competition and during 2020, it attracted more than 16,000 entries from talented photographers all over the UK and abroad.

Top judges then select ten images in various genres to go forward to the annual Image of the Year Final.

Guild Director Lesley Thirsk said: “One of the Guild’s aims is to drive standards and creativity amongst photographers. Our competition certainly does that, for the standard of the entries we see each month is quite staggering.

“To have an image recognised by the Guild in the monthly competition is difficult enough, so to have an image selected as being one of the best in a category for the end of year final is without doubt an incredible achievement, and shows just how talented Stacey is.”

Stacey said “Each month I put a lot of effort into entering the Guild competition and it also helps me push myself to keep my standards high. The images I see getting awards each month are inspiring, so to have one of my images shortlisted for the overall final from the many thousands submitted across the whole year is really exciting. I couldn’t believe it when I found out.

“To have not just one but two nominations in such prestigious competitions is a fantastic feeling.

“Last year was such a difficult year for everyone and the wedding industry took such a hit. But this has really helped 2021 get off to a flying start for me.”

To find out more Stacey’s work or to contact her go to www.staceyoliverphotography.co.uk