A North Wales photographer is celebrating achieving several awards for her work, despite fearing the worst when the pandemic hit.
Katie McCormick, who lives in Mold, and runs Katie Jane Photography from a studio in Ruthin, said the impact of covid saw her take a different perspective.
The 38-year-old has been running her business for seven years, and took the chance to push herself, open her mind to new things.
She said: "Coming out of covid restrictions I really started to worry about my little business, which made me reflect on my future.
"I enrolled with Wrexham Glyndwr University 2020 while still in lockdown, I really wanted to explore my passion for photography.
"I'm now entering my third year as a BA Photography and Film student. Furthering my skills, working hard and the support from my family have shown me its possible to achieve what I had only dreamed of."
Gold Award with the Focus Photography Awards for Katie McCormick.
The effort has clearly been paying off. Katie has won first prize at the National Newborn and Portrait Show Open Competition in May, as well as coming second in the Digital Art category.
She said: "This is such a big deal for me as its the largest industry event, attracting some of the best photographers from around the UK, to compete in the national photo competition.
"This is my biggest achievement to date, whilst also being awarded a Gold with the Focus Photography Awards and a Gold and Silver with the Glow Photography Awards this May too."
As well as award success, Katie has put a lot of herself and her creativity into one of her university projects, that will strike a chord with many.
Silver Award at the Glow Photography Awards for Katie McCormick.
She said: "I have explored the social issues which surround teenage girls today, reflecting back to my own teenage years I wondered how they would have been different if the world was online then like it is today.
"I used social media to advertise my campaign and asked if anyone would come forward to share their stories and experiences.
"Many came forward and are still getting in touch, the response has been amazing.
"Speaking to the girls who came into the studio we explored matters of comparability, judgemental and materialistic behaviours, fitting in.
"Listening to their voices really speaks volumes to the negative impact out there today.
"I will then take their portrait and put this with their words. When you see it all together, it's quite powerful."
• To find out more, visit katiejanephotography.info
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