I have a shocking memory, a combination I expect of having a brain injury from meningitis infection, a brain tumour, the menopause and looming old age, so when I enter photography competitions I have quite often forgotten I’ve done so just days later 😉 So I was quite surprised this morning to receive an email regarding my entry into this year’s International Photography Awards because, to be honest, I’d forgotten all about it and couldn’t even remember which 3 pictures I’d submitted!

I am utterly thrilled to announce that I have been awarded for my image ‘Emerging Butterfly’ in the professional Nature: Macro section 😊. I’ve never had a nature image awarded before and as nature photography is my first love I’m absolutely delighted.

Being awarded doesn’t mean you’ve won, but that your image has made it to the final round of judging. The category winners will be announced some time in August and I’m not expecting to win as the standard is exceptional, but making the Official Selection round is still a big achievement in this huge international competition for a sick & skint girl living in the middle of nowhere with no formal photography training, camera gear that’s 7 years old and who simply wings it by following her passion.

I’ve had a really difficult week this week in my personal life and was feeling very low. The Universe knew I needed a boost and didn’t disappoint. Thank you 🙏🏻