A NORTH-EAST photographer swept the board at a prestigious awards ceremony last week.

Jen Hart, from Saltburn, was named North East Portrait Photographer of the Year after taking away first, second and third prize in the portrait section of the British Institute of Professional Photography’s regional award ceremony, held in Gateshead.

The 29-year-old, who specialises in baby and children’s portraits and wedding photography, also took away the runners up prize in the wedding category of the competition.

She said: “It feels like all my hard work has been worth it. It is great that my customers love my work but having my peers also recognise what I am doing feels like a great achievement. ”

Ms Hart started out as a wedding photographer but opened her Middlesbrough studio in 2009.

Her passion for photography dates back to childhood. She said: “I was always taking photos. I have a photo of my mother showing me how to use my first camera. The importance she put on having lots of photos of me growing up made me realise how important family photos are and how much pleasure they give people. They create memories.

“Now, when I’m photographing families, I try to be unique about it and treat each family individually. There’s no formula to it, I am creating something for them that is special and just for them. It’s not just about capturing what someone looks like, it’s about capturing their character.”